Nikon D90 f- - issue in aperture display

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

06/15/2012 08:23:45 PM · #1

Just got a new(used) lens to play with, a tokina 28-70 2.8 af-x. For some reason, I am intermittently getting a f- - where the aperture should be on the top display. I have read where the problem is described as bad/no contact or communication between lens and camera. I have cleaned the contacts on both body and lens with alcohol, made sure aperture ring is locked in at f22, and it still happens intermittently. I have checked the spring connections on the lens, and they appear to be clean, and still have a lot of tight spring in them. The contacts on the camera appear to be clean also, but I have cleaned both just to be on the safe side. Still getting this intermittently. I can be taking pics and everything is working just fine, and it will just stop. I look, and the f- - is there. I can move the aperture ring and manual focus and take pics, but I am not willing to do this. This is the only lens it is happening with that I own. I once had a Nikon 35-70 that it did it on also, so I don't believe it is only on third party lenses. I have a Promaster 18-200 3.5-6.3, Nikon 80-200 2.8, and a Nikon 18-105 3.5-5.6, and it doesn't do it on any of these lenses. So this has happened on a 3rd party lens and a manufacturer lens, so I think I can rule out 3rd party lenses as the sole problem. Anyone have any suggestions on what I can do to fix this? Thanks

snaffles

Nikon D7100

06/15/2012 08:46:10 PM · #2

I'm familiar with the F-- message too, but usually just a quick twiddle of the aperture ring solves it. Sometimes it would occur for no reason at all, but switching it off and back on would usually *fix* it. Does sound more like a lens issue than anything else, but if the D90 is still under warranty maybe send it in for them to check it out, if only to eliminate it as responsible (and this coming from someone who sent in the first D90 for repairs for the same problem, 3x running, before they FINALLY gave me a new one). Wish I could be of more help :-/

Message edited by author 2012-06-15 20:48:19.

kenskid

Nikon D700

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

06/15/2012 09:00:56 PM · #3

It's the lens. It will never stop happening. Live with it or send it back.

Maverick

Nikon D200

Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di for Nikon

06/15/2012 09:38:56 PM · #4

I get the same thing occasionally with my Nikon 70-200 VR. See if there is some play in the lens on the mount - i.e. can you turn the lens slightly independent of the body? On mine I can and that's the problem - all the way to one side its fine, all the way to the other F--. I just give it a quick adjustment if the error comes on and have learned to apply a slight torque to ensure its in place whenever I use the lens.

alexlky

06/16/2012 12:56:27 AM · #5

I guess it's the issue of loosening aperture ring. Wrapping the whole ring with duct tape could be a solution.

06/16/2012 01:22:55 AM · #6

Ok. I have tried to wiggle the lens, the aperture ring, every which way I can. I have taken the lens off and on, took out the battery, turned the camera off and on, all to no avail. It either works or doesn't. Not much play when it's mounted to camera, very very little if I really try. The aperture ring move fine, doesn't really wiggle too much, but just slightly. I have locked the aperture ring, let the camera idle, and it either comes up with the aperture, or with the f - -. I have also tried it on my d50. It does exactly the same thing. I can take some shots, let the camera sit idle for about 1 minute, and when i press the shutter release button to wake it up, f- -. That's it. Don't know what else to try. I am guessing I should send this back to the guy I bought it from on ebay. Any other suggestions?

Message edited by author 2012-06-16 02:22:56.

06/16/2012 05:39:14 AM · #7

Ok. Just found something on the wonderful world wide web. It seems this may be a connection issue. I have tried many things, and until I read this, none of them have worked. Seems if I hit the release button and just twist the lens off(but not actually take it off), and twist it back on till it snaps, the aperture reading will once again come back. No f - - error. In addition to this, I set my auto meter off delay to 30 minutes, so now it will not happen for at least 30 minutes, and it is a hit and miss. Sometimes it will come back up without the error, sometimes with the error. Now, will having the auto meter off delay set to 30 minutes have any adverse effects on my d90, such as noticable battery drain, or any other possible malfunction, premature or not. Can anyone answer this for me, and what I have to do to get this connection issue fixed? I have cleaned the contacts on both the lens and body, but it still happens. Thanks again.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

06/16/2012 09:32:59 PM · #8

Thanks for all the feedback. I am sending the lens back. I brought it to 2 of my local stores, both say it is not worth it to send off.

kenskid

Nikon D700

06/16/2012 11:13:47 PM · #9

You are the single most UNLUCKY ebay player I have ever seen !

ambaker

Google Glass Google Glass

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM

06/17/2012 12:09:01 AM · #10

I thought it was common for Tokinas to display F---! When they found out they were stuck on a Nikon...

Never happens on a Canon... (sorry couldn't resist). Not much happens on a Canon when I'm behind it, anyway.

06/18/2012 02:39:04 PM · #11

Originally posted by ambaker:

Rofl