Old Nikkor lenses and compatibility

[brian wahl]

So I'm thinking about jumping into the DSLR world (that, or a "bridge" superzoom ), and I was poking around at my Dad's place this last weekend.

He used to be a big photography hobbyist, and he's got an old 35mm film Nikon SLR with a bunch of lenses. By old, I'm talking like 20 or 30 years old. I'm wondering if any of his old lenses would fit on, say, a D50.

They're all Nikkor lenses. I meant to write down any info I could, but I forgot before we left. I remember a 50mm f/1.4, a 105mm f/2.5, a 70-200mm zoom, and some sort of macro lens. He also had another 70 or maybe 80-200 zoom that wasn't a Nikkor, but fit on the camera. All the lenses had manual aperture rings on them. The zooms had a push/pull mechanism, not a twist to zoom in/out - I'm not sure if this is normal or not. None of them said anything besides Nikkor, the focal length, and the aperture range on them. Most of them had a 6 or 8 digit number on them, and one of them said "Q" on it. One might have said "auto" on it as well.

Is this enough info to identify whether these will work, or am I way off here. I think it would make my decision a no-brainer if I could use these with a D50 body. Even if I got a kit lens with it, I could have a lot of fun playing with my dad's old collection.

Thanks in advance, and sorry if this has been covered before. If so, a thread link would be appreciated.

-Brian

[brian wahl]

OK, so I found this chart (http://www.nikonians.org/nikon/slr-lens.html) and I think it might have shed some light on this.

I think the smallest aperture was written in orange, which might suggest an AI-S lens. Otherwise, I'm guessing they are AI lenses. None of them had a letter right after the word "Nikkor", so I'm thinking they aren't pre-AI lenses, which might mean I could use them..

I probably need to get my dad to send me more details about them.

[wh0128]

I think the smallest aperture was written in orange, which might suggest an AI-S lens. Otherwise, I'm guessing they are AI lenses. None of them had a letter right after the word "Nikkor", so I'm thinking they aren't pre-AI lenses, which might mean I could use them..

AI lenses will work on your D50 but they are totally manual lenses. Meaning the D50 cannot meter at all so you will have to either use a hand held meter or just guess on what the exposure might be, with combinations between shutterspeed and the manual aperture. And you will have to focus the lens manually.

Sometimes, when the smallest aperture lets say f/22 or f/32 is written in orange, there will be a lock somewhere around the aperture ring to lock the ring into place, so it can be used on digital slr cameras. There is a push/pull 80-200 f/2.8 and that can be used on a D50, it is just an older version of the lens. There is a 70-210 AI lens which that might be the lens you are talking about, but it is AI so it will have the features that I listed above. The 50mm f/1.4 might not be AI so you will have to check on the lens and right it down. The 105 f/2.5, could that maybe be the 105 f/2.8 Macro or maybe the 105 f/2 AF DC?? The macro lens that you described very briefly might be alright to use.

You just need to write everything down about the lens, mainly where it says the focal length, aperture, and any other letters that may come after it like D, AF, ED, IF. Those will give us some more information to identify the lenses you are describing. I'm also going to take a guess that your dads camera is a FM-10 maybe?

[brian wahl]

Thanks for the info!

I know for sure than on most of the lenses (except maybe one or two), there is nothing written on the lens except "Nikkor", the focal length/aperture, and then a long (maybe 6 or 8 digit) number.

When I'm looking for this info, I'm finding it looking into the lens, written around the glass.

I'll send my dad an email and ask him to send me any info he can on the lenses. I'm pretty sure they're all going to be fully manual, but who knows. . .

His camera looks just like the FM10, but doesn't have "FM10" written on it like the camera on Nikon's website. Perhaps the older versions didn't have this? I know he's had this thing forever, probably more than 20 years. I borrowed it from him back in college when I took a photography class - it was a lot of fun to use. I can't remember what lens I used, though - been a few years back. I was more worried about what all the dials did and how to develop my film in the darkroom than focal lengths and lens specifics. . .

