Cameras, Lenses and Accessories

andrewh · #1 (**permalink**) 23-06-2009, 09:04

The other day, my new D90 (~600 actuations) started having some odd problems. Every now and again, the autofocus would just refuse to attempt to focus, as if I wasn't even holding the shutter release. This was usually accompanied by a flashing "f--" on the display. Once I had "Err". In several cases, the auto ISO function decided that my lens was at f/90 so whacked the ISO to 3200 (hardly necessary, as I was pointing at the sky).

The lens was a Sigma 50-500mm, which I had not used on this camera before, but I also replicated the problem with my 18-50mm.

Dead camera?

**cyclone** · #2 (**permalink**) 23-06-2009, 09:10

I'd put money on dirty contacts.
If it's doing it with different lenses then it's the ones on the body, but dirt can transfer between lens to body to new lens.
Just remove the lens and clean the contacts at the top of the lens opening. Try to keep the body pointing downwards to avoid dust, the bathroom is usually a less dusty room, I'd use a microfiber cloth and some electrical cleaner. Then clean the contacts on the lens.
I'd hope that would be problem solved.

**Paul** · #3 (**permalink**) 23-06-2009, 09:28

I'd say contacts too... I can't add to what Merv have said and please let us know how you get on.

andrewh · #4 (**permalink**) 23-06-2009, 09:34

Dirty contacts would explain why it started when I used this other lens. The problem is that it's very intermittent, and I can't tell if cleaning it has fixed it (until I have a split second to shoot a fast moving aircraft

).

**Paul** · #5 (**permalink**) 23-06-2009, 09:43

Intermittent problems are the worst in my books, don't envy you there at all.

The two lenses that this has happened with, is there any play with the connections/fitting to give the impression of it being loose?

andrewh · #6 (**permalink**) 23-06-2009, 10:18

There is no evident play or dirt. I will find myself some cleaner and see if it improves.

andrewh · #7 (**permalink**) 31-07-2009, 21:02

It took me a while to find myself some isopropyl alcohol that was not 30% water, and I thought I would give it a couple of weeks before deciding that cleaning it resolved the problem, but it does seem to have. Thank you very much.

**Ogofmole** · #8 (**permalink**) 31-07-2009, 21:14

Nice to hear that it had a happy ending

**Eos1nrs** · #9 (**permalink**) 01-08-2009, 15:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewh

It took me a while to find myself some isopropyl alcohol that was not 30% water, and I thought I would give it a couple of weeks before deciding that cleaning it resolved the problem, but it does seem to have. Thank you very much.

dont want to rain your parade but i too suffer this problem (yesterday!) and i use the D2x in the studio

all i do is unscrew lens and back on again..sometimes i get the errr and its the shutter locking on me..however i have also done 400,000 miles on my D2x and its still going strong despite the issues (D3x in a few weeks Whoop Whoop!)

i wouldnt have said contacts would be the issue as i only use the 17-55 2.8 it never comes off the camera!

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Cameras, Lenses and Accessories

Digital Photography: Odd Nikon D90 problem