Nikon d100

Hi, I´m using manual lenses on D100, and since I like to shoot RAW, the buffer size is limiting. What i tend to do (if I have the time) is to take a series of testshots in jpeg basic, check the histogram until I find the best exposure, switch back to RAW and do my final shot(s).

Wow, that's a long lens! It it a Nikon 500mm?

I use the full manual mode on my D70 sometimes, and I think the operation will be very similar. Spin the mode dial to M, first.

Now half-press the shutter and you should get metering at the bottom of the viewfinder. The meter will tell you if your current settings are over or underexposing. You can use the front control wheel to set the shutter time, and the back (thumb) control wheel to set the aperture.

If you've used S or A modes before, you'll be familiar with these controls. More aperture (smaller F numbers) lets in more light, as does (obviously) increasing the shutter exposure. If not, play around and watch what happens to your exposure meter in the viewfinder as you dial aperture and shutter duration up and down.

You're going to want a sturdy tripod or some very bright light with a lens that long!

You may have to use manual focus, too, if your lens does not have modern Nikon guts for the camera to talk to. I guess you'll cross that bridge when you come to it. Good luck!