jeff eitreim , Oct 03, 2007; 10:54 a.m.
Hi Folks,
I have for several years had an older Canon film SLR, which I loved. A few years ago I bought another
Canon entry level SLR, which I also love to use. But I broke the plastic mount tabs on the lens when I
dropped it a short distance in its soft case. Glue worked for a while.
I am ready (eager?) to buy a DSLR - Canon or Nikon, but I want something relatively durable. Body and
especially lens mount construction are important to me. Is there an easy way to discern the construction
of this critical connection from body to lens?
Ideally, I am looking for metal body and lens mount, as in the old film cameras. From reading a couple of
threads here, it seems even some cameras that have magnesium bodies use plastic behind the metal
mount ring. Weight is not an issue - I like the heft and solid feeling in my hand, but I fear I will find this
quite expensive.
Is there hope for me? Thanks for your help.
Jeff
Godfrey DiGiorgi 
, Oct 03, 2007; 11:16 a.m.
Most of the bodies beyond the bottom of the line have a metal chassis and lens mount.
Only very consumer-grade lenses have a plastic mount. Canon's bottom of the line on
both typically have the lightest plastic construction possible.
Many of today's cameras have a steel or aluminum metal chassis and lens mount, but an
outer skin of polycarbonate plastic; some have a magnesium outer skin. This gives the
advantage of durability and structural integrity while proving lighter and less prone to
denting.
Look at almost anything other than the bottom of the line bodies and lenses, and you
should find pretty nicely constructed stuff. Of course, you have to be willing to pay for this
kind of quality and materials.
Godfrey
Daniel D , Oct 03, 2007; 11:59 a.m.
I think pretty much all DSLRs now have metal lens mounts and some kind of reinforced body. But both Canon's and Nikon's cheapest kit lenses (the 18-55s) have plastic mounts. You just need to choose a good lens to go with your body instead of the kit lens and you should be fine. Plenty of recommendations for lenses and bodies on this site - have a look around the tutorial pages and the forums.
Sam Thompson , Oct 04, 2007; 06:07 a.m.
Nikon's relatively pricey 18-135 lens sometimes kitted with the D200 has a plastic mount. For a Canon you need to get a 40D, for a Nikon you need to get a D300 if you want semi durability. Generally for Nikons, for better build quality, you need to get a professional 2.8 zoom or a 1.4 prime.
Canons make it easy, they call their lenses L lenses and generally have good build quality along with optics.
jeff eitreim , Oct 05, 2007; 08:45 a.m.
Thanks for your expertise, folks. It really helps.
I am concerned after reading about Justin that last year dropped his Nikon D100 camera
several feet and discovered the body's metal lens mount ring was screwed into plastic, just
what I am trying to avoid. In that thread, Alan Chan talks about magnesium shells:
"...most DSLRs are built this way now (even though they might have magnesium
shells which fool some to believe their cameras were tough, but they are not)."
To be clear: Canons from 40D up and Nikons from D300 up will have metal chasses and
lens mounts, no polycarbonate in between?
I know metal construction will not prevent disaster in cases like Justin's, but I want to
invest in a camera that will last for many years, with good care.
Thanks again, Godfrey, Daniel, Sam, and everyone.
Jeff
