View Full Version : Will this non-Ai Nikon lens will work with the Canon 5dmk2?


Richard Gooderick
December 20th, 2009, 03:43 PM
Does anyone know if this lens will work with the 5Dmk2?
It's a non-Ai Nikon 50mm 1.4. Serial number 3940124.
There's a lug sticking out of the end that goes into the camera. I keep reading about snipping these off with tinsnips but this seems more substantial than that.
Enclosed photo shows lens with Nikon-Canon Eos adaptor attached.
I couldn't make much sense of any of the posts that I could find on the web relating to the use of non-Ai Nikon lens with the 5Dmk2 so I thought I buy one and try.
If I insert the lens and twist it comes up against solid resistance very quickly
Do I need to cut this lug off with a hacksaw?
Anyone with experience of using this lens who can offer advice - I'd really appreciate hearing from you.
Thanks.
BTW Here's a good site for identifying lens models from their numbers.
Nikon Lens Serial Nos (http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html#50fast)
and here's a site that gives some information about compatible lens:
M42 lenses on Canon EOS 5D - compatibility list (http://www.panoramaplanet.de/comp/#Nikon)
(for anyone else who is exploring this route)

Morton Molyneux
December 20th, 2009, 06:01 PM
Hi Richard,

I'm using a Nikkor 50mm 1.4 ser 4729666 and it works fine. Of several Nikon lenses that I am using the only one I had to modify was the 20mm f3.5.

cheers

Morton

Richard Gooderick
December 20th, 2009, 06:12 PM
Hi Morton
Thanks. Has yours got the same lug as the one in the photo?
Was there any big resistance when you fitted the lens?
Maybe I should just put it in and twist harder?
Obviously I'm concerned about damaging the camera.

Morton Molyneux
December 20th, 2009, 06:35 PM
Yes mine has the same lug. But it mounts on the camera with no resistance at all. Just a nice smooth movement until it locks on.

Dan Brockett
December 20th, 2009, 09:50 PM
I have a Nikon 85mm 1.8 pre-AI and it works great on my 5D MKII.

Dan

Nigel Barker
December 21st, 2009, 01:39 AM
I have a Nikon 24mm lens that cannot be used with an adaptor on the Canon 5DII. That one has a very substantial lug that could be ground down but could not be removed with tin snips. http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/canon-eos-5d-mk-ii-hd/146809-nikon-lens-adaptor-5dii-very-very-tight-fit-normal.html

Your lens looks like my Nikon 50mm 1.4 & does not look like it will be a problem with a 5DII.

Richard Gooderick
December 21st, 2009, 05:21 AM
Thanks guys.
Morton or Nigel - I enclose a side view. Can I ask if the lug on your lens protrudes as far into the camera as this one does?

Morton Molyneux
December 21st, 2009, 01:46 PM
Hi Richard,
Hard to say from the photo if it sticks up further. On my lens is 6mm from the base to the top of the tab and it is about 3 mm above the Canon Lens mount adaptor. Hope this helps you out. I don't suppose you have another adaptor you could try. Perhaps that is the problem.

cheers

Morton

Richard Gooderick
December 21st, 2009, 02:08 PM
Thanks Morton
I think that this lug is fouling the black plastic part inside the camera that has the brass connectors mounted on it ie at the bottom of the camera when you look into it with no lens in place.
It comes up hard against it as far as I can see.
I've got four Ai lenses using the same adaptors and they work fine. I've tried swapping the adaptors over but it makes no difference.
Looks like I will have to cut the lug off.

Christopher Lovenguth
December 21st, 2009, 02:23 PM
The metal is so soft on those I was able to cut mine, carefully, with some metal snips pinching either side and then twisting the little remaining off. At least I think this is how I did it since I did it a few years ago. I might have been able to cut all the way through it in one cut, can't remember. I recommend snips though, if you have the proper sort, better that way then taking a saw to it and dealing with the filings that will be created.

Richard Gooderick
December 21st, 2009, 02:29 PM
Thanks for the tip Christopher.
I snipped the lug off and the lens now fits.

ps One hour later. Hardly necessary I know. But just to prove it works I stepped outside and shot this (The focus could be better. My LCDVF is on order).

pps I edited this together as a short sequence the following morning. Originally I posted one shot only.

Slushy Snow 50mm 1.4 test on Vimeo

Richard Gooderick
February 5th, 2010, 05:11 PM
I just shot another film with this lens. Here it is, for anyone who is interested.
(It cost me £53.95 off Ebay - amazing).
Dalriada on Vimeo