Thanks again!

-Brian

[wh0128]

I know for sure than on most of the lenses (except maybe one or two), there is nothing written on the lens except "Nikkor", the focal length/aperture, and then a long (maybe 6 or 8 digit) number.


The 6-8 digit number is the serial number for that specific lens. Each lens has a different number. Yeah, just the information of the focal length and aperture will give us somewhat decent info to identify the lenses.

Go here: http://nikonimaging.com/global/products/lens/index.htm
And you might be able to see some lenses yoru dad may have.

[jcon]

Cant these lenses be used on the D200 with the camera metering them? Just a suggestion because those are some nice lenses, myaswell put 'em to use.

[brian wahl]

The 6-8 digit number is the serial number for that specific lens. Each lens has a different number. Yeah, just the information of the focal length and aperture will give us somewhat decent info to identify the lenses.

Go here: http://nikonimaging.com/global/products/lens/index.htm
And you might be able to see some lenses yoru dad may have.

Thanks for the link.

The 50mm f/1.4 looks just like this (http://nikonimaging.com/global/products/lens/mf/normal/50mmf_14/index.htm)

http://nikonimaging.com/global/products/lens/mf/normal/50mmf_14/img/pic_001.jpg

and his Micro looks just like this (http://nikonimaging.com/global/products/lens/mf/micro/micro_55mmf_28/index.htm)

http://nikonimaging.com/global/products/lens/mf/micro/micro_55mmf_28/img/pic_001.jpg

The website states those were released in the early '80's, which would be about right. I can't say they're exactly the same lens, but they look like that. I'll see if I can get some more info from my dad.

[brian wahl]

Cant these lenses be used on the D200 with the camera metering them? Just a suggestion because those are some nice lenses, myaswell put 'em to use.

The D200 would be way out of my budget range.

I think it would be a lot of fun to use them, but the second my dad finds out there are these new-fangled "digital" SLR's that he can use those lenses on, there's probably no way he'd let me have them, haha.

He's got a Panasonic Lumix FZ-20, which is a pretty nice little camera. He doesn't shoot film anymore since he's got his digital camera, but I bet he'd love to get a Nikon dSLR. Too bad I already bought him a Christmas gift.

[jcon]

Pana FZ20 was my first "real" camera too. I bet hed be very pleased to make the jump to DLSR, if you both get into DSLR, you can share lenses, would be a great idea if you ask me!

[brian wahl]

Pana FZ20 was my first "real" camera too. I bet hed be very pleased to make the jump to DLSR, if you both get into DSLR, you can share lenses, would be a great idea if you ask me!

Sounds like a plan to me, too! My grandfather is another big Nikon SLR user.

I was pretty sold on me getting either the Canon S3 IS or the FujiFilm S6000fd, or maybe the Pentax K100D, but I'm thinking all the signs are pointing me towards a Nikon D50 or something similar. I didn't know I was part of such a Nikon family. . .

By the way, I played around with his FZ20 for a while this weekend - really enjoyed it, but my experience with DSLR's has been awesome as well - they're so much fun to shoot with.

[wh0128]

Cant these lenses be used on the D200 with the camera metering them? Just a suggestion because those are some nice lenses, myaswell put 'em to use.

Yes, these lenses should be able to meter correctly on the D200, but I didn't mention the D200 because he was asking about a camera such as the D50. Yeah those are some nice pieces of glass, if I were you I'd still be shooting film:D . I still do shoot film but only because my grandpa had an AE-1 Program with some old lenses.

