Nikon D90 Problem

[slaydeuk]

Hi, I'm a new member, not new to photography, but I don't consider myself an expert. I have just bought a new Nikon D90 with the kit 18-105mm lens. It seemed to have an intermittent fault when the camera would not fire and showed an error message 'F', which the manual states means no lens attached. I detached and refitted the lens several times in case there was a bad connection somewhere. This appears to have cured it and I have taken about 100 photos since without failure. What worries me though is whether or not there is a potential fault still lurking there which will develop into a major problem in the future, perhaps after the 12 months guarantee period.

I would be interested to know if anyone has had a similar experience and if I can safely assume that the initial problem has been permanently cured.

[fishingruddy]

Only 12 months warranty? Most Nikons come with more than that.
On the old lenses, with an apperture ring, the apperture had to be set to the smallest available, f22 for example when fitted to a dslr. If not you got an f message. This being the case and after refitting your kit works fine maybe you did not secure the lens adequately? Why not try taking the lens off and then replacing it a few times trying the camera at each reload? It's worth a go I think. But make sure you register your camera and lens with Nikon, and check what warranty you have.
I hope this is of help.
Dean.

[slaydeuk]

Thanks Dean. I bought the camera from Simply Electronics and it apparently comes with a warranty operated by them (for 12 months) and requires registration with them, which I have done. I have also registered the apparent fault with them, and they have acknowledged this. I am a bit concerned that I have no maker's warranty.
I'm beginning to think that the initial fitting of the lens did not make perfect contact and that it is OK now. I was wondering if anyone else had had a similar problem, and what the outcome was.

Sam

[miketoll]

Probably just a poor contact as you say, I would give the contacts a quick wipe with a microfibre cloth to remove any grease. Do not use a pencil eraser as some advocate as the eraser is abrasive and will cause damage to the contacts. How come no manufacturers warranty?

[slaydeuk]

I have done as Dean suggested and had the lens off and on several times, with no problem. I also have a Nikon D40 and I have tried interchanging the lenses several times. Again, no problem with either camera, so I am becoming more confident that it was a once only problem.

As regards the warranty, I don't know why I don't have a Nikon warranty. Simply cover all their stuff with their own 12 months warranty. I have no reason to suppose there is anything shady about the product - it came packed in a box with all the proper bits and pieces and looking very authentic. I wonder if it is a grey import - the price was very good, which was why I went to them.

Thanks for your help

Sam

[miketoll]

Agreed, sounds like a grey import for which Simply have covered the guarantee by their own.

[fishingruddy]

I too think this was a one off. Another time you can get an error, I think it's FEE or similar, is, if your camera is in A or S mode, and you connect an older manual focus Ai AIS or pre these lenses. It's the only other time I've seen it. Of course with these lenses you just go to manual mode, opening up a load of brilliant old lenses that go quite cheaply second hand, with some good results. I hope your worry is over and you have loads of fun with your new kit. I think it really is a very good camera and the lens is fabulous considering it's "only" a kit lens.
Have fun, and lets see some photos from your new gear. ATB Dean.

[yelvertoft]

Simply Electronics are a grey importer, which is why there's no Nikon warranty.