Seems like at just about every turn, I'm making incorrect assumptions about my 5DM2.
FORTUNATELY, I got y'all to keep me straight. Thanks very much for that.

To that end, I'm about to purchase an adapter so my Nikon lenses will work on my Canon body.
I've found several that say they'll do the job, ranging from $6.00 to $250.00. This is the one I'm taking most seriously at this time. It SEEMS good for the money.
Adapter Fits Canon EOS Body To Nikon lens F AI AIS AF - eBay (item 360114342352 end time Jan-05-09 22:24:44 PST) (http://cgi.ebay.com/Adapter-Fits-Canon-EOS-Body-To-Nikon-lens-F-AI-AIS-AF_W0QQitemZ360114342352QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLens_Accessories?hash=item360114342352&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1234|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50)
Would I do well with this?


Here are some others I have tracked down (not counting the bazillion I've found on Ebay):
http://www.fotodiox.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=3908&osCsid=da69483d7ddade3159117ed96451dec4

Amazon.com: Adorama Nikon Lens To Canon EOS Body Adapter: Electronics (http://www.amazon.com/Adorama-Nikon-Lens-Canon-Adapter/dp/B000H3MAOO/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1229158098&sr=8-1)

Novoflex | Lens Adapter Nikon to Canon EOS Body | EOS/NIK | B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/197094-REG/Novoflex_EOS_NIK_Lens_Adapter_Nikon_to.html)

I think most of these are pretty much the same, even the cheapest ones work OK. All they are is an EOS lens mount screwed to a Nikon body mount, it's not ocket science! I think if some are a bit more pricey they may just be a little batter made.
Steve

All they are is an EOS lens mount screwed to a Nikon body mount, it's not ocket science!

I've been trying find one locally but no luck, seems like camera shops don't generally carry these adapters. The funniest thing is that as I called around I found I was getting attitude from some of the shops as if I was asking for something ridiculous...

The first shop's response was almost wistful - "yeah, I really wish we had something like that" as if it was a great idea and everyone's been asking for it for years but no one's figured out a way to do it.

The next couple of shops were basically laughing at the request, as if it was some crazy idea and of course they wouldn't have an adapter like that.

Finally, after exhausting all the local pro shops I call the largest local Ritz and the guy literally goes off on a rant about how Nikon has a proprietary mount and won't let anyone do anything with it, and that even if they would it's a physical impossibility and would probably destroy your camera body, and that in any case it would void your warranty and leave you with no recourse if something went wrong with the camera later. So at this point I'm the one laughing, I tell him that this is basically what a lot of people are doing in order to shoot video with the 5D, and that I was hoping to find the adapter locally but they're readily available from multiple sources online. His response was "well, if you *believe* in that" - his emphasis, not sure if he meant the adapter or the internet itself - "you can give it a try but you'll just end up destroying your camera!".

So, yeah, guess I'll be ordering it online...

I've been trying find one locally but no luck, seems like camera shops don't generally carry these adapters. The funniest thing is that as I'm called around I found I was getting attitude from some of the shops as if I was asking for something ridiculous...

I had pretty much the exact same experience. One guy got hot and bothered with me, saying that's not possible, but maybe decades ago and maybe I might be able to find a used one. Well, there's no arguing with that logic, so I thought it was time to move on.

I think I'll go order one now.

Thanks for the re-enforcement.

Portland's Pro Photo Supply didn't carry it (probably due to liability), but was aware of them, respectful, and said "you'd need to get that on the Internet."

Would lenses that can damage the mirror cause shops to be weary of selling the adapters? I'm sure they also want to sell all new lenses for their cameras and wouldn't suggest keeping older lenses for a different brand body.

Thing is Marcus that's unlikely as an y adapter actually moves the lens further from the mirror not closer to it! I'm not surprised at all at the response from camera stores, the folks there often are pretty unaware of the way things work they just have their product and price lists and that's it!
Steve

Has anyone got a link where I can get one from the UK, ebay (UK version) does not list any in the UK just from China etc. And other links via Google from the UK look suspect.

Thanks, James

Thing is Marcus that's unlikely as an y adapter actually moves the lens further from the mirror not closer to it! I'm not surprised at all at the response from camera stores, the folks there often are pretty unaware of the way things work they just have their product and price lists and that's it!
Steve

Keep in mind that you'd be using another camera (example Canon) which may have a larger mirror than the original camera lens mount specs (Nikon/Leica,etc) would allow. Even if it moves the lens farther from the mirror, the mirror can still strike the rear of the lens if the mirror is too large.

Does anyone know if for example Nikkor 70 200 2.8 VR lens will work on Canon via adapter?
How would you control the aperture, (there is no outside aperture ring ) ?

Does anyone know if for example Nikkor 70 200 2.8 VR lens will work on Canon via adapter?
How would you control the aperture, (there is no outside aperture ring ) ?

G series will not work at this time. There isn't an adapter that will allow aperture control. The only adapter for the G series is designed only for the Nikon 14-24.

Keep in mind that you'd be using another camera (example Canon) which may have a larger mirror than the original camera lens mount specs (Nikon/Leica,etc) would allow. Even if it moves the lens farther from the mirror, the mirror can still strike the rear of the lens if the mirror is too large.

Adapters work for many lenses on Canon because the flange distance (back of the lens to sensor) is less than other brands. Even so, some lenses may not work because they protrude into the camera. This is sometimes true of wide lenses.

So Canon flange + 2.5 mil adapter = Nikon Flange

Also the Canon EF mount has a wide diameter. The Nikon F mount is relatively narrow.