[eduardofrances]

Why not wait and save enough money until you get the D200? I know it sounds like a long suffering but you will be able to use your father lenses meaning that the extra money of the D200 saved some serious bucks bacause you are not buying glass... you are using the one that is in your house :)!!! just my two cents

[wh0128]

Why not wait and save enough money until you get the D200? I know it sounds like a long suffering but you will be able to use your father lenses meaning that the extra money of the D200 saved some serious bucks bacause you are not buying glass... you are using the one that is in your house :)!!! just my two cents

Yeah and then you could shoot film until you save!!;) I agree with eduardo's suggestion and wait until you can save up enough for a D200. You can get used D200's for 1000$ or less if you get a good deal. And D200's on B&H are only $ 1,349.95. And this would work out especially if you have a job to save over a good period of time. And Christmas is coming up so maybe you could make a deal with your parents on going in on a D200 with you, I sometimes do that if the object is expensive.

[jcon]

Yeah and then you could shoot film until you save!!;) I agree with eduardo's suggestion and wait until you can save up enough for a D200. You can get used D200's for 1000$ or less if you get a good deal. And D200's on B&H are only $ 1,349.95. And this would work out especially if you have a job to save over a good period of time. And Christmas is coming up so maybe you could make a deal with your parents on going in on a D200 with you, I sometimes do that if the object is expensive.

Thats exactly why I mentioned the D200......

[brian wahl]

I agree with all your suggestions, only my Dad lives a few hours away, and I really don't make it home all that often - at least not as often as I should. Sharing a camera/lenses wouldn't work very well for us.

I'd also love something like the D200, but I really couldn't justify spending that much money on a camera. If I were a more serious hobbyist or even had some professional aspirations it would be a different story, but as it is I'm just merely interested in photography. I'd hate to invest that much and not really get proper use out of it.

I'm really leaning towards an all-in-one bridge style cam for now. It's a cheaper option, and for my interests, I think it would serve me better. If my interest in photography grows, there will always be better and better cameras out there - and my Dad's collection of old lenses isn't going anywhere.

Plus, if I decide to upgrade to DSLR in the next few years, a nice bridge cam would make a good back-up/second camera.

Thanks again for the advice!

-Brian

[brian wahl]

So I went to a decent camera store yesterday to try out a few models.

I lined up these cameras and fiddled with them a bit:

Nikon D50 w/kit lens (18-55) - fit like a glove. It felt extremely natural in my hands.

Nikon D40 w/kit lens - a bit cramped. I liked the D50 a lot better.

Pentax K100D w/kit lens - too cramped - too small for my hands. I liked the viewfinder on the pentax better than the nikon, though. Plus, the anti-shake is a cool feature.

Canon S3 IS - felt like a toy in comparison, although a very cool toy. I was really leaning towards DSLR, though the canon seemed like it would be a lot of fun.

I think the fact that my dad has all those old lenses pushes me towards the D50. Though I might not use them often, it sure would be fun to play with them.

I just need to really weigh what my primary wants/needs are in a camera.

The sales guy did give me this advice, which I think is pretty good, even though he was trying to sell me the more expensive piece of gear. He said "if you're even thinking of DSLR, you should get one - if you don't you'll just be sorry later and probably end up buying one down the road"

I see his point. I'd hate to get something like the canon and then 6 months from now wish it was a D50 every time I used it.

[jcon]

Get the D50. That way you have a very very nice "entry level" DSLR that you can practice with and get familiar with DSLR's. After you have mastered that, there will be a better upgrade from Nikon that you can look into. Plus, you already have Nikon lenses to play with!

[wh0128]

yeah definitely go with the D50. It can use more lenses than the D40 and since it is bigger it is more comfortable like you said. Even though the lenses won't autofocus, you can still use them totally manual and meter them manually also. You might actually gain some experience in photography with those lenses. Good luck on whatever you choose.

