Why does the AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D show “incompatible lens” on a Nikon D3500?
Asked 7/5/2020
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I’m trying to use an AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D on my Nikon D3500. I set the lens aperture ring to f/22 and locked it, but the camera shows “F--” and flashes “incompatible lens.” I can’t change aperture or shutter settings normally, and my photos come out black. How can this lens be used on the D3500, and what limitations should I expect?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
6y ago
2 Answers
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You cannot use this lens as an automatic lens on a D3500.
The Nikkor 50mm f1.8 D lenses require a specific version of the Nikon F mount that is not implemented fully on the D3500.
To autofocus it requires a camera with a lens motor in the body, which the D3500 does not have. You require Nikon lenses marked as "G AF-S" or third party lenses with focus motors in the lens itself for full automatic operation. The Nikon G AF-P lenses also apparently work fully.
According to the manual for the D3500 (always a good place to start !) D type lenses can only be used in M mode - that is using full manual exposure - no automatic controls at all.
Originally by user46861. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user46861
6y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
The AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D is only partly compatible with the Nikon D3500. The main issue is that the D3500 does not have the in-body focus motor needed by AF-D lenses, so autofocus will not work.
On the D3500, this lens can only be used in full Manual (M) mode. That means:
- focus must be set manually
- exposure must be set manually
- the camera may show “F--” because it cannot control the lens the way it does with newer lenses
If your image is black, your manual exposure settings are likely too dark, so adjust shutter speed, aperture on the lens, and ISO until the exposure is correct.
For full automatic operation on the D3500, use Nikon lenses with built-in focus motors, such as AF-S or AF-P models, or third-party lenses with their own focus motor.
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