Beginner needs help with NikonD40 and zoom lens

[Rose_]

Hey!
I recently got a Nikon D40, no instructions, and 3 lenses.
The nikon kit lens does not seem to autofocus.
The one I'm really interested in using is an Albinar, photo posted.
I know my nikon has to be in manual mode for it to work but the photos keep appearing dark or too bright and the fstop doesn't appear to register in manual mode, picture attached.
Just wanted to know if this is something I'm not doing correctly or is it a camera/lens issue?
THANK YOU!!

 

[snowbear]

Welcome aboard.

The D40 does not has an Auto-Focus motor built in it, so the AF has to be in the lens. I suspect the Albinar doesn't have the motor. I believe the "AF-S" designation on the Nikon lens model designates the lens has the motor. In the mean time, you should be able for manual focus and use the rangefinder feature (green light at the lower left of the viewfinder)

 

[cgw]

Manual here:

Nikon | Download center | D40

It's a manual focus lens.

 

[Rose_]

The issue is that it does not let me manually set aperture, it just displays it as blank. Any thoughts? I'm thinking something must be wrong with the camera or lens.

 

[snowbear]

I’m guessing the lens has no electronics connectors so the camera can’t read the aperture setting. As I recall my D40 had the same issue with my 105 micro (Nikon) lens. Set the aperture on the lens, set the dhutter speed on the camera “chasing the meter” and take a test shot. Check and adjust accordingly.

Even on the newer Nikon lenses with aperture rings, you lock it at the smallest aperture and set it from the body.

 

[cgw]

The issue is that it does not let me manually set aperture, it just displays it as blank. Any thoughts? I'm thinking something must be wrong with the camera or lens.

Unintended repeat of above. A manual focus lens communicates aperture settings mechanically not electronically. The D40 has no clue about aperture settings on old manual focus lenses, hence no display. That doesn't mean you can't use them, though. See if there's a histogram display on the D40 since there's no display metering with manual lenses. Read the manual. Google D40 with manual focus lenses. Friends use D40s with a light meter.
If it's too big of a PITA, look into a cheapie Nikon 35/1.8 DX AFS or 18-55.

 

[snowbear]

Yes, test shots to get a feel for the manual lens settings. There are adequate light meter apps for smart phones.

 

[PhilBirch]

The D40 isn't designed to be used with manual lenses. I tried it and had the same problem as you. You need lenses with Nikon AF-S internal focusing and electronic coupling.

HOWEVER, you CAN use this lens, but its messy:
Set the camera to M, then use a separate meter or app and transfer the shutter speed and aperture info to the camera. The light meter will need to have the same ISO/ASA setting as your camera, so dont change that without changing the meter too..