Your dads choice of Nikon would swing me if I were you:D

[XaiLo]

Speaking from experience, while the S3 is an enjoyable camera, I find myself needing more camera than the S3 can offer. Especailly when it comes to pics of people even in moderate light at times. I've decided to replace it when it comes to social events with the compact d40. I'd also suggest you go dSLR focusing can be frustrating at times to say the least with the S3 and S2. Nothing more debilitating than finding out that perfect picture you took was actually out of focus. :( You will more than likely find the d50 more rewarding. :)

[tcadwall]

There are a lot of reasons one should consider a D50 over a D40. One of them being that you are even MORE limited on older lenses with a D40. And one more thing to add, once you are down the road a few miles - you will probably wish you had gotten the DXX(X) camera regardless of which one you start with (unless you are insanely rich and buy a D200 or better right out of the gate) - WELCOME TO NAS!

[brian wahl]

AI lenses will work on your D50 but they are totally manual lenses. Meaning the D50 cannot meter at all so you will have to either use a hand held meter or just guess on what the exposure might be, with combinations between shutterspeed and the manual aperture. And you will have to focus the lens manually.

So this experience would be exactly like using the 20-ish year old manual Nikon back in my college photography class? Adjusting aperture and shutter speed manually. . .

Actually, this sounds like a ton of fun. Much easier with the digital camera, though - I can shoot the shot, if I don't like it I can make adjustments and shoot it again. . .

Well, I think it's going to come down to the D50 or the Pentax K100D. The pentax has a few features that are really appealing to me - namely the use of AA batteries, anti-shake (I love natural light photos, and the anti-shake might make a difference here), and a better looking viewfinder, while the Nikon has the use of already available old lenses and a better fit for my hands.

Wow - what to choose. The pentax is actually a bit cheaper, especially since they're offering a $50 rebate, but the price is pretty close. I'd imagine there are more used D50's out there, though.

[TNB]

I own both a D50 and a D200. I also recently checked out the Pentax with its anti-shake. To me, the smaller Pentax body was more like the D40; however, the Pentax weighed more and took non-rechargeable batteries--the batteries weren't cheap either and to me, the standard non-rechargeable batteries end up more costly than rechargeables in the long run (I can also run my D200 on AAs though I don't). The book I also read on the Pentax states that the AS/IS/VR should be turned off when the camera is used on a tripod and when panning, which sort of defeats the purpose unless one is shooting still shots without a tripod. Locally, a new D50 can be picked up for around $450 without a lens and $550 with a lens because of the Xmas sales.

[jcon]

Well, I think it's going to come down to the D50 or the Pentax K100D. The pentax has a few features that are really appealing to me - namely the use of AA batteries...

AA batteries is appealing? Not sure I understand that logic. You do know the Nikon Li-ion lasts a very long time and can be re-charged? AA's are a waste of money!

[tcadwall]

TNB:
The book I also read on the Pentax states that the AS/IS/VR should be turned off when the camera is used on a tripod and when panning, which sort of defeats the purpose unless one is shooting still shots without a tripod.

Actually this is nothing new. I have the 18-200mm VRII lens, and the recommendation is the same...

For anyone that isn't familiar, the Nikon anti-shake is called VR (vibration reduction) and it is a function of the lens, rather than a function of the camera body. Meaning that only VR lenses mated to any Nikon body will perform the function.

The VRII has 2 levels of vibration reduction, one for standard hand-held shots, and the active mode is for more "active" shots like from a moving vehicle.

Either way, if you are shooting from a tripod, the Nikon recommendation is to turn off VR.

[brian wahl]

AA batteries is appealing? Not sure I understand that logic. You do know the Nikon Li-ion lasts a very long time and can be re-charged? AA's are a waste of money!

I use rechargeable AA's a lot - 2300 NiMH or something. I've got an acoustic guitar with on-board electronics that eats AA's like crazy. They last a while, rechargeable, plus in a pinch can be replaced with any AA's off the shelf at Wal-Mart.

I'm sure the Li-ion battery lasts longer, but a backup is expensive. I don't know - maybe the Li-ion is the better bet, along with a backup.

