[jyl]

On another tangent, compare the prices of the older used MF Nikkor lenses to the current AF lenses. Can be <1/4 the cost, the optical quality is very good in the older glass, and the mechanical quality is great.

Consider how often you will really need AF. By nature of subject, certainly not for outdoor/landscape photography, not for posed/portrait photography, not for macro/micro photography. By inherent depth of field, not for wide angle shots.

So my conclusion is the frugal guy will want to have a mix of MF and AF lenses. Thus will want a DSLR that meters with MF and AF. Meaning, avoid the lower-level Nikon DLSRs like D50 and, I think, D70? I think D200 will meter MF lenses.

P.S. Checked, D70 does not meter with AI/AIS lenses, oldest lenses it will meter with are AI-P.