So you got yourself a brand new DSLR and after using it for a little while got the dreaded “Err” error on your camera LCD? Fear not, your camera might not damaged and there might be no need to return it back to Nikon, as they suggest in most camera manuals.
The reason why this error comes up, is because your camera is not properly communicating with your lens due to some dirt and grease both on camera and lens contacts. The solution is pretty simple – all you have to do is dismount your lens and clean the lens contacts, then clean camera contacts and mount the lens back on the camera and see what happens. Sounds too complicated? Are you afraid to damage your camera and/or lens? Then keep reading, because I will show you exactly what needs to be done.
So here is the step-by-step process:
- Dismount camera lens – before you remove the lens, make sure that you are doing this in a clean environment indoors. I prefer to do it at night (when kids are sleeping) in the bathroom :) If you have not dismounted a lens from your camera yet, now is the time to learn. Turn off your camera. Press the lens release button located to the left of the lens when the camera is viewed from the top, then rotate the lens clock-wise to dismount the lens as shown here. Right after the lens is dismounted, put the black plastic camera cap back on the camera lens mount to prevent dust from getting into the camera.
- Clean lens contacts – there are many different cleaning solutions out there, but I would recommend the following approach: first, wash your hands with soap and dry them out. Next, put some denatured alcohol (ethanol) on dry, light-colored microfiber cloth, wrap it around your index finger and gently wipe each lens contact in circular motion without touching the glass on the back of the lens. Here is how the contacts look like on the Nikon 50mm f/1.4G lens:
If you can see dirt or grease on the microfiber cloth, repeat the above process again using the cleaner part of the cloth. Once you are done cleaning the contacts, use the Giottos Rocket Blower to blow away any particles your microfiber cloth could have left on the lens.
- Clean camera contacts – remove the black cap from the camera lens mount, then use the clean portion of the same microfiber cloth and gently wipe the camera contacts, just like you did with the lens contacts. Here is how the contacts on the camera look like:
Hold your index finger with your nails facing down and while holding the microfiber cloth, move from left to right and vice-versa several times. Repeat the process one more time with the cleaner part of the cloth to make sure that there is no dirt/grease left on the camera contacts. Make sure to do this rather quickly to prevent dust from entering the camera chamber.
- Mount lens back on the camera – once all contacts are clean, align the dot on the camera with the dot on the lens and fully mount the lens in counter-clockwise direction.
- Test and make sure that the “Err” message is gone – now turn the camera on and take a few pictures. The “Err” message on the camera should be gone!
What if you are still getting the “Err” message? Try another lens and see what happens. If nothing changes, your camera could be damaged, so call Nikon for support.
Hi Nasim,
I really like your blog posts and follwer your every word… ;-)
Just want to add that this might be the general tip in most cases, but with I got my Nikon D90 with 18-105 kit lens this error came up about every 10 shot or so even after doing the recommended action. My only choice was to take it back to Nikon service shop, where they changed the communication contacts on the lens and that actually corrected the issue for me. I am NOT saying that this is the case for everyone, but it was for me.
Br,
/Morten Denmark
Morten, thank you for your feedback! It is definitely good to know that people might encounter this error due to bad connections on the lens itself. I will add some text in the article to try another lens…
Have a great weekend!
Hi Nasim, I had this camera own by my niece, its nikon d60, the subject are too dark even when i see through the viewfinder, its is very dark..even in broad daylight…it has nikon kit lens attach with it the 18-55mm, i thought i was the lens, then i change and use other lens..still the same..
what do you think is the problem ?
Thank you
Jame Brunei
Perhaps an idea to remove the lenscap?
I have worked hard to comply my boring joke. It took me 3.5 years to come up with it ???
Anyway, hope you read this and have a laugh too.
Have a great weekend!
Alessandro
The Err message just came up for me, my camera was mounted on a tripod as I was out taking 10 second shutter speed shots, practicing for bonfire night.
I followed your instructions and fingers crossed my baby is now working, lets hope it does not happen again. I may take my D3200 as back up for the firework shots.
Thank you very much….Lee (England).
Thanks for sharing. What I encountered is on & off. Most of the time don’t have, but once in a while it happened. Didn’t know it have to do with contacts.
Dennis, so you were getting the “Err” message while turning the camera on & off?
Nasim, apology for the misleading. What I meant was the occurrence that I encounter the err problem is in infrequent. Now that I know what to look out for if I ever see this err message again.
Dennis
Ah, I see :) Well, if it happens to you again, try the above steps and let me know how it works out :)
Hi Nasim,
I had a brand new D7100 for about 4 weeks with a Nikon 18-105 lens. After some hundreds of photos, I detached the 18-105 lens and I felt on the Err case. Without knowing what’s happen, I have tried to switch on – off, but the camera did not respond. Finally I picked out the battery and this solved the problem. I have linked all stuff with the fact that I detached and attached the lens.