As far as shake reduction - I shoot without flash hand-held a lot, just goofing around taking shots of my cats, things around the house, etc. I have to jump up the ISO on my point-and-shoot (canon powershot G2), and anything ISO 200+ on that thing is grain-city. I've never been a fan of the on-board flash on my canon - it either washes everything out or doesn't reach far enough. Everything comes off with a "sterile" look. I'm sure the flash on a DSLR is far better (and more controllable) than on my canon.

I don't have a tripod, and I'm definately going to buy one (or a monopod) with my camera purchase. I'm thinking the monopod would be cool to use around the house and such - good for travel as well. Maybe shake reduction isn't such a "necessity".

I'll be in the Minneapolis area with the in-law's for Christmas. A trip to the Mall of America is always on the list, and I'm sure there's a camera shop there. I'm going to get the D50 and the K100D side-by-side and whichever one "feels like home" is the one I'm going to buy. If it's the D50 (wich I have a feeling it will be), I'll try and find one used on Ebay or locally.

I'm a musician, and with guitars its the same way. You narrow it down to 3 or 4 that have the feature set you're looking for (woods, neck, pickups, etc), then you play them side-by-side. Whichever one feels like it was made for your hands, that's the one you get.

[TNB]

Either way, if you are shooting from a tripod, the Nikon recommendation is to turn off VR.
I also own 2 VR lenses, but you are missing the point I made or am attempting to make and distinguish between a body equipped VR feature and a VR lens equipped feature. With the Nikkor lenses that have two switches, such as my 70-200VR, YOU CAN STILL PAN WITH VR--something that can be very useful for taking action photos in low level light. Consequently, that Pentax basically will NOT have VR when panning which in MY OPINION defeats the purpose of trying to save a few bucks by purchasing a less expensive camera with a supposed VR-type feature and lesser expensive lenses--unless someone basically only wants to take STILL photos.

In addition, here is a Nikon link that provides information on which VR lenses should be turned off when used on a tripod and on which lenses in which it is OK to leave the VR feature turned ON.

Using VR on a tripod (http://support.nikontech.com/cgi-bin/nikonusa.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=7676&p_created=1067977631&p_sid=ImyO8Lpi&p_accessibility=0&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX 3Jvd19jbnQ9NDEmcF9wcm9kcz04MSw4MywyNDYsMjYzJnBfY2F 0cz0wJnBfcHY9NC4yNjMmcF9jdj0mcF9zZWFyY2hfdHlwZT1hb nN3ZXJzLnNlYXJjaF9ubCZwX3BhZ2U9MSZwX3NlYXJjaF90ZXh 0PUFjdGl2ZSBTdGFuZGFyZCBWUg**&p_li=&p_topview=1)

[jcon]

I use rechargeable AA's a lot - 2300 NiMH or something. I've got an acoustic guitar with on-board electronics that eats AA's like crazy. They last a while, rechargeable, plus in a pinch can be replaced with any AA's off the shelf at Wal-Mart.

I'm sure the Li-ion battery lasts longer, but a backup is expensive. I don't know - maybe the Li-ion is the better bet, along with a backup.


I'll be in the Minneapolis area with the in-law's for Christmas. A trip to the Mall of America is always on the list, and I'm sure there's a camera shop there.


I use those rechargeables for my SB-800 flash, and they burn out pretty quick, for what you would pay for a pack of 15 rechargeables at the store, you can get a Nikon Li-ion back up battery.


Im only about an hour and half away from Minneapolis, too bad you werent going a little bit more west, you could stop by my home and play with the D50 :p

[tcadwall]

Pentax basically will NOT have VR when panning

Sorry I took your statement quite literally and as a computer programmer tripod AND panning means that it shouldn't be used when panning on a tripod. What you are clarifying would be a tripod OR panning. ;) ANd you are likely correct with that.

In any case, from my reading of unconfirmed non-nikon sources... (and hey it could be wrong) panning CAN produce less than stellar results on the Nikkor VR lenses. However, according to Nikon white papers...

