Film Macro Lens On DSLR?

[sushiboy]

Would that work? I am wanting to play around with macro using my Nikon D3000. The cost of a good AFS macro lens for it is a bit out of my price range at the moment. So I was thinking of getting a macro lens from a film camera to save a few bucks. I realize that it wouldnt have auto-focus capabilities. Can someone tell me a few decent film lenses that would fit on my D3000? I am looking for 1:1. Thanks!

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[Shiva_42]

One can make a fairly convincing argument that a manual focus approach is superior when shooting macro or micro images, compared to auto-focus, to begin with. I usually switch my lenses to manual focus when I'm on a tripod and carefully framing my pic anyway, since I always KNOW which part of the frame I want to focus on, it takes less time than picking the focus point, etc., etc., with auto-focus on.

Now, more specifically, what is your budget for us to work within?

[snowbear0924]

Just check your manual for compatibility, first. I have a Nikon D40 and use an AI-s 105mm f/4 micro (macro) Nikkor. I don't have any issues with manual focus, but it does not meter on the D40. I just to fire off a couple of test shots to get the exposure.

Charlie

[djacobox372]

Yes the old micro ais nikkors will work fine. You just won't have metering, which is no big deal since macro work is done with controlled lighting anyway ( flash).

I'd recommend the 100mm f4 micro nikkor, as you are going to want to stop down to f16 or smaller anyway to keep the dof workable.

Optics on the old macro lenses are just as good as modern and the build quality is better!

You'll even save a bundle on extension tubes if you forgo CPU tubes.

Auto focus is near pointless in macro work

[Garbz]

Aren't all Nikkor macros "film" macros? I don't recall seeing a DX model.

That said the Nikkor AF 105mm f/2.8D can be had second hand for like $500 or less if you look around.

[Shiva_42]

I still think the manual macro's (micro's) are the way to go, but there is at least one DX format micro in the Nikkor line:

Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR Lens 2190 B&H Photo