Yesterday after around 1000 photos, the problem appeared again, without any special handling. I cannot remember if it happen when I switched on the camera or during a taking photos. But what was a little bit different then the first case was that even I picket out the battery, I was not able to get rid of err. When I put back the battery, the Err was displayed on the screen. I detached the lens and reattached it. This solved the problem.
Now I found your post. I’m sure that on my case it is something you discuss about here. I will try to clean up the contacts.
Thanks for sharing!!
I had the same problem and cleaning the contacts did not help. I tried briefly removing the battery and card as well, no success. Then I removed them both and waited for about 20 minutes, put them back in place, I had the Err message for a few more seconds then eventually it cleared out and I was able to use my D80 again. Hope it helps .
TK, that’s strange, but thanks for letting us know!
I’m facing same problem as TK. I like to bring forward to your notice, I kept battery in my camera for 8 months and forgot to remove it. while I was back home after 8 months, saw this Err flashing. cleaned lens connectors, changed different lenses no go. Before I use to get this kinda Err however was resolved by cleaning lens connectors. But this time no luck…. I have removed my battery out of camera let me check after two days if it get resolved automatic. my model is D80. If anybody did the same letting battery in camera for couple of months and got same issue, please update me the resolution ,,….. Thanks in Advance…
Thank you so much. This totally helped. Just wanted to add that after i cleaned the lens connectors and turned it back on, it still flashed ERR, but with one press of the shutter release, it was all good. Seems to be good now!
This fixed it for me. Thanks.
Thank you for posting this little tidbit!! I cleaned my as per the steps above and still received the error message. After seeing your post to press the shutter release, the error message finally went away. THANK YOU!!
where is the release
Thank you so much for posting this fix. This worked for me as well.
Hi Nasim,
Thanks a lot for this excellent piece of advice. It just saved me from sending away my D3s on service. One funny detail that added to the confusion: The two lenses that needed cleaning (AF-S 85/1.4 and 50/1.4G) worked well on my D7k even before they were cleaned.
Perhaps the D7k wasn’t dirty? ?
Hi Nasim,
I bought my D7000 from the US and brought it to the Philippines, after a couple of weeks use, the Err message appeared, i was freaking out like crazy, imagine the cost to send it back to US.. good thing i googled solutions about the Err message. I did the steps last night, and waited this morning to turn it on praying that the Err message is gone. It is as good as before, all 3 lenses worked good on it… thank you.
Thanks for the step by step. Just purchased a used Tamron 18-270 to run on my D90.
Was dissappointed as the lens would function and then not at all. It occurred to me that contacts needed to be cleaned. Will update with the results.
Hallo.i also have the same problem but also when i turn on the camera without the lens on. So i imagine it is not a contact problem or could be the same?
thank you
andrea
Your message here was just what I needed. I’m glad I read further down the list. After reading your post it occurred to me that the last photo I took the battery died. Put new battery in and get this code….tried every thing I could think of to try and could not get rid of Err code…..changed to manual focus, clicked shutter….VIOLA functioning camera! thank you
Battery died while I was using the camera. Put a new battery in and got the ERR code. Switched to manual focus and clicked the shutter and that fixed it! Thank you!!!
Thank you for posting your experience. I just experienced the same thing with my d750….battery was low on my last photos; I took out the battery and recharged it; when I put the battery back in the ERR code showed up. Switched the camera to manual focus, clicked the shutter and camera is working fine. I was panicking a bit since we are leaving for a vacation next week and I am planning to spend much of it using a camera! Now all is good with the world.
My D7000 had the flash not pop up and an Error code show up. Nothing seemed to fix either problem. This happened on the first shot after I switched lenses. I then searched and saw your post. I switched the body to manual focus, twisted the focus ring a bit, then clicked the shutter button. Yeah! The error code went away and the pop up flash works also.
Hallo.I also have the same probkem but also when I turn on the camera without the lens on. Same error message appears. Can this be a contscts problem again?
Thank you
andrea
Andrea, give a call to Nikon and see what they have to say…the error should not come up without a lens.
I have a Nikon D80 (2yrs old) and has an imagine and symbols when looking thru the viewfinder that won’t go away no matter what reset option i use (on menu, 2 button, or factory reset).
In bottom left I get the B/W, battery meter, and no disk symbols all the time. Page 6 in manual shows all these. I set camera to normal mode (not B/W), I even put a fresh charged battery in, and I have a disk in that I know is formatted and works fine.
I went to the menu and turned “off” the viewfinder warning and it still shows up. Hmmmm, any help besides sending it in.
Oh ya, I can take pics but this image (which flashes red as I press the shutter) makes it hard to see the image thru viewfinder.
Craig, sounds like an electronic problem – I recommend sending your camera to Nikon for repair.
Can you please tell me sir, that the Err message is due to the fault in the camera or the lense?
Looks like having the same problem. Mine are may be a worst. I wasnt used my d80 for a couple of month
But when i on the camera get err blinking…i can using the menu on the screen
..also having a problem with flash button. It wont release the flash.
