Will my manual SLR lenses fit on a new Digital SLR camera?

Question

Has anyone else upgraded recently from a manual SLR to a Digital SLR? I have several really nice lenses (Vivitar and Minolta) for my old manual Minolta SLR. I'm hoping these will fit onto the newer digital models, such as the new Nikons. Does anyone know for sure? It would be nice to not look silly carrying all of my lenses into the store to see if they fit!!

Answer 1

Let me add one more thing to the David's previous answer.  Minolta changed lens mounts when they left the MC series (SRT-101) and moved to the MD mount (XD-5, XD-7, X-700).  Later, for autofocus, they again changed to the A mount, the predecessor to current Sony DSLR lenses.

Chances are, your older Vivitar and Minolta lenses are MC or MD series and are not compatible with any current digital SLR.

Answer 2

All camera companies have their own way of mounting the lens to the camera. Nikon will fit Nikon, Canon will fit Canon and so on. Minolta is no longer in business but Sony bought them and continues to use the Minolta mount. So if your old lenses will fit any cameras it will be the Sony DSLR's. Not all of the old Minolta lenses will fit the Sony's so you will have to check with a camera store.

Bottom line though is that none of your old lenses will fit on a Nikon body. The only camera that they may fit on will be a Sony.

Answer 3

I would drop by a Wolf's camera store and talk to them. I've heard that some lenses that are older can actually fit on newer SLR's but you might need a special adapter. Also, I think even with the adapter - the older lenses won't automatically focus. You'll probably have to do that one your own.

I've been reading about SLR lenses for the past few months as I just bought my own SLR and wanted to learn more.

If all else fails, sometimes a Wolf camera shop can also make suggestions and find you compatible lenses for a good price.

Have fun with your SLR!

Monica