Please note that Lushnikov’s dandelion is for Nikon and Canon, as well as for other systems. This review presents exactly Dandelion Lushnikova for Nikon AF.
Lushnikov dandelion for Nikon. Poster.
Lushnikov's dandelion is brilliant invention Russian inventor and amateur photographer Viktor Lushnikov, which gives a second life to manual optics and speeds up the work with manual lenses. The invention is popular even in the West, where it is known under the name 'Dandelion For Nikon By Victor Lushnikov '. A manual lens is a lens without CPU contacts on the lens.
What is so ingenious about it - but the fact that it allows you to make a not quite 'old' one from an old non-autofocus lens. Of course, to make autofocus from a manual lens is a matter only for a photo guru, but it is quite possible to make a pseudo-autofocus.
Example photo on a lens with a dandelion
Let's start with the task:
When using any manual optics in younger Nikon cameras, such as D40, D40x, D50, D60, D70, D70s, D80, D90, D100, D3000, D3100, D3200, D5000, D5100, D5200, D3300, D5300 metering will not work. That is, if the lens does not have a chip for communicating with the camera, then the camera will simply refuse to measure exposure. Due to the lack of metering, it will not be possible to use the camera in any mode other than mode-M. This imposes its limitations on the speed of the photographer. Who has older cameras by type Nikon D200, D300, D2x, D3s, D700, D7000 - so take care of the measurement exposure no reason. True, there is a tendency that the steeper the camera, the less sophisticated a person is in manual lenses, which can be easily replaced with sophisticated autofocus analogs. Attention, old manual lenses really work on younger Nikon cameras only in manual camera control mode.
Example photo on a lens with a dandelion
On junior Nikon cameras will have to determine the metering exposure by eye or by histogram. With experience, you can pretty well guess the shutter speed / aperture / ISO, but with any change in lighting you need to constantly rebuild and “shoot”. For example, the sun went behind the cloud and the shutter speed needs to be adjusted almost twice.
Nikon AF Lushnikov Dandelion allows Nikon cameras to automatically measure exposure.
How he does it? Very simply, he communicates with the camera and the camera thinks that it has a “native” lens with certain data on it.
Example photo on a lens with a dandelion
Data: focal length and aperture can be programmed into a dandelion. This is done very simply according to the instructions. Programming is done by a set of pictures with certain shutter speeds.
As a result, you can program real lens datato be transmitted in EXIF snapshot module. It is really very convenient.
Example photo on a lens with a dandelion Lushnikov
For older cameras, this function is also very convenient, as it allows you to program only a certain number of lenses inside the camera. And programming the lens for each camera is extra time, in contrast to the one-time programming of the dandelion on the lens.
Example photo on a lens with a dandelion Lushnikov
If you have a manual lens with a blinking aperture, like old Nikon lenses AI-S,AI, Non-ai, Pre-ai, then you can make it so that you can control the iris from the camera itself. This is generally a great feature that is not available even in older Nikon camerasif you don't use Lushnikov's Dandelion. Actually, I will explain - set the aperture will be possible in the camera, as for a regular Nikon aft-focus lens. For an example, I will give Kaleinar-5Non which I installed this Dandelion. I performed the installation myself.
For Kaleinar-5n, the dandelion is programmed by setting the maximum and minimum aperture, after which the diaphragm can be controlled from the camera using the control dial. My Nikon D90 works in any mode, even automatic (Auto - green zone).
Example photo on a lens with a dandelion Lushnikov
Another indispensable plus is pseudo-auto focus (focus trap). That is, if you focus in focus mode AF-S and AF-A and press the shutter button completely, the camera will take a picture only when it is confident in the exact focus. Very comfortably - pressed the button and slowly turn the focus ring until the shutter releases. On trial Kaleinar-5n with a dandelion in AF-S mode with automatic selection of the focusing area, there were about 20% misses, in AF-S mode and single-point focusing there were almost no misses.
Also, autofocus mode can be turned off either using the camera or programmatically (as if the switch on the lens itself).
Example photo on a lens with a dandelion Lushnikov
Of course, there are also disadvantages of dandelion:
- Not the easiest installation technique. Although it’s easy to cope with.
- Measurement Errors exposure when working with auto iris, especially on closed apertures.
- Measurement Errors exposure when working with flash. Errors within normal limits even in FP mode.
Dandelion shot with a dandelion
There are far fewer drawbacks than opportunities. The article contains photographs taken with matrix metering at the camera Nikon D90 and with an upgraded lens. The photo shows the amendments to exposure of EXIF. Strong correction should be done after closing the aperture at F8.0. This is most likely due to the not completely linear aperture for the MS lens. Kaleinar-5N.
My experience:
I don't use dandelion on either Canon or Nikon cameras. Learning to use old lenses without modifying them on modern Nikon and Canon cameras is as easy as shelling pears. Detailed instructions on using old lenses on any SLR or system camera can be found in the section 'How to use old lenses on modern Nikon cameras?'
