How to use Nikon IX Nikkor APS lenses on digital cameras
Nikon used to produce Pronea SLR cameras using APS film, and a matching range of IX-Nikkor interchangeable lenses. While the cameras used the standard Nikon AF D lens mount, the IX lenses were designed to be especially compact and lightweight to suit the camera bodies. One of the ways they achieved this was to have a reduced back focus and the rear of the lenses protruded further than usual inside the camera's mount. The lenses available included 20-60mm, 24-70mm, 30-60mm and 60-180mm zooms.

Unfortunately the IX lenses are incompatible with Nikon 35mm, AF or digital camera bodies, as the rear protrusion prevents them mounting. There are some reports on the web (which Google will find) that the lenses can be modified by cutting off part of the extended plastic mount at the rear of the lens, but this seems a little drastic. The only DSLR that will accept Nikkor IX lenses without modification is the Kodak DCS 315, which was based on the Pronea 6i/600i body.

However, there's now an alternative approach which requires no damage to the lens, no technical skill and allows these lenses to be used on modern digital compact system cameras. These have a very short register (distance from the lens mount to the image sensor), and many adapters are available for other lenses. Some of the more recent Nikon adapters have an aperture ring designed to allow the operation of the diaphragm on Nikkor G lenses and other types that have no manual ring of their own. Although we're sure this wasn't an intentional part of their design, some of these adapters happily accept the Nikkor IX lenses as well, as there's room inside the adapter to accommodate the protruding rear mount.

We've successfully used all four of the IX Nikkor lenses on our Panasonic G1 and GH1 using a Nikon G to Micro Four Thirds adapter. As with all such adapters the operation of the lens is fully manual. Focusing is simple using the camera's EVF or LCD, and exposure works fine in aperture priority auto and manual modes. As there's no aperture ring on the lens, the one on the adapter is used to stop the lens down if required.

The lenses may also work with Nikon G adapters for other mirrorless cameras such as the Samsung NX, Pentax Q and Nikon 1 ranges, but please double check compatibility with the suppliers of other adapters. We've tried all four IX lenses on a Nikon G to Sony NEX adapter, and they fit and work fine.

Added 14 June 2010
Updated 05 July 2010
Updated 13 March 2011
Updated 27 October 2011
Updated 24 November 2011