Then when i tried to viewing pic…it shows a message not contain a folders.
Trying to avoid services to nikon…cost a lot a money i guest….do anyone facing the same problem?
Hello, I would like to share my experience with the “Err” message as well. When I removed the lens, I noticed that the mirror was stuck halfway, so that the viewfinder would display only half of the scene. To solve it, I put the lens back on, turned off the autofocus using the manual switch and pressed the shutter release. It made a weird sound, but after that it was good to go again!
Thanx! You save my day!
That’s the exact same solution that cleared-out the blinking ‘err’ message on my D600.
This solved my issue with a new D750 – I called Nikon and they have to service advisory for my new Nikon serial number. It’s a shame that Nikon can not seen to resolve this issue. I took the battery out, card out, used different battery, card to no success!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The issue was for now resolved finally by switching the auto-focus on the camera body to manual, pushing the shutter release all the way down and the error went away and switched the auto-focus button back to auto on the camera body and all is ok for now.
I know this is an old post, but I just want to say thank you!!! I kept getting the “err” message, it happened after I shot in very cold temperatures and then the camera wouldn’t work. After the panic subsided I found this post and realized that my mirror was also stuck, I used your advice and now it’s working like a charm. Thanks so much!
THANK YOU!!!!!
It worked!!! Thank you very much!!!
Thank you so much for posting this.
I followed your steps and it worked perfectly. I am back shooting with my main camera again.
Thank you
The Err message popped up on my d7000 today. I did everything, changed sd cards, lenses, charged the battery, let it sit, and now cleaned all the contacts like you say. I even get the message when there is no lens attached. The shutter fully clicks still and is not stuck. I called Nikon and they wouldn’t give me any info unless I send it in. Hopefully they cover it, my one year warrenty expired 6 days ago. I’m going to try it again in the morning.
My “Err” message started to show on a D3s after the camera has been at Nikon for cleaning etc.
It happens ONLY for few seconds and just for frame. It only happens when I switch on the Camera (if the Camera has been off for at least 30 min or more)
very odd!
I have a 2 year old Nikon D80, never had any problem w/it until a friend broke my lense recently.
I went to a very respectable camera repair shop and he recommended just replacing the 18 -135 mm lense with an used but practically new lense for the same cost as the repair.
3 weeks later I am getting the flashing err sign for the 1st time.
I am traveling so I can not take the lense to him to look at and all of your suggestions seem to work until I actually push the flash button. Then the err symbol returns!
any thoughts other than returning the lense once I return back to my city (in 2 months)?
thanks Stevens
Any thoughts? I can put my 24-70 on many cameras and stop down and it works fine. I can also use my D300s with any lens stopped down, but if I put the 24-70 on the D300s I get th “err” message. This is the only combo I have an issue with
ive also got 2yr old nikon d90 w/ Err blink. i tried your advises (cleaned cpu/lens contacts, change lens, replaced sdcard and battery) but for naught. when half pressed the Err appears but when the shutter completes, the picture did not register w/ my sdcard. any further recommendations prior to an authorized nikon service center? big tnx.
If there’s an ERR problem even without a lens, problem could be due to poor contact in the switch attached to the gear. The switch works to inform the microprocessor the position of the gear, while the gear actually drives/charges the mirror and shutter. Without signal from the switch, the microprocessor is unable to detect the charging status.
I have fixed some D80s and posted some pictures in this link.
A lot of dismantling so not advisable for first timers
www.clubsnap.com/threa…m.1072407/
David,
I read your post with great interest as I have the Err message even with the lens disconnected from the body. The clubsnap link is there but the pictures and instructions are no longer there. I looked at your Facebook page but did not see any reference there.
Would it be possible to repost them? The value of the camera is less than a repair cost and Nikon repairs have received some less than stellar reviews.
Thank you for considering this request.
my d70 can’t do it.. the err messages always blinked in my lcd :( need more help. I’m from indonesia.. may be know for solutions for this problems. thanks
thanks nasim, looks like my error msg is gone
Hi
I have D80 and i also cleaned the contact but still err still blinking.
when i press shutter button there got a sound like motor is turning.
the mirror stay at top, viewfinder dark.
Pls help.
This is really true. I have tried putting on the lense of my camera and it turned out to be an error, because the sensor was not properly in contact with the cameras sensor. DSLR cameras are really fun to play with. You can have wonderful pictures if you only knew how to set the dials.
I had problem same with my D80, cleaning contacts didn’t help. I took camera in Nikon authorized service, and they fix it. It cost me about 100 euros :(
Hi all i got a problem with my nikon d90 i should trick 2 times on the buttom to capture the picture and even i got an err on the screen and the picture is very nice but with black on the top of the picture i tryied to clean the lens and the camera house but doesent help even reset my camera setting still got the same proble any one can help me what to do thx a lot
its me again i noticed it the mirror in the camera its getting up while taking a picture but not returning down till the secound trick any advice or help how to fix that :)
Can’t thank you enough. I have not used my D90 camera much since I got it (had 2 kids, work full time etc) and I keep it in my case and baby it. I could not believe it when I got the error. After much stress, I found your recommendation, spent the $15 to buy the products and it worked! I am soooooooooooo happy. Thank you for taking the time to help us newbies! :)
Greetings!
