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Many of the more affordable Nikon FX Lenses are G Lenses, without the aperture ring.

One of my Cameras is a Nikon FG manual 35mm SLR from the 80s, which could only support a G Lens at the lowest aperture (f/22 or whatever the Lens offers).

Since I'd like to get a 300mm Zoom and since there are a bunch of Nikon FX G ones on eBay, I wonder if there is a practical way to have an Aperture ring retrofitted, or if I should really just decide to either use a newer camera (N80) or cough up the extra cash for a Non-G lens?

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    \$\begingroup\$ No. But I have to assume that you've only looked at the 28-300, which was only ever available as a G lens (as an all-in-one for the more affordable FX models). You can get an AF 70-300 D (screw drive with aperture ring) for around $200 (or less, depending on condition). No, it's not an all-in-one, but you can't argue with the price. \$\endgroup\$
    – user28116
    Jul 2, 2014 at 6:18
  • \$\begingroup\$ @user28116 Thanks for the tip! What do you mean by "all-on-one"? That it doesn't contain an AF Motor in the Lens? \$\endgroup\$ Jul 2, 2014 at 6:22
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    \$\begingroup\$ "all-in-one" is a reference to a very large focal length range, such as the 28-300mm. I call them "all-in-none" because you wind up getting a lens with too many compromises in optical quality just to prevent having to change a lens on that interchangeable lens camera you just bought. \$\endgroup\$
    – Michael C
    Jul 2, 2014 at 7:01
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    \$\begingroup\$ I just have to mention it because you asked about the AF motor: since the FG is full manual (including manual focus) that means the AF motor and things like VR simply don't matter because they won't work on that camera. \$\endgroup\$ Jul 2, 2014 at 18:22
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    \$\begingroup\$ With most of the N80s listed on eBay right now being under $50, the number of lenses you'd gain access to makes that route's almost a no-brainer. \$\endgroup\$
    – Blrfl
    Jul 3, 2014 at 13:12

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Nikon G Lenses use a mechanical aperture control, so I would guess that it should be possible modify one to add a aperture ring. Would it be practical? No.

Either go for a newer camera or an older lens model.

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