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Post by geoffr on Feb 4, 2023 12:50:05 GMT
As the title suggests, just how backwards compatible are lenses etc?
It is well known that some Sigma lenses need firmware updates to work with newer cameras but do current lenses work with older cameras? I know that my Nikkor 70-200 E lens can’t have its aperture controlled by an F5 and that AF-P lenses won’t focus on a D300. Likewise pre-AI lenses won’t physically fit on newer cameras.
Pentax lenses with the K mount are supposed to be supported by current bodies, does that actually work?
Canon took the bold step of changing its lens mount in the 1980s and it seem to have done no harm.
I am coming to the conclusion that Canon got it right when AF arrived and Nikon missed a trick. The confusion about Nikon lens compatibility is legendary. Thoughts anyone?
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Post by zou on Feb 4, 2023 12:54:43 GMT
Agree that Nikon have dropped the ball, probably several times. Claiming continuity of the F mount when as you say there were huge variations in compatibility was somewhat disingenuous but at least with Z mount now they should be able to maintain a standard.
Pentax lenses that I have tried have all worked really well. The 'green button' stop down metering is/was a superb feature for the older lenses without comms. For IBIS and exif purposes you have to manually enter some data but it can (I understand) retain a small number of these so you can reselect when changing lenses, instead of re-entering each time.
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Post by geoffr on Feb 4, 2023 13:18:26 GMT
Agree that Nikon have dropped the ball, probably several times. Claiming continuity of the F mount when as you say there were huge variations in compatibility was somewhat disingenuous but at least with Z mount now they should be able to maintain a standard. Pentax lenses that I have tried have all worked really well. The 'green button' stop down metering is/was a superb feature for the older lenses without comms. For IBIS and exif purposes you have to manually enter some data but it can (I understand) retain a small number of these so you can reselect when changing lenses, instead of re-entering each time. Nikon cameras can use non-CPU lenses if data is entered manually and can remember up to 8 of them. That these lenses have to be AI-S types limits compatibility somewhat. I have only been using Nikon for 30 years so I don’t have any non-CPU Nikkor lenses but I do have a Sigma 600 f8 mirror. For me the compatibility problem is minor, one lens won’t work on my F5 bodies. The desire to offer backward compatibility in 1987/8 has created a real shambles in 2023. |
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Post by petrochemist on Feb 4, 2023 16:31:03 GMT
Pentax lenses that I have tried have all worked really well. The 'green button' stop down metering is/was a superb feature for the older lenses without comms. For IBIS and exif purposes you have to manually enter some data but it can (I understand) retain a small number of these so you can reselect when changing lenses, instead of re-entering each time. Likewise, I've never had any real problems using old PK lenses (of any series) with my Pentax DSLRs. - The one 'unreal problem' I've had is forgetting to change the set focal length for IBIS, it makes a big difference going from 500mm to 50mm or wider. Green button metering is IMO only needed if stopping down by more than a couple of stops. I don't think there's any way of my bodies retaining lens details (other than last set manual focal length). This may have changed with later models. I've personally used M series (no ID signal to body), A series (ID but still manual focus), F & FA series (film AF) & DA (digital) models using both screw & electric AF, as well as many third party lenses. In addition no issues using M42 via the pentax style adapter. I've not tried any of the 645, 6x7 medium format adapters... I've often heard of Nikon compatibility claims, but have seen the exceptions listing, seems to me Pentax's back compatibility is much better. Apart from stop down metering every feature of the original lens is maintained & sometimes (using the 1.7x TC) I can gain AF with manual lenses too! |
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Post by nimbus on Feb 4, 2023 19:57:02 GMT
Agree that Nikon have dropped the ball, probably several times. Claiming continuity of the F mount when as you say there were huge variations in compatibility was somewhat disingenuous but at least with Z mount now they should be able to maintain a standard. Pentax lenses that I have tried have all worked really well. The 'green button' stop down metering is/was a superb feature for the older lenses without comms. For IBIS and exif purposes you have to manually enter some data but it can (I understand) retain a small number of these so you can reselect when changing lenses, instead of re-entering each time. Nikon cameras can use non-CPU lenses if data is entered manually and can remember up to 8 of them. That these lenses have to be AI-S types limits compatibility somewhat. I have only been using Nikon for 30 years so I don’t have any non-CPU Nikkor lenses but I do have a Sigma 600 f8 mirror. For me the compatibility problem is minor, one lens won’t work on my F5 bodies. The desire to offer backward compatibility in 1987/8 has created a real shambles in 2023. The non-CPU lens support is only available on the more expensive bodies, not the more entry level stuff. |
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Post by John Farrell on Feb 4, 2023 22:17:30 GMT
There were compatability issues back in the stone age - in the days of M42 lenses. Here is a page from the manual for a Praktica LLC. Attachment DeletedEarly M42 lenses - simple diaphragm and preset, usually - had a longer lens mount. Prakticas before the L series had a sliding pin which disconnected the pusher plate, allowing the longer lenses to be used. |
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Post by geoffr on Feb 4, 2023 22:41:44 GMT
Nikon cameras can use non-CPU lenses if data is entered manually and can remember up to 8 of them. That these lenses have to be AI-S types limits compatibility somewhat. I have only been using Nikon for 30 years so I don’t have any non-CPU Nikkor lenses but I do have a Sigma 600 f8 mirror. For me the compatibility problem is minor, one lens won’t work on my F5 bodies. The desire to offer backward compatibility in 1987/8 has created a real shambles in 2023. The non-CPU lens support is only available on the more expensive bodies, not the more entry level stuff. I’ll have to take your word for that. I avoid cameras with more than just P, A, S and M modes. |
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