If you’ve cleaned the contacts and still have the problem, turn the dial to rapid fire continuous burst mode, point the camera at a bright light and hold down that button till you ramble off a good 500 shots. If it doesn’t want to stay in continuous mode, try taking the lens off paying careful attention too keeping things seriously clean and try again. Now, did it fix the Err error? If so, you have a shutter problem, an issue Nikon is well aware of. Your camera might very well go another 5 years before the error shows up again. If it didn’t stop that error, send it in for repairs.
I tried this with my lens off and it stopped automatically after about 50 shots. I put my lens back on and got a regular reading. Took a shot, it captures my monitor and this page, then it went back to error. There is some merit to this continous shot action. I will research the operation of the shutter and it’s electrical signal, as mentioned by David Hilos, pointed out earlier.
I’ve just mounted my old, but trusty, 28-105mm f3.5-4.5D on my D600 and I get the dreaded “ERR” but only when I shoot at apertures between f8 and f22. I cleaned the contacts on both lens and camera and the error persists. I’ve tested three other lenses: 16-35 f4, 80-200 f2.8 and 50mm f1.4 and they all function fine and all apertures.
The last time I used the 28-105mm it worked fine and I used it indoors. Nowhere near any dust or any other contaminents. I suppose it was time for this old guy to give up. I’ve owned dozens of lenses over my photography life and this is the third lens that’s failed on me: two Canons(one an L lens) and now this Nikkor. Never had any problems with my Pentax MF lenses or any of my LF lenses.
Interestingly, once it fails with the “ERR” after moving to f8 or smaller aperture, if I go back to, say, f5.6 or f3.5, I still get the error. Yet, if I re-start the body and start shooting with the lens at the larger apertures, there’s no error; until I move to f8 or smaller. I don’t think that it’s an aperture blade issue; they look fine. It’s something else; perhaps the contact/s or the contact strip is damaged internally?
I suppose the next question is whether or not this merits fixing. The lens can’t cost more than $200-250 on Ebay. How much will it cost to get this problem fixed? Not worth it!
Having similar problem with my d600 and my 85mm lens. Did you get the problem fixed? Can you tell me what Nikon did? Thanks
WOH!!!!
If you’re a D600 owner, sit down before reading this :-(
While playing around with the aforemetioned 28-105mm f3.5-4.5D I noticed that other lenses were over exposing by TWO STOPS! BUT………the overexposure was only happening at f8 or smaller f-stops! That happens to be the SAME f-stop where the 28-105mm begins throwing the “ERR” message.
Hmmm……..coincidence? I don’t think so.
The lenses that are overexposing: Nikkor 16-35mm F4, 80-200 F2.8 and the 50mm f1.4.
I found this blog “Some Nikon D600 DSLRs Not Closing to the Apertures They’re Supposed To”: petapixel.com/2012/…pposed-to/
Lo and behold, my D600 exhibits this SAME problem! (although the shutter mechamism on mine looks to be intact and not bent). The shutter does not close to the appropriate aperture.
For instance, if I set ANY of the aforementioned lenses to Aperture priority and choose [email protected] they will overexpose as if though I were shooting at [email protected] If I choose, say f4 at x shutter speed, the exposure is DEAD on accurate with all of the lenses; including the one that throws the “ERR” error.
When I press the depth of field button the aperture is NOT f11, but 5.6!!! This tells me that the shutter is off by TWO STOPS!
Am I late to the party and only finding out what others have known about the D600’s shutter issue?
I have two Nikon’s that keep giving me this Err message on it. First I noticed it in my D700, then my D90, which I’ve had for a few years with no problems. I freaked sending my D700 in for repair, spending 300 bucks, just to get it back not fixed. Then the D90 started doing it too, and thought maybe it was my new lens (28-70 2.8). I had the contact lens on it cleaned with an eraser. However that didn’t fix it. Now somebody is saying it could be my card reader that is corrupting both my memory cards. So I used my laptop to read the files, and formatted it. So far it’s ok, but it’s so off and on I don’t know when it could mess up again. I really don’t want to go to Cannon but soooo tempted. Anyone know what could be causing this error????
Deanna, see my post above.
That scared me when i read that there is a shutter issue with Nikon’s. I’ve not had a problem with my D90 until I got my D700 and my new lens.
Hi please to find info on this problem.
This is happening to, I have been using non cpu lens then I thought I get a Af 28-105 mm Nikon.
in auto just find no Err but after trying out A/ s priority I get this Err coming up most of the time.
any Ideas.
thanks for your thoughts
Trevor
Trevor….did you read the comments? I addressed it above.
