Can I use a DSLR lens on an SLR?

My professor is requiring us to use a film slr for our basic photography class. Since I can't find anyone to borrow from, I'm thinking of buying a 2nd hand one online. Problem is they're still too expensive. I saw some people selling only the body. So I was thinking if it's okay to use my DSLR's lens on the SLR.

I have a Nikon D90. The lens I usually use is AF-S Nikkor 18-105 mm 1:3.5-5.6G ED

I only keep seeing this question in vice versa. I'm no photography expert. I just find it interesting. The body is cheaper than the whole package, so I wanted to know if it works using a DSLR lens. Thanks.

Added (1). I don't live in the US and we don't use ebay much. We have a site which is the same though. The people selling are locals so it's much easier to buy and ship.

Although your 18-105mm lens will mount on a Nikon 35mm film camera body there will be no way for you to control the aperture since your lens has no aperture ring plus your zoom is a DX model and that would cause severe vignetting (dark corners) becaue the image circle isn't large enough to cover the full 35mm film frame.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image_circle

I've no idea where you've been shopping but I saw a Nikon N50 AF 35mm SLR with a Nikon 35-80mm zoom listed on eBay for $39.95. Item # 161045371356

Yes and No. The lens can be mounted to the camera. You can take photos with it, But a DSLR lens has a much smaller output lens then a film lens does. This will basically make it so you get a big black circle around your photos. You can however use film lens with digital cameras better. It just adds a magnification to the image. Most film lens can be found dirt cheap. If you want to buy used try http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...ovideo.com. They have a digital and film used camera section. They even sell film lens.

If you had any Nikkor FX lenses they would work fine on one of the Nikon cameras made after 1988. They can use any of the Nikkor AF, AF-I, AF-S or manual focus AI lenses.

I have one remaining Nikon F4s which is my go to 35 mm SLR camera.

Attempting to use a Nikkor DX lens will cause some vignetting, however you should be able to find some good used FX lenses (there were not always called that) in a proper camera shop that sells used gear. Until the entry of the Kodak and Nikon dSLR cameras, all the Nikkor lenses were designed to be used on 35 mm SLR cameras.

I saw a Nikon F4s in nearly mint condition for under $160 on craigslist in my area.AI (manual focus) lenses can be purchased for pennies on the dollar and would be perfect for your class

I still use all my AI lenses on my Nikon D300 and D3 and they work perfectly well. The electronic rangefinders in their viewfinders are accurate so manually focusing with them is not a problem.

Here is a current list of all the Nikkor lenses and as you will see, there are many FX lenses listed.

http://www.nikonusa.com/...index.page

For the purposes of this class, look at either an old 28-80 mm Nikkor AF lens (under $60 in excellent condition) or AR Nikkor 50 mm f/1.8. (around $80) Both are inexpensive and will work on any Nikon camera made after 1988

EDIT: Here is a link you can visit to see what prices for various lenses and cameras are here in the States sold with a 30 to 90 day return policy.

http://www.keh.com/Camera/format-35mm/system-Nikon-Autofocus?s=1&bc=39&bcode=NA&bco=536&

The older model Nikon 50mm f1.8 AF-D should be compatible with a Nikon film SLR body, and it is not very expensive.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/..._50mm.html
On the film SLR the 50mm gives a normal field of view, similar to the 35mm setting of your 18-105mm lens on your D90.It has an aperture ring, which the newer model 50mm f1.8 AF-S G lens lacks. That lens can also work on your D90. On the D90 it is a slight telephoto, equivalent to a 75mm lens on a film SLR.

Yes you can, but only a small number of film SLRs will focus with it. The oldest one which will work is the Nikon F4, which is about $200 used. The newest one is the Nikon N75, which is about $30-$50 used. The Nikon N80 or F100 would be the best… Each about $50-$200 used. Forget manual focus cameras or older cheap autofocus cameras.

Also, it will seriously vignette (dark corners) at wide focal lengths because it is designed for a smaller format. You might be able to get acceptable results by zooming in more, or using the vignetting for artistic purposes.

For basic photography, consider getting a cheap prime lens instead like a 50mm f/1.8. This will be a nice addition to your D90 as well. Primes work better with film because they let in more light and force you to be more creative instead of being a zoom cripple.