Adapting Other Lenses to Nikon Bodies

While Nikon bodies do not serve as an ideal platform for use in experimenting with alternative optics, there are some interesting possibilities.

There are many adapters available, some with corrective optical elements to allow infinity focus. However, there are two lens mounts that you can adapt without the need for these optics; Leica R, and Olympus OM. Here’s a quick guide for the adventurous:

Canon FD
Can be used with an adapter with a 1.4x optical element. The element can be removed for macro use.

Minolta FD
Can be used with an adapter with a 1.4x optical element. The element can be removed for macro use.

Olympus OM
Can be used by replacing the mount with a Nikon F mount. No optical element is necessary for infinity focus. Modification can be reversed. Since the aperture does not couple to the camera, stopped-down metering is necessary.

Leica R
Can be used by replacing the mount with a Nikon F mount. No optical element is necessary for infinity focus. Modification can be reversed. Since the aperture does not couple to the camera, stopped-down metering is necessary.