Lots to understand there but I think I found some thing it’s just the camera say hey you are useing the wrong setting in a nice way :)
as when I stay in the 3.5 to 4.5 I don’t have a issue, saying that the camera will only let me go to 4 and 5
but no Err. that only happens when I go outside what the lens is recommended to be set as .
Can I be right there?
I am having terrible problems with err message on my D200. I have spent three hundred and thirty pounds getting it repaired with Nikon but alas one week after it was returned, the err message reappeared. I have a D70 as well but never experienced any problems. Having read all the postings on the Internet it is obvious that Nikon haven’t a clue how to resolve this problem. You shouldn’t have to go through any procedures to try and solve the problem, i.e. taking battery out etc. The camera should work, they are expensive pieces of equipment. I had three Nikon cameras prior to the digital age and they were much
More reliant. I am sick of Nikon at this stage. Just couldn’t afford to change all my lenses etc.
Pat
Thank you! I was freaking out, and now everything is fine. It worked perfectly! The step by step instructions and great photos were extremely helpful!
Ty
I also am having overexposure issues with the Nikon D600. An error message occurs. The resulting image is overexposed by two to three stops. This has occurred with several lenses. It does not appear to occur with my 24-120mm VRII lens. The f-stop does not seem to matter. The problem does not appear to occur in the P mode. It does occur in all the other modes I have tried. Recently, this error message has occurred with my new 16-35mm VRII Nikon lens. Clearly, the camera is the problem.
It should be noted my D600 has never been dropped or damaged. I did rent a D600 for a recent trip, and the same problem occurred with my new Nikon 70-200mm f4 lens.
I am shipping my camera back to Nikon for repairs or replacement. Clearly, I am NOT the only one with this problem.
Mike
HI Nasim Mansurov,
Off late when i see through my view finder i spot kind of dirt , tiny thread kind of stuff.
Cleaned my lens but it did not remove those things.
Should i un mount the lens and clean the sensor/mirror or guide me what should i do for the same.
My Nikon D7000 is 3 months old and 15oo clicks. Suddenly I saw Error message was popping up :-(. Couldn’t see anything from viewfinder and from LCD display. Changing lens didn’t help and I didn’t clean anything. Just pressed shutter release button and it started working. I was worried but now my worry is when it(THE ERROR) will be back????
Hi!
Don’t forget to format memory card!
If you use memory card reader you can expect sometimes that you got no err. message on D90, but display will blinking with status of battery, and you can not make shot. What to? Format your card and error will disappear!
Just got back from an assignment in Mongolia! The cold was rather challenging at times, and after spending 10min outside in –15C I noticed a number of blank (black) frames when shooting. All sound and operation was normal, but the image was just black.
The top LCD also displayed ‘ERR’ (error). I suspect either the contacts between the lens, the aperture leaver on the mount or the aperture blades on the lens (Sigma 70-200). A little later the D300 I also used (with the Nikon 17-55) also had this problem. Switching the camera off and on again, seemed to fix it, but only temporarily. Rather annoying, but not sure about the solution. Didnt work for me initially, so I suspect that it may have something to do with the cold, as I had some problem in -25C before, where the mirror didnt return down, unless I took the camera into the warm for 5min or so…
Both cameras work fine now, but I had this problem intermittently for the rest of the day (affecting about 10% of the pictures). Just thought I mention it to you, in case you know a remedy or cause. And perhaps to let you know in case you never heard about it.
I cleaned the lens and body, no luck, removed battery swapped lens, no luck, tock out the memory cards and it worked? Maybe it was a combination of all the above, so wanted to say thanks.
Thank you legend!
I am in Bangalore, India. Couple of months back I got this error in my D7000, a 3 yrs old camera. When I took it to nikon service center they said that the ‘Mirror Unit’ had to be replaced. I did it. Now after a couple of months the same error appears and the service center is suggesting that the Shutter unit has to be replaced. I don’t know whether these people are properly identifying the issue.
When the ERR appeared the first time I tried with different lenses though. It did not help. I did not know about the cleaning the camera-lens contacts technique.
Thanks for the advice. I have a friend who is having this issue. Will keep you posted how this works for us!
I have a Nikon D7000 and was taking images when I decided to switch to lv live view. The camera has become frozen and displays an Err message. It sounds like the shutter is working but no images. I turned the power on and off, took the battery out and back, changed lenses and nothing seems to help. Any ideas?
what you did after that i am having same problem
This is exactly what is happening with my camera. I was in LV mode taking some video and switched out of it to take still photos by clicking the LV button on my D7100, but something didn’t work. Started getting the Err message and everything stopped. The shutter makes a noise, but it sounds like the camera is still in LV mode from the sound of it, even though the camera buttons now don’t work, the flash won’t work, the view finder just shows black when trying to take any picture. Nothing works except the sound of the shutter still sounds like it is in live mode.
What did you do to fix this problem?
I solved my problem with the err message at smaller apertures. It
Turns out the aperture control lever was slightly bent. I had looked at it before but was looking from wrong angle. I gently bent it back with my hand and it works perfectly. This Nikon link helped me out.