In Normal mode, slow and wide camera movement is regarded as recomposing movement and VR operation is controlled accordingly. In Active mode, however, even large amounts of camera movement are compensated for to give a smooth viewfinder image. This mode is quite useful when shooting from a moving vehicle or some other unstable position.

So I guess if the anti-shake system doesn't provide for different levels of correction, then it very likely would have trouble handling some re-composition work (panning) - sacrificing that performance metric for being able to handle more 'active' scenarios.

[TNB]

Sorry I took your statement quite literally and as a computer programmer tripod AND panning means that it shouldn't be used when panning on a tripod. What you are clarifying would be a tripod OR panning. ;) ANd you are likely correct with that.

In any case, from my reading of unconfirmed non-nikon sources... (and hey it could be wrong) panning CAN produce less than stellar results on the Nikkor VR lenses. However, according to Nikon white papers...
I know what I wrote, but for you I guess I should have typed "AND/OR". Myself, I would NEVER consider panning with a tripod, a monopod yes, but not a tripod. Regarding Unconfirmed non-Nikon sources, I guess it's a good thing I also provided a Nikon link earlier that provides which VR lenses can use the VR feature on a tripod and which should not instead of making a blanket statement like someone else about not using the VR feature on a tripod. Below are also a couple of examples that I took while HAND PANNING with a Nikkor VR lens. The photos look pretty dang clear to me considering the small subject targets were doing around 50mph. But hey, you have a Nikon and a Nikon VR lens--try panning yourself instead of "reading of unconfirmed non-nikon sources."

http://image.rcuniverse.com/forum/upfiles/70716/Cz79966.jpg

http://image.rcuniverse.com/forum/upfiles/70716/Fc90554.jpg

[wh0128]

I'd have to say TNB, those pictures are pretty dang sharp for panning, and I love the airplane shot.

[TNB]

I'd have to say TNB, those pictures are pretty dang sharp for panning, and I love the airplane shot.

Thanks. Panning the little guys made panning the full-size vehicles I've shot seem like a walk in the park.

[tcadwall]

Those are good shots.

Sorry you took my words so personally. I thought that *I* had been clear when stating that I had read "other" opinions... I don't think that I stated my own. Just things that I have been considering on this subject. - as well as how the Nikon tech. might relate to the in-camera on the Pentax.

I must have missed you link below about which VR lenses are not recommended for use on a tripod.

I don't think I said that I don't pan shots hand - held with VR on.... Here is one that I did...
http://home.earthlink.net/~tracey.cadwall/images/GordonCropped.jpg

[TNB]

I must have missed you link below about which VR lenses are not recommended for use on a tripod.

Actually, I never wrote what you have implied. Here is my quote from an earlier post posted on this same thread:


In addition, here is a Nikon link that provides information on which VR lenses should be turned off when used on a tripod and on which lenses in which it is OK to leave the VR feature turned ON.

Using VR on a tripod (http://support.nikontech.com/cgi-bin/nikonusa.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=7676&p_created=1067977631&p_sid=ImyO8Lpi&p_accessibility=0&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX 3Jvd19jbnQ9NDEmcF9wcm9kcz04MSw4MywyNDYsMjYzJnBfY2F 0cz0wJnBfcHY9NC4yNjMmcF9jdj0mcF9zZWFyY2hfdHlwZT1hb nN3ZXJzLnNlYXJjaF9ubCZwX3BhZ2U9MSZwX3NlYXJjaF90ZXh 0PUFjdGl2ZSBTdGFuZGFyZCBWUg**&p_li=&p_topview=1)

[corndog]

I have the 50mm f/1.4 as shown in post #7, it is a fantastic little lens. Its very tough to get anything acceptable at 1.4 however. I find im happy with it when used around f/2 or slower. I use it on my D80.