Conclusion:
Lushnikov Dandelion for Nikon AF allows for all modern digital SLR cameras from Nikon get measured exposure and use the camera at least - in aperture priority, and as a maximum - in any available mode on the mode dial :). For a range of lenses (especially for H mount) It is possible to control the diaphragm directly from the camera. And also we get sound focus confirmation and the ability to take photos only when the lens reaches accurate focus. Still appears possibility of focus adjustment... Lushnikov's Dandelion is a great inexpensive option to upgrade your old lens.
Where to buy?
As strange as it may sound, it is easiest to buy such a chip nowadays on Aliexpress: with a chip without a lens here, with lens and chip here. Why a lens?
Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment. Many different photographic equipment can be found on AliExpress.
Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram
I’ll try to pass the lens back, if not, I’ll unstick the dandelion and shoot without it! Thank you so much for the answer !!!
VKontakte there is a video how to reflash a dandelion
Hello.
Your consultation is required. I read that Lushnikov’s dandelion chips enable the sound and light indication of focus confirmation on modern (including digital) Nikon cameras. And as I understand it, manual lenses with their own chip, such as the Zeiss ZF.2, do not have such functionality. Is it possible to replace their native chips with improved Lushnikovs on modern Zeiss lenses, and what problems / difficulties may arise?
I had experience with a Nikkor 50 / 1,4 G autofocus lens in manual focus mode on a Nikon D800 camera, and there was no sound / light confirmation of focusing by the focusing point (only by the digital rangefinder in the lower - information - part of the viewfinder). From which I concluded that native chips from the manufacturer do not provide additional indication of focus confirmation. If I am wrong, please correct me.
Regards, Alexey.
PS Until now, I have considered only the Canon platform as the only convenient when working with manual (chip) lenses precisely because of the sound / light indication of focusing confirmation. Now, with your help, I may have an alternative for selection.
Native Nikon lenses do not provide sound alerts and focus traps in manual focusing mode, since lenses, in addition to the contacts themselves, have a number of other properties in electronics. With the chip there will be a focus trap in AF-S, AF-A mode, if you program the dandelion in the right way, the camera will just think that it focuses the lens itself. I can't tell you about replacing Zeiss lenses, but I think there shouldn't be any difficulties.
Is it possible to adjust the dandelion and the camera so that there is sound and light confirmation of focus by the focusing point in the viewfinder, but the shutter could be released at any convenient time, regardless of the focus confirmation?
In the camera manual, I found the user-defined function A1 and A2, which for different modes allow you to set the priority of the descent. Do these functions work properly with dandelions?
Yes you can. Similar.
if you disassemble your Zeiss, you will see that your cable just connects the contact pad to the chip, which is glued inside the lens onto its wall, that's all. Lushnikov’s dandelion, this is the same, only made in a different form = factor and with great potential.
Good afternoon, please tell me what parameters to enter into a dandelion under the Helios 44m 2/58 lens
Who has experience in using.
1) Aperture (2?)
2) Focal (58?)
3) Adjustment (leave standard 9?)
Thank you.
1) 2.0
2) 58
3) if the lens has normal focus, then leave.
Good time. Please tell me there is a Nikon D50 and Mir-24N installed dandelion. It seems to be programmed. But dandelion remembers only the last aperture programmed into it. Is it possible to program aperture range and how to choose it later. Dandelion does not allow me to choose its priority aperture. It always burns with the value that was last entered.
Am I doing something wrong? Or so it should be.
PS the lens has a native Nikon mount. There were no other manipulations with the lens besides installing a dandelion.
Thanks for answers.
Incorrectly programmed. The manual contains programming descriptions of ai-s lenses.
will the jumper only work on nikon or in sony slt too?
Only on the Nikon Central Control Hall due to the identity of the mounts.
Hello!
Set dandelion as described here http://fotokto.ru/id3582/blog?view=3414. Even the carcass and the lens are the same. But he refuses to go into programming mode. After installation, nothing has changed at all. Tell me, please, what could be the matter! Very necessary! (m.politkin@gmail.com)
If the dandelion works with the standard settings, then switch it to programming mode incorrectly. If the dandelion does not work with the standard settings, then they stuck it incorrectly.
How much is your dandelion and how can I buy it?
I do not know, I do not sell.
Arkady, good afternoon! Congratulations on the upcoming New Year! I wish you good health, fulfillment of all desires, happiness and good luck! Thank you so much for the great work you are doing!
Please tell me there is a Nikon D5100 and Helios 81 n dandelion installed. Can I shoot in automatic mode and shutter priority mode? I ask because I do not quite understand how this will happen theoretically. For example, the priority of the aperture - I put the aperture + exposure compensation, the shutter speed will be selected by the camera, but I will not understand in auto mode. Thanks in advance.
In auto mode, the camera itself controls the aperture, as on a conventional modern lens. This works if you configured the dandelion correctly.