Just found this thread and it really helped me! My problem was I took my Nikon D200 out of its case after not using it for several years. Needed to use it for a wedding photo booth. Put on the 50mm, set in manual and everything fine. Then went to test it again with the remote shutter release and Fee error message. Frustrated looked on google and found you! Cleaned the contacts as you said on both lens and camera. Still Fee error code. Changed the lens and bingo! Everything is working! So, the 50mm is the problem not the camera .
Thank you for the help !
Thank you for the tip. I was starting to get really annoyed that my rather expensive camera was giving me this error constantly. I cleaned everything as described in your article above – I’m hopeful this will do the trick. We’ll see if it works.
Good day all.
I got this error on my LCD screen today. I had a 55-300mm lens which I had not used for a long time..Today afternoon, I thought I would just click a few shots with it. After I was done, I connected my 300mm F4 AF-s and got this error when started camera. I cleaned contacts as suggested on both the lens and camera but the error is still there.
Also, even if I dont attach the lens it still shows the error. I tried with taking out batteries, cards etc.. tried putting 35mm 1.8g lens but same error..
It does not appear to be a lens issue to me as I tried 3 different lenses.. looks like a worst nightmare…
really getting worried now as a visit to Nikon service center would mean a big hole in pocket.. Honestly did not expect such things to happen to such expensive devices.. :(
WOW! just the solution i was looking for. Thank you so much!
Thanks mate, worked great!
This worked a treat for me too! *Be advised, my camera (D610) still read ERR until I hit the shutter release / auto focus button (auto focus is best moved to the AE/AF button imho). I heard and felt something ‘click’ and the ERR message disappeared.
Thanks, dude.
I have focus problems on D750 with Tokina lens, the focus just don’t kicks in sometimes :(
I’m thankful for this tip! It saved the day and saved at least hundreds of dollars in unneeded repairs that I was expecting. Thank you!!
this is same error which come for D-610. solution given work. you need to use cleaning liquid.
I had this with my D600 when a SD-Card went bad. It was odd, Kingston replaced it and cards have been fine for 2+ years.
Hi Nasim,
Great Articles, very helpful.
I need ur advise to buy a lens. I’m planning to climb Everest and I’m using Nikon D300s with 70-300mm/ 18-105mm and 105mm (Macro). but I’m thinking to buy Nikkor 14-24mm or 16-35mm (Wide angle) for landscape pics. Would appreciate if you can suggest me what kind of lens that I should buy since I’m unable to carry them all. and I believe that I don’t have any wide angle lens.
Best Regards
Nuwan
I’ve got the ‘Err’ in could (zero Celsius) when spare non-original battery lost voltage. Never with original.
A few months ago my D600 started showing Err after each shot I took with AF lenses (not happened on MF lenses). Half the time it went away when I changed the lens but it came back again after I changed lens. I had to turn off and camera and on each time to get rid of the Err although I could continue to shoot ignoring the Err message.
I tried cleaning the contacts but to avail.
Then one day I tried shooting a scene testing different apertures and found that when Err is shown, the aperture remains the smallest regardless of my setting. I unmounted the lens, pushed the lever inside the camera that controls the shutter to where it should be, replaced the lens. My Err trouble was gone.
I guess this issue stemmed from my bad habit of not turning the camera off before I removed the lens.
Dear,
I have Nikon D90 and 14-24mm lens separately when I was just checking the ISO setting the error comes and remain even after cleaning the lens and camera contact but the problem persist.
Please suggest?
Qasim Raza
D1x – Err problem was metering selection:
I recently pulled my D1x out of storage for my daughter to get started with digital photography. Not too long after I started testing, the screen occasionally showed a blinking Err. My D1x had never before had this problem, and after some research (this page) I was busy cleaning the contacts on the camera and lens. No improvement. What was strange was that the problem was intermittent. This took a while to discover the problem and solution.
The problem and solution was the Metering selection. I had always used older, AI manual focus lenses, with the metering set to center-weighted. For testing, I had changed it to color matrix, and with that change, the problems started. Once I changed back to center weight, the Err problems stopped. Most likely only a problem with the D1x, but could be an issue with others as well.
BTW, it is an older model, but using RAW format and Capture NX-D set to 10MP the photos are pretty good.
SSSAAAAHHHH–WWWWWWEEEEEEET!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! Maan, I was borderline panicked, when I “Start Page” searched the web. Your site was the first of what I thought was going to be a full-on, mechanic’s course, for my Nikon D-80.
I read through your post, here, and found that there was pretty much, only, one solution… That is to clean the contacts on the camera and lens(es.)
I cleaned the camera first and then my lenses. Plunked my first one on… BINGO!! She worked. Next… BINGO!! Third? Yep… BINGO!! Wow!! I cannot begin to express just HOW relieved that I am, for having my camera back up and running. : D : D Also as to how GREATFUL that I am, for you posting this thread. Awesomely sweet!!
