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Are there inexpensive DIGITAL SLR cameras which can use NIKON F lenses ? (Wishful thinking, or Bad idea ?)

Back when I had a lot of money to spend,I acquired a nice selection of Nikon F lenses,for my Nikon Fe. Now I would like to find a decent camera body to use them for digital photography. I currently have no digital cameras. But now, the prices on Nikon camera bodies seem out of the question for me. Thank you for your help.

Public Comments

1. There are plenty of "affordable" Nikon F digital cameras now. Unfortunately I'm not sure what you consider affordable, but for under $500 you can get either the D40 new, or a used D70 or D50. HOWEVER, the D40 probably won't work with your old Nikon F lenses, since it requires the new AF-S type lenses. So I would look for an old D70; that would be your best bet.
2. The only bodes that the meter system will work with older lens is D200, D2Hs, D2Xs. the rest will, including the D40 accept them. Buying a hand held meter is cheaper than having all new lens.
3. I'm assuming you have MF Ai and Ai-S lenses here. The cheapest Nikon digital body that is going to permit exposure metering with your lenses is going to be the D200. The less expensive D40/D80 bodies will not meter with non-AF lenses and the only way you will be able to use them is fully manual with an external light meter, sunny-16 or estimating exposure by eye.
4. The only SLR's on the market that will take a F-mount are the Nikon and Fuji.
5. The cheapest currently produced Nikon DSLR which will meter with lenses with no electronic connection to the camera is the D200. It will meter in A and M mode with any Nikon manual focus lens made since 1977 (FE vintage). It sells for CDN$1,700. You can, of course, mount your lenses (at least the AI and AI-S) on any Nikon or Fuji DSLR. You just won't get any metering. The cheapest current Nikon DSLR is the D40, which sells for CDN$600. If it helps, your FE with a roll of Velvia in it will make better pictures than both these cameras. Hope this helps.