Nikon non-CPU lens use

My Nikon (D-300) allows settings from non-CPU lenses to be put into a feature which then is supposed to allow the camera to maximize exposure, etc. with that lens. I don't quite understand all that encompasses. I have several lenses from the F3 era (Nikkor Micro; 135 mm; 35-105 mm; 100-300 mm; 500 mm reflex-Nikkor (mirror). My only CPU lens is the 18-200 VR.

In plain terms, can anyone describe any advantage of loading the requested data into the camera bank? Thanks beforehand.

the fisch

I haven't a clue what they're talking about. We frequently use non-CPU lenses on our D2X's with no complaints, so I can't imagine what service the feature would add to our workflows. I guess I should add that almost all of our uses for those lenses are in very controlled settings (studio, ligh table, scientific, ads, etc) and we're not trying to follow wildly changing light or settings. I might feel differently about such a feature if our uses were different.... And if I understood just what the heck it was!

Hank, from my reading, which I ususally have to do about 5 times to get the drift, by loading non-CPU lens data, max f-stop, focal lenth, the camera can adjust certain parameters. It talks a lot about flash but I'm not into studio settings. From what I've gleaned it just allows some of the cameras features to be used even though the lenses are not optimal for the full range of camer functions. I was hoping some "guru" would explain what, when, how, etc.

Mmmm. Kind of adapting the program features to work with older lenses, if I hear what you are saying. I could see that being useful if you were forced to use the lenses in circumstances calling for program shooting, but I simply wouldn't be asking our older lenses to do that. The new ones are too good at it!

This is not for program shooting. This is for manual, shutter or aperature application only and something I cut my teeth on. Consequently, none of these bother me. If I can use a macro lens effectively and even better if I communicate with the camera of the lens's assets and limitations, all the better and kudos to Nikon. I'll read again tonight but I think it is for accuracy in metering and perhaps a few other areas of the camera function. Maybe a line to Nikon Tech would be in order. Please note that each lens can be entered separetly in a program bank and accessed with a function button on the camera. The camera's computer then applies the data to the lens being used.

Mmmm. Sorry. I was including S and A shooting along with P. I almost never use either. Adding more options to the menu would really complicate my shooting style. In fact, the only time I'm in the menu is for synching clocks on multiple cameras (for later blending in time-sensitive applications), or to manipulate numbering sequences and files for similar aps.

I should start a separate thread for this, but since you mention Nikon Tech I'll add it here just in case I run out of time before doing so:

There are currently a couple of glitches at the Nikon repair site. If you've got equipment in for repair you REALLY need to know about them. I've pointed them out to Nikon, but so far no repairs:

1. Once they receive you're gear you'll be emailed an estimate along with a link to a page to authorize the work and fees. A "Pay Now" button will appear if the work is already done. Push that and you get kicked back to the main page rather than into the pay system. Don't be mistaken and assume that they'll go ahead and do the work, then notify you and ask for payment. You gear will sit there waiting for your payment till hell freezes over.

2. If you access the "email us" function on the same page, beware of another problem. When you complete your email and hit the "continue" button at the bottom of the page, it will flip you over to a product registration page. And you email doesn't get sent. You'll be waiting for devilish icebergs before you get an answer to the email that actually never got sent.

If you have anything in for repairs with Nikon, don't rely on the site functions. Pick up the phone to respond to your emailed Estimate/Acknowledgement notice. Have your Service Order # handy when you call, and the person on the other end can plug right into the system and make your payment. It's an 800 # and I haven't yet had to endure long periods on hold.

I used non-CPU lenses all the time with a D200 (and now with a D300). If you enter each one using the menu, you can then set up the Function button to choose which of these lenses you are attaching. I believe it helps the camera with metering and enables the use of Color Matrix metering. You may have to use spot or center-weighted metering with some lenses for most accurate metering. (All this according to the User's Manual.) What I find most helpful, however, is that it displays the f/stop you are using in the viewfinder, and it enters the lens' focal length and the aperture it is set to in the EXIF information with images taken with these lenses.

Non-CPU lenses will only meter in A and M modes and using zooms (especially variable aperture zooms) is a pain.