Camera Labs

Hi
I am planning to buy a new DSLR nikon d40 after reading the forums. I have old canon 500N SLR. will i be able to reuse the lense on the D40 ( even if permits only manual focus) ?

Thanks

I am a complete noob but my guess is that the Canon lense uses a different mount system to that of Nikon lenses which would mean a no to your question. I'm sure one of the guys on these great forums will confirm for you where you stand.

Unfortunately the answer is probably not. There is an article on Ken Rockwell's site which describes putting Nikon lenses on Canon bodies, i.e. the reverse of what you are proposing. In it he states "Canon cameras have a shorter distance between the lens flange and film plane than Nikon. Therefore there are a couple of millimetres left over into which a metal mounting adaptor can fit."

Thus even if you found an adaptor which would physically allow a Canon lens to be mounted on a D40 it would not achieve focus at infinity.

A similar problem arose when Canon moved from its old FD lens system to the current EOS system. You can still buy adaptors to fit FD lenses on EOS bodies but they won't focus on distant objects. Might be worthwhile for macro work as there are some very cheap bits of high quality glass out there but not for day to day use.

The D40 is a fine choice but, and here I apologise in advance as this is a Nikon forum, if you want to retain use of your Canon lenses have you considered the EOS 350D/Rebel XT body? Gordon has a 350D review on this site as well as the D40 review you have probably also read.

Good luck with your search.

Bob.

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OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

Maybe you can find an adaptor for your Canon lens, but...

I don't believe the Canon lens will be able to pass any information to a Nikon body. So you won't be able to take full advantage of the D40.

The D40 comes with a decent kit lens (and you can't buy a D40 "body only"). You will probably have a more rewarding experience if you use the D40 along the lens it comes with.

There is a market for second-hand photographic equipment. Maybe you could sell your good old Canon? And thus get a few extra cash to spend on a tripod or other gear for your brand new Nikon?

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Nikon D90 + MB-D80 + SB-600 + AF-S VR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 + AF-S 35mm f/1.8 + AF 85mm f/1.8 | My photos on Flickr.

Thanks for all your replies. I am going for Nikon d40 because I am able to get it for £220 brand new and no other camera is in that price range.

I guess I will just sell the canon as mentioned