Yahoo Answers is shutting down on May 4th, 2021 (Eastern Time) and beginning April 20th, 2021 (Eastern Time) the Yahoo Answers website will be in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.

Can you use normal SLR lenses with a digital camera?

I have a film Minolta Dynax SLR. I would like to upgrade to digital, but I have some great lenses that it would be a shame not to be able to use any more.

If I buy a Sony digital SLR body can I use normal lenses with it?

Thanks.

Update:

Just to clarify as I didn't explain too well, Minolta as such do not produce anymore, it is now Sony and they are compatable.

8 Answers

Relevance
  • EDWIN
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    When Minolta introduced the Maxxum 7000 Auto Focus camera in 1985 they changed their lens mount. That mount, the A-mount, remains in use today on all current Sony DSLR cameras - A100/200/300/350/700.

    The lenses you've used on your Minolta Dynax will work just fine on a Sony DSLR. One advantage you'll gain is this: since the image circle for a 35mm film camera is much larger than the sensor on the A300, you'll only be using, in effect, the "sweet spot" of the lens.

    Source(s): 37 years of enjoying and learning photography.
  • armfot
    Lv 5
    1 decade ago

    I used Minolta kit for many years and now have a Sony. I can tell you that Minolta lenses DO fit Sony cameras and work as well as they ever did. The only thing to bear in mind is the magnification factor, caused by the difference between the size of the 35mm film area and that of the Sony sensor - x1.5. In practice this means that a lens marked as, for example, 50mm has the coverage, on the Sony, of a 75mm lens.

    Don't forget, though, that while the coverage of a lens is magnified all the other characteristics of the lens stay the same.

    So, when you use the 18-70mm kit lens, at the 18mm end you get the coverage of 18 x 1.5 = 27mm , you still get the distortion of an 18mm lens. It's bearable, but be aware of it.

    The best of luck, whatever you decide.

  • 1 decade ago

    You certainly can, and they will work just as well with the digital body. The difference is in the grind of the actuall lenses. Most digital cameras do not use the full image that a lens projects onto a camera. Therefor te edges on the "digital lenses are not as clear as they would be on a "film" lens. You will have no problem with using these lenses as long as they are compatable. Have fun!

    Source(s): Amateur Photographer
  • nopper
    Lv 4
    5 years ago

    EOS ti is rather the comparable modle because of the fact the EOS300v, your lenses will extra healthful any EOS DSLR, despite the fact that if, on a insurrection XTi you will could multiply the effectual focal length via a million.6 this suggests that the lens to procure with the action picture digicam is purely no longer as huge perspective, yet will seem to zoom in further on the XTi. see you later because it somewhat is canon branded then this is going to concentration and end down as required. some 0.33 party lenses occassionally have issues, however the likes of sigma can re-prrogramme maximum of their lenses to artwork on digital fashions.

  • How do you think about the answers? You can sign in to vote the answer.
  • 1 decade ago

    Only Sony digi lenses fit this camera. Minolta Dynax lenses only fit the Dynax range, afaik they dont fit any any other camera. You'll have to buy new lenses for the Sony.

  • 1 decade ago

    You may also find that the focal length of the lenses seem to be different. This is because the CCD may not be the same size as the old 24X36mm negative on film.

  • Anonymous
    4 years ago

    1

    Source(s): Stunning Photography Expert http://photographymasterclass.enle.info/?KosN
  • 1 decade ago

    It depends, I would imagine that sony will have their own type of lens fitting. If they have the same fitting they will work, but the quality of the picture will be slightly reduced - especially if using auto-focus.

Still have questions? Get your answers by asking now.