Adray Newsletter June 2006

Can I Use My Old Auto-Focus Lenses On My Digital SLR?

Yes, of course you can! That's the great thing about Digital SLR cameras. You have the ability to update your old Auto-Focus (AF) 35mm system to a completely modern digital system.

Although there are some differences and limitations, most everyone can take advantage of the control and ultimate picture quality available with a Digital SLR. First, your 35mm lenses usually have to be auto-focus lenses. Pentax and Nikon will allow limited functionality with manual focus lenses, but most manufacturers require that you use their auto-focus lenses. On the other hand, keep in mind that auto-focus is very convenient and you will probably want to update to auto-focus lenses regardless.

Your old lenses will attach to the camera just as before. The only thing you may need to keep in mind is that your old lenses will generally show a "crop factor." A crop factor refers to the increase in magnification of a lens on a Digital SLR over the magnification seen on a 35mm SLR. In other words, the lens will magnify your scene more or appear more telephoto on a Digital SLR. This happens because a Digital SLR has a sensor that is smaller than the old 35mm film. (See figures A & B, blue area would be the "image circle" produced by the lens.)

As you can see, the Digital SLR uses a smaller portion of the light transmitted by the lens. Since 35mm was the standard for so long, the crop factor is a conversion to tell us what the lens will look like on our Digital SLR. For example, if you put a 50mm lens on a Digital SLR with a crop factor of 1.5, the 50mm lens will look like a 75mm lens on a 35mm SLR. It's still referred to as a 50mm lens, whether it is on a Digital or 35mm SLR. Also, keep in mind that the depth of field will remain the same as if the lens were on a 35mm SLR.

So, the moral to the story is: if you have the perspective of all your 35mm lenses memorized, you will find the crop factor invaluable for deciding which lens your next picture requires. If you have always been a point and shoot photographer and are just now moving up to an SLR, put the lens on your camera and take a peek through the viewfinder and take a picture.

Photo 2, Intermediate Photography Class

July 6, 13, 20, & 27 at the Dearborn Store

This class builds on the basics taught in Photo 1, and includes further information on electronic flash, lenses, filters, and control of natural lighting.  Their will also be a picture taking field trip.  The class will be taught by Adray's own Jerry Sadowski, former instructor of photography at Henry Ford Community College and Wayne State University.  The cost will be $40, advanced registration is required, as space is limited.  E-mail jsadowski@adray.com or speak with Jerry at (313) 274-9500 for more information.

Did You Know?

Did you know that Mike Adray and the Adray family have been huge supporters of amateur sports for over 50 years?

It all started in 1956, one year after the store opened, when Mike Adray sponsored half of one little leaguer's team. Their benevolence continues to grow. Currently, The Adray Family sponsors numerous little league teams, two Ford Motor Company teams, two seniors teams, and a girls soccer team. Not to mention, the 4,000 kids who skate under the Adray name in the Adray Community Hockey League which covers the majority of the State of Michigan.

How far reaching has their influence been? Players such as: Jim Abbott, Bernie Carbo, Steve Garvey, Orel Hershiser, Willie Horton, Barry Larkin, Jim Leyritz, and Frank Tanana all played for an Adray team at one time or another. Locally, the influence is even stronger. Several Michigan Universities and numerous high school sports programs have coaches who once played under the Adray name. Mike Adray's contributions lead to his induction into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1983 as Mike "King of the Amateurs" Adray.

In addition to supporting the numerous teams, The Adray Family also awards three to five scholarships a year to their athletes, being sure to take into account grade point average, with a heavy emphasis on Community Contributions and Values.

After Mike's passing, his wife, Louise, and daughter Debbie continue the tradition of supporting local sports.

Events:

Digital Railroad - June 21, 6:30-8:00pm at the Dearborn Store

Join Digital Railroad for an in-depth demonstration of our unique services that allow you to create your own professional online archive, and give you all the tools you need to manage, market and sell your images globally.

Annie Billipp from Digital Railroad will host the evening and will be joined by Detroit-based photojournalist and Digital Railroad member Roy Feldman (http://www.digitalrailroad.net/royfel).  Come and see for yourself how Digital Railroad is helping over 550 photographers, 27 agencies, 15,000 picture buyers in 46 countries around the world.  There will be special discounts for attendees of this event.