Short answer is yes. Metering won't work on non-cpu lenses. Not really a problem as you have the image preview and histogram. I have a wonderful 1977 Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 that I use with my D70. Oh remember all of your lenses become focal length x 1.5 . SOme of the new lenses are worth getting. The 18-70 is very good. For a equivilent of a 50mm in digital get either the Nikon 35mm f/2 or the Sigma (yeah I know, but it is a great lens) 30mm f/1.4. Other than that I would steer clear of any non-Nikon lenses. You'll also need a new flash. I own several SB-600's and an 800 but I have seen good reviews of the new SB-400.
Great camera you have in the 501. I have a 6006 (aka 601) that has been collecting dust for two years now.
Here is the compatibility chart:
http://tinyurl.com/ygz3xe (goes to Nikon site)
Originally posted by MixoI just got an Olympus 500, found out that the lenses that match still have one kicker:
I have a Nikon F501 and am going to go digital, perhaps with a Nikon D80. Will my existing lenses fit the digital camera or do I have to start again?
You have to multiply the focal point, like if its a 28 mm lens on a film camera, you have to multiply that by a number between 1.5 an 2.0 depending on the brand. So my olympus has lenses that are compatible but the lens that counts as a 28 MM would be a about a 42 mm on a digital. Just found that out at christmas, when I got the 500 for the wife. So if you have a zoom, say 28 to 80 mm,
it would be 42 to 120 on the digital camera. (at a 1.5 factor). you have to find out what that number is for Nikon. That was a suprise to me when I switched.