To summarize, a camera that can use other mounts has the characteristics of short flange distance and a wide opening. That's Canon.

Just to be pedantic, the 70-210 VR will mount, you just won't be able to change the aperture (you could insert something in the mechanism that held the aperture at a certain stop, but it'd be silly really).
In terms of flange distance, there is another option if the ffd doesn't allow a straight adapter, you just introduce an optic that gives a small multiplier effect (like a 1.4x teleconverter) and you can make it work. Doesn't solve the aperture problem though. The VR won't work either as it needs power, you'd be better off getting an older 80-200 f2.8 or Sigma 70-210 f2.8 (very nice lens).
Steve

Just to be pedantic, the 70-210 VR will mount, you just won't be able to change the aperture (you could insert something in the mechanism that held the aperture at a certain stop, but it'd be silly really).


I thought it was already mentioned in this forum that you could use this adapter which allows aperture control on a Nikon lens with no apeture ring ?

Nikon G - Canon EOS Adapter (http://www.16-9.net/nikon_g/)

Bernard,
sorry I got confused,


"I thought it was already mentioned in this forum that you could use this adapter which allows aperture control on a Nikon lens with no apeture ring ?
Nikon G - Canon EOS Adapter"

so it's possible to use 70 200 2.8 Nikkor and control aperture?

Nikon G - Canon EOS Adapter, THE ONLY ADAPTER THAT ALLOWS THAT?

New one on me Bernard, seems reasonable enough though.
Steve

Bernard,
sorry I got confused,

so it's possible to use 70 200 2.8 Nikkor and control aperture?

Nikon G - Canon EOS Adapter, THE ONLY ADAPTER THAT ALLOWS THAT?

It's mentioned in this thread by Dan Chung.
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/canon-eos-5d-mk-ii-hd/138471-5dmkii-manual-lens-aperture-control-video.html

I don't own a Nikon G lens and I have not tried it myself.

Note that the web site mentions that you change the aperture by rotating the lens itself (relative to the adapter). If you use a polarizer, the polariser will rotate and affect the image.
And if you're using a lens hood with a 'petal' shape where the corner portions of the hood are cut off and the top/side/bottom have extended 'petals', when you rotate it then the 'petal' portion of the lens could appear in the corner of the image.

The web site also mentions that they are developing a version where you use a lever instead of rotating the lens. Not sure if/when this will be available.

Bernard, I have the 16-9 adapter.

It is specific to the 14-24. It is not designed to work with other G lenses. You can keep posting links but that does not make your opinion valid.

I saw such adaptors in 2nd hand camera shops inside the Computer 298 Shopping Hall in Wanchai of Hong Kong. Different types : Minolta to EOS, Pentax to EOS, M-mount to EOS ... Certainly there will be Nikon to EOS. They seems to be simple metal rings in about HK$200. I did not ask the shop assistant but I think they work. Many camera hobbists in Hong Kong like to change lens between brands for fun, perhaps. You may try to buy them through e-shopping.

Bernard, I HAVE THE 16-9 ADAPTER.
It is specific to the 14-24. It is not designed to work with other G lenses. You can keep posting links but that does not make your opinion valid.

Don,

Nowhere in my post did I offer my opinion on the product.

I only pointed out the 16-9 web site that states that:

"until now, no commercially-produced adaptor has been available enabling the use of unrivalled, state of the art Nikon G lenses like the new 14-24mm f2.8"

"enabling EF-mount owners to use the 10.5mm Fisheye, 105 Macro, 200-400mm or any other aperture-less G series lens"

"enables the lens to be stopped open or stopped down simply by rotating the lens in the mount"

If the 16-9 web site is inaccurate, you should point out that the web site is inaccurate. Not me.

And because the lens rotates on the adapter, it goes without saying that the polarizer and hood will rotate together with the lens -- that is not an opinion.

Matthew et al:

Having gone through 3 different nikon-EOS adapter rings recently (of varying prices and claims) I have to say the fotodiox pro version is by far the best, more secure.

The converters I purchased via eBay do work, but they are sloppy and have a lot of play in them.

Hope that helps

Brian

Has anybody compared the Fotodiox pro and consumer versions?

Pro: Fotodiox.com (http://www.fotodiox.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=3908)
Consumer: Fotodiox.com (http://www.fotodiox.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=164)

I've only compared the prices. ;)

yes, I did check out the consumer vs. pro version and again it comes down to tolerances. The pro version is tight, no play in the mount. The consumer version has some play in it.


Brian

Thanks, Brian, you probably saved a lot of people a bunch of time and money. $90 is nothing compared to the hassle of a lousy lens attachment on what could be a $4000 lens and camera package.

Great, specific info, Brian. Thanks very much.

lol - well, I ended up spending about 400 on various adapters before I settled on fotodiox so hopefully that extra money will go to things like paying actors or craft services :)

Brian

I just ordered one for $79.95 on eBay. Thanks for the Fotodiox Pro tip!

Now, to figure out where to spend what's left of my lens budget. So far, I have a crummy old Sigma 28-70, a Canon 70-300 IS (arrives Wednesday, "Like New" from KEH for $415.), and my son has a 50mm 1.8 Nikon. Decisions, decisions...

Another thanks for the info Brian - I'd been wondering about the differences in all these adapters and just ordered the Fotodiox pro based on your experience. Maybe you can wrangle a commission out of them when they see the flood of orders...

As for lenses I think I'll start with the 85mm 2.0 as a cheap starting point until I've firmly decided on keeping the camera.

happy to pass along my experiences - I don't have any relationship with fotodiox just so folks know, I have nothing personal to gain.


B