I am in the middle of a science experiment (that simply is impossible to halt, stop or even pause) with my grandchildren and I got the “dot” “ISO” “err” message. The “dot” would flash only when I tried to press the shutter button. It would ALSO flash WITH the “err” message. The “dot” is located directly LEFT of the “ISO” and the “err” is directly to the RIGHT of the “ISO.” Anyway… long story short, I THOUGHT that I was dead in the water and was not going to be able to record our project as it progresses, over the next day, maybe two.
Not so!! Your “cleaning” suggestions AND the pictures that indicate where everything is located. Brilliant!!
Thank you SO much, for the help that you have lent. May she come back around 10-fold. : D
I had this problem 4 days before a wedding gig. I read all the testimonies here and tried all the mentioned tips but none of them work. I even downloaded the current firmware and still no luck. I learned that the error only happens when I get pass f1.4 so I suspected that maybe the mechanism to adjust my aperture was stuck. So I removed my lens from the camera (Nikon D600), on the left side of the camera was a spring loadef metal lever. I gently pulled it down and broke free. I emmidiately felt hope coming back to me. I put the lens back on and fired away with different apwrture settings and the problem went away. After a couple of minutes the problem came back so I opened it again and get it unstuck; problem went away and I shot the whole wedding without a problem. I changed lens countless times and even did free lensing and no more ERROR.
I hope this helps because I know how it’s like to have an awesome camera and not work specially if you have an assignment coming up.
i have a nikond7000 and my camera says err
wont take pics and even tho its on its dark wen u look thru the view finder
i was using it and it just made weird noise and not working now…any thing u thing might work?
thank you almost sent to nikon for repair…
I really thank you so much. I just cleaned the contacts and everything works fine. You spared me a long journey to the service center and some money, too, so thank you once again, really!
hey Nasim , I just bought a Meike MK-DR750 for my Nikon d750. After using it for a day , my camera wont actually shot (mirror just locked itself up) and say ‘Err’ on the top screen. But when i deattach it , it solve the problem. I’ve tried to clean the sensors while my Battery Grip is attached , but it wont work.
So can you solve this error? So I can use my battery grip again.
Thankyou so much
I have exactly the same problem D750 and Meike battery grip. Mount it and get ERR dismount and all good. Please help.
Received my D750 yesterday. Set it up this morning, and I keep getting Err when shooting on Ch. The Err only occurs when the battery grip is attached. I have the Nikon MB-D16 grip. I’ve spoken to Nikon twice today and they don’t seem to know anything of the issue and told me I should call where I bought the camera. However, they are also sending me info to send camera in as it is still under warranty.
Guys, I would recommend to clean the camera contacts on the bottom of the camera that actually connect to your battery grip. That might solve the problem!
Hi! We have nikon D5300, bought it 2 years ago.. it is working fine but then yesterday the Lcd live view panel is not displaying and theres an err appeared ..i tried to clean the lenses..removed the battery which was fully charged and the new memory card..but still the err sign still there.. we have tried another lens but still it ddnt wrked.LCD dsplay panel still not working..
SO grateful to you!!!!
Dude. I can’t thank you enough for posting this article. You’ve just saved my photoshoot! THANK YOU.
That’s what our site is all about, thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment!
I did all the above but still got the Err (Flashes) message. My D810 has done this twice so far and according to the manual (page 468) if you depress the shutter all the way it will clear and it does (so far). Contacted service and they said if this keeps happening to send it in but that I should be OK. I am going to watch it real close. Mine is only 4 months old and I will return for service before the warranty runs out if this keeps up.
This has been happening on my D750 off and on. Sometimes I change memory cards or lenses, and sometimes just being in my camera bag. I can never isolate to a particular action for a cause and effect.
But what I stumbled on was another quick fix. If the mirror locks up and ‘err’ displays that you can’t clear. Try to set the release mode to Mup (Mirror Up) mode. Turn off and turn back on the camera and the mirror will release and back to shooting.
I called Nikon, they want me to send in the camera at my own expense, even while my camera is under warranty. But it seems a broader Nikon wide issue.
I am having the err problem with my Nikon D 750. The first picture the day I get a blinking err message in the top display. This only happens a shutter speeds of 2000 or higher. The picture takes, but the shutter locks up. Pressing the shutter button a second time clears everything and then the camera works fine at all shutter speeds. If the camera is not used for a period of time (hours) the err message occurs again at the higher shutter speeds. Is this probably something that needs to be addressed before the err occurs more frequently or the camera totally crashes. The camera is out of warranty & does not appear to be covered by a recall at this time.
Hey, I use of a Nikon D7100 and every time my shutter speed is between 1/5000 – 1/8000. the shutter freezes mid way & displays an err message. the problem is fixed when i press the shutter again. but this issue is happening everytime. what would be the problem?
Same problem here
Hi my d7000 has stopped working in all automatic modes getting the err message it works in manual without a problem any suggestions what it could be
Hi Nasim,
I got the Err message when I changed the battery before turning my D7200 off. What do you think is the camera damaged?