Dandelion pasted and programmed by Andrey Kuryanov
Thank you
Hello
I purchased an adapter on the Lushnikov website with a chip lens)))
so the question is kaaaak? adjust it? I mean the aperture? set the minimum value then the maximum? and then in the camera you can adjust the aperture manually? adjusting to the desired aperture value on the lens?
something like that ))
Yes, it will be possible to adjust the aperture through the camera if the lens is ai, ai-s compatible.
Happy New Year!
Arkady, the answer to this question: why is it necessary to hammer the focal length of the lens into the chip? The fact is that I have Granite 11 with fr 80 - 200, and the programming instructions do not say what to do in such cases.
Thank you.
Needed for proper metering, especially when using the flash.
So my focus is variable. Do not hammer in the chip every time a new FR.
Maybe you should put the average value?
Ask Lushnikov, I set the minimum.
I also decided to buy myself a "dandelion" and put it on the BOWER 85mm f1.4 and try what will come of it, I really like the lens and a little automation will not interfere with it, and it will be more convenient to shoot.
Good afternoon.
Did you manage to put a dandelion on this lens and was it convenient to focus with the lens, with such a small depth of field there are many misses?
Arkady, good evening. Got a question. It’s strange that only me. 1mm layer. is needed only for Kaleinar or does this apply to all lenses (for example Helios 81N)?
For different lenses in different ways.
Thanks. How do you determine the need for a layer? As I understand it, without securing - you will not insert it?
Arkady, tell me, I bought a NIKKOR Micro 55 / 3.5 manual, Nikon 5100 carcass, whether it is necessary to file the extender and whether the aperture setting will work from it ???
Should sit on d5100 without modification. The diaphragm will work. More details here - https://radojuva.com.ua/2012/06/nikon-ai-s-old-lens-about/
Good day. Arkady, tell me: there is a Sigma 28-70 AF f / 3.5-4.5 lens, that is, with a “screwdriver”. Nikon D200 camera. The lens gives an error to the camera (writes fEE). In any mode, the camera cannot provide exposure, autofocus works once, or even after two. The picture cannot be taken. By isolating the lens contacts from the camera, it can be used as a manual. What can be done with it to make exposure determination work, and autofocus works. Alternative question: can the installation of the device described above help the “screwdriver” to work? PS Somewhere I have already heard about failures of microcircuits of sigma lenses, after which repair and replacement of the microcircuit is required, but this is not our way.
Check your lens on the camera by insulating the contacts, will the “screwdriver” work without them? If the camera turns the lens without the participation of the native microcircuit, then you can put Dandelion in its place, if there is free space for it (3,1 mm)
when isolating the contacts, the screwdriver does not spin, checked immediately after the purchase (bought cheaply, knowing about this malfunction, just for the sake of optics). Actually, the chip only for the screwdriver there (in the lens) and it seems.
If the "screwdriver" does not spin without the participation of the native microcircuit, Dandelion will not be able to control it, it will only give exposure metering, shutter lock until focus appears, back / front focus adjustment, sound and light confirmation, flash pulse control, aperture control from the camera, - that is, all its usual functions.
Arkady, I’m for your advice, I have a Nikon D7000 and there is also a Samyang 85 1.4 lens with a chip, can I configure the camera so that the shutter releases only when you hover over the brightness of one of the selected points? Since I didn’t find anything like this in the autofocus settings?
If you have a Samyang 85 1.4 with a factory chip, then this chip does not have such functionality, such an opportunity is available only in Lushnikov's Dandelion. I equipped several of these lenses with Dandelion, including chip versions - I removed the factory chip and put Dandelion in its place.
Sorry, in your article one of the points says:
“Not the easiest installation technique. Although this is easy to handle. Below is how I installed it. ”
but I didn’t find where it was shown, I just have the exact same kaleinar and I am delighted with it, but I really miss the exposure metering and focus traps, and I would like to see how to install the chip on this lens exactly you did it so that you couldn’t make a mistake
Eugene, in the review there was previously a photo with Dandelion installed, but, in the picture was Nikon Dandelion of the first generation, now it is the 3rd generation. I give all my customers detailed instructions on the sticker with photos and videos after buying Dandelions and adapters with Dandelion from me.
The mistake in the word is autofocus. ,, to make autofocus is a thing only for the photo-guru ,,
Hello, if you do not program the dandelion, will focus confirmation work? fotik Nikon D3000 lens Helios-81N
Vitaly, everything will work, but what's the point in Dandelion, because without programming, the diaphragm “2,8” will always be displayed. With the same success in M mode without Dandelion will be focus confirmation.
Multiply, we’ll explain how to set up focus confirmation without a dandelion.? My mode is M, but it does not confirm with an audio signal.
For Nikon cameras in any way.
Arkady, tell me, does it make sense to buy a dandelion for the sake of focus or a beam focusing screen?
Anonymous is a better compact camera of excellent quality with a fixed lens, for example leica DIGILUX 3
I ask Arkady, not you !!! That time you wrote me wrong and this time off topic !!
The screen is an interesting thing, it allows you not to be mad at yourself for focusing misses, since there is no automation there. Dandelion is also a useful thing, but if you put the screen, it will work for all lenses.