[brian wahl]

With all this Nikon talk (and the great photos, btw), I almost feel bad saying this. I visited a camera shop over the break for about 30 minutes or so - long enough to spend some good quality time with both the D50 and the Pentax K100d, and I really think I prefer the Pentax.

While initially, the D50 felt better, after about 5 minutes with the Pentax it felt very comfortable and intuitive to me - and being lighter it seemed nicer to handle than the nikon. The D50 felt nice, but after I handled them both for about about 15 minutes, I put them down and asked the question: If I had both of these cameras, which one would I grab over the other - the answer was the Pentax.

The other issue was with the lenses that my Dad has. I know the D50 won't be able to use its light metering capabilities, so I had to ask myself how often would I really use these old lenses. I'd probably use them once, but I'm guessing that mostly they would sit in a box somewhere.

I guess you could say the pentax is the one that just spoke to me over the Nikon.

Thanks again for all your advice!

[TNB]

Almost feel bad? LOL. Don't feel bad at all since it's all about "personal preferrence" and those preferrences may or may not change over time anyway (especially when mounting a heavy lens on a light camera body like I did when I first purchased the D50 then held the D200).

Good luck, have fun, and post some photos.

[brian wahl]

Well, to make matters worse:

I've got a friend who owns a D50 and upgraded to the 18-200 VR lens. He said he'd sell me his 18-55 kit lens plus a Tamron AF55-200mm f4-5.6 Di II Macro Zoom, both with UV filters for $180. Both is very good condition - he takes good care of his stuff.

What to do?

I'm still leaning towards the Pentax. I guess I sort of fell in love with the ergonomics and the shake reduction, as well as the bigger screen and brighter viewfinder.

But then again, the D50 is an awesome camera, and I could get the body cheap and have a nice starter lens setup for under $600 . . .

[brian wahl]

Well I finally took the plunge last night.

Ordered a Pentax K100d w/18-55mm kit lens from Beach camera for $552. Pentax is running a $50 rebate on them for the next week or so, so the final price will be $502 - not too bad.

I really had to go with the one that felt right, and that was more the pentax than the nikon.

[jcon]

Always gotta go with what feels right to you. We can debate til we are blue in the face on which is better, but when it comes down to it, the most important factor is comfort and what will make you enjoy photography more.

Congrats on your new puchase and enjoy your new toy!

[brian wahl]

Always gotta go with what feels right to you. We can debate til we are blue in the face on which is better, but when it comes down to it, the most important factor is comfort and what will make you enjoy photography more.

Congrats on your new puchase and enjoy your new toy!

Thanks!

I'm sure the pentax (as well as the nikon) is capable of taking much better pictures than I am.

I'm looking forward to learning and having some fun.

[eduardofrances]

I own both a D50 and a D200. I also recently checked out the Pentax with its anti-shake. To me, the smaller Pentax body was more like the D40; however, the Pentax weighed more and took non-rechargeable batteries--the batteries weren't cheap either and to me, the standard non-rechargeable batteries end up more costly than rechargeables in the long run (I can also run my D200 on AAs though I don't). The book I also read on the Pentax states that the AS/IS/VR should be turned off when the camera is used on a tripod and when panning, which sort of defeats the purpose unless one is shooting still shots without a tripod. Locally, a new D50 can be picked up for around $450 without a lens and $550 with a lens because of the Xmas sales.

Also to be noted, the ccd shift mechanism (AS) that pentax uses doesn't works if your subject is closer than 1.2 meters

[eduardofrances]

Well I finally took the plunge last night.

Ordered a Pentax K100d w/18-55mm kit lens from Beach camera for $552. Pentax is running a $50 rebate on them for the next week or so, so the final price will be $502 - not too bad.

I really had to go with the one that felt right, and that was more the pentax than the nikon.

Ergonomics are more important, if the camera doesn't feel good on your hand chances are that it will be collecting dust in a shelf, enjoy your camera a lot.