A faulty battery can cause the Err message on my D600 too. Was shooting the eclipse when the pic review showed corrupted image and the Err. Tried power cycle and swapped lens to no avail. Swapped in another fresh battery and no more issue. Looks like the battery was old. Has Nikon login and hologram but unsure if genuine.
Hi Nasim,
I’m hoping you can help me with a Nikon d80 err error message. I did the lens contact point cleaning, tried the memory card and battery tricks and nothing changed. What do you suggest? Trying to replace the aperture switch screw? I do hear a tiny something rattling around inside the camera body. Please recommend. Thanks!
Take care,
Gina
What has seemed to resolve the problem with a Sigma AF-MF Telephoto Zoom Lens, 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 DG MACRO is I first need to manually lock the lens aperture ring to f22 and the lens then works without any errors adjusting the aperture internally without use of it’s aperture ring. Some sort of incompatibility that exists between some perhaps old lenses and DSLR’s, as the problem with Sigma and other brand lenses has occurred with other Nikons and other brands DSLRs such as Canon, etc. These incompatibilities if not a fault with the lens or camera is likely due from aftermarket lens manufactures guessing the internal workings of a DSLR before actual technical details of a camera are available.
Anyway first try locking the lens to a min. aperture to see if there’s a problem or incompatibility with the lens aperture ring and DSLR. Solution worked for my Nikon D80 and a Sigma lens that kept producing an fEE error.
Just wanted to add that I had the dreaded fEE error with a Nikon D80 that works perfectly with my other lenses including another Sigma.
What has seemed to resolve the problem with a Sigma AF-MF Telephoto Zoom Lens, 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 DG MACRO is I first need to manually lock the lens aperture ring to f22 and the lens then works without any errors adjusting the aperture internally without use of it’s aperture ring. Some sort of incompatibility that exists between some perhaps old lenses and DSLR’s, as the problem with Sigma and other brand lenses has occurred with other Nikons and other brands DSLRs such as Canon, etc. These incompatibilities if not a fault with the lens or camera is likely due from aftermarket lens manufactures guessing the internal workings of a DSLR before actual technical details of a camera are available.
Anyway first try locking the lens to a min. aperture to see if there’s a problem or incompatibility with the lens aperture ring and DSLR. Solution worked for my Nikon D80 and a Sigma lens that kept producing an fEE error.
Have had a D200 for 10 years without problems. Now when I take it outside in the Russian winter and press the shutter button I get the ERR or error message when the mirror flips up and stays up. Only after pressing the shutter button again does the mirror come down again and error message disappear.
No image is taken.
Can anyone shed some light on the problem?
Helo
The exposure-count displays in the control panel and viewfinder show the number of photographs that can be taken at current settings. When this number reaches zero, A will flash in the exposure-count displays while the shutter-speed displays will show a blinking FULL OR FUL. what i donig? nikon 700
I have nikon d90. The viewfinder and the pictures that I took looked darker than normal. Every time I removed and reinstalled the lens, its viewfinder and the first shot was fine as normal, bright and clear, but after that FIRST shot, the viewfinder turned to dim again and any shots after that turned to darker than normal again. I have to remove and reinstall the lens again for the viewfinder and FIRST shot look good. Please help.
Finally, I fixed my Nikon D50 err issue with great ease. Its been out of commission for a couple of years with this error. So as to the fix, first I removed the lens and held the mirror up. The shutter looked okay, but as a last chance prior to buying a new camera, I gently pushed sideways on one of the screws in an attempt to open/close it. The shutter easily moved immediately, just slightly. I didn’t force anything or actually try to open it. This slight movement suggests it was stuck in a ‘hard closed’ mode for some reason. I put the lens on and now it takes pictures just like new. My daughter is going to be mad as she is dreaming of a new DSLR to take on vacation tomorrow.
Prior to that I tried to drop oil on the shaft as someone else suggested, with no improvement.
the err msg came to mine nikond600 with nikon lens50mm f1.4 i switch off and on released the button and start shoot the problem came again at f2.8 when i shoot potrait i changed to f3.5 and the camera works perfect but when i do some shoots again at f2.8 again err came i do same and camera works again
last year u was changed the shutter any idea why at most at f2.8 shoot came the err
Dear Nasim,
My camera has a blinking Err on top lcd when i shoot anything over than 1/3000 second, any ideas what this might be? I tried changing batteried, two lenses, two different sd cards. It is a D800
Thank you
Vlad
A quick note. Before cleaning, try these:
-Sometimes this is fixed just by turning it off and back on.
-If the message is still appearing, try to take a couple of quick, out of focus shots and it’ll probably go back to normal.
-This happens a lot with tethered capture, so unplug everything connecting the camera, shut down the program you’re using, and restart.
The one we have at work locks up every 50 or so pictures and requires this constantly. I’d still recommend cleaning once a month because after a while it will refuse to work.