Since a while my D300 every now and then has the dreaded "delta F0 error". I can still keep on taking photos, but only in manual and with maximum aperture. The camera doesn't recognize the lens any more, does not auto focus, and can not set the aperture. Metering appears as if it's working, but any shot without compensation will be virtually black.
There are many posts on many forums on this problem, but so far I have not found a single one that accurately defines the underlying cause or can provide a solution. Some suggestions were that the contacts of lens and camera are dirty or not well lined up, that third-party lenses are a particular problem, or that the 70-200 is a particular problem. None of these seem to be true, as cleaning the contacts does not solve the issue, and it happens with both Nikkors and third-party lenses.
The frequency of this happening seems to be increasing, and when it does happen, it's extremely annoying to say the least. Does anyone have similar issues, and does anyone have an idea on the true cause? And -most importantly- what would be the solution?? I purchased this camera a while ago, and warranty has expired...
Thanks so much in advance for your replies.
Henri
Posted by Luke Ormand on October 12, 2009 at 10:06 AM
I'd send the body into Nikon and have them assess the problem. If you can only take photos at maximum aperture and there is no autofocus, metering, etc. there is a problem with the contacts. If the problem happens with multiple lenses, it is a problem with the contacts on the body, not the lenses. They may need to be replaced - but that will certainly be cheaper than replacing the whole camera.
You responded to my best guess Henri- lens contacts- as it's a sure sign that the body and lenses aren't talking. We've experienced no similar problems with out D300's.
I'd go to the Nikon site and email their tech department with your question. If there's a fix, they should be able to provide it. I'm sure you're not the only one they've heard from. I would be prepared to ship it off to them. They've got a formal procedure for evaluating the camera, responding back to you with the results of their assessment and the cost (if any) of repairs. At that point they ask you whether you want to pay for the repairs or have the camera returned to you unrepaired. I have no idea of the cost or whether they would charge, but between asking them, then if necessary, sending back the camera, you'll find the solution.
Wish I could identify a "home" fix for you. Anyone else?
Posted by Nat Coalson on October 12, 2009 at 10:18 AM
During a workshop a student of mine had this problem, with the D700... the lens wasn't fully seated onto the body. Might sound painfully obvious, but before you send it in for repairs, first try turning the lens until it "clicks" onto the body. Some lenses are much tighter than others...
I had to have a D70 fixed by Nikon-- sent it back, It takes them awhile to "get to your camera" but there was no charge, and the camera worked well for some time-- It still works, but is not my primary camera now-- I was satisfied with Nikon service, so I would suggest -- try it if the lens seating does not work
Jennnn
Posted by Peter Langman on October 12, 2009 at 12:36 PM
I know with the canon body and lens with the lens to body error you can clean the contacts by using a pencil erraser (rubber) it works with the canons and is a fix they will tell you to try (Canon that is)
Thanks so much for your replies. It seems I will have to contact Nikon about this, and maybe send in my camera to their repair guys... It's not an issue of the lens not clicking in. Cleaning the contacts with a pencil eraser doesn't solve the problem either. Actually, I can hardly imagine that it really has anything to do with the actual contacts themselves, as quite a number of people have reported similar issues, and the camera may start responding again just as sudden as it stopped working- withour any obvious trigger...
I think that's a good decision Henri. Nikon's repair folks have always been very helpful, fast, and fair in their pricing, should there be a charge. I'm sure their workload varies, but in the few instances I've needed repairs I received an assessment and fee quote within hours of when I estimate they received the gear. In the case of a D2X I had repaired last spring, they not only repaired the damage, but also thoroughly cleaned the camera and sensor and installed the latest firmware at no extra charge.
Start at the Nikon site and follow their instructions. I'm hoping you will be as impressed as I have been.
Discussion
7 repliesSince a while my D300 every now and then has the dreaded "delta F0 error". I can still keep on taking photos, but only in manual and with maximum aperture. The camera doesn't recognize the lens any more, does not auto focus, and can not set the aperture. Metering appears as if it's working, but any shot without compensation will be virtually black.
There are many posts on many forums on this problem, but so far I have not found a single one that accurately defines the underlying cause or can provide a solution. Some suggestions were that the contacts of lens and camera are dirty or not well lined up, that third-party lenses are a particular problem, or that the 70-200 is a particular problem. None of these seem to be true, as cleaning the contacts does not solve the issue, and it happens with both Nikkors and third-party lenses.
The frequency of this happening seems to be increasing, and when it does happen, it's extremely annoying to say the least. Does anyone have similar issues, and does anyone have an idea on the true cause? And -most importantly- what would be the solution?? I purchased this camera a while ago, and warranty has expired...
Thanks so much in advance for your replies.
Henri
- Luke
I'd go to the Nikon site and email their tech department with your question. If there's a fix, they should be able to provide it. I'm sure you're not the only one they've heard from. I would be prepared to ship it off to them. They've got a formal procedure for evaluating the camera, responding back to you with the results of their assessment and the cost (if any) of repairs. At that point they ask you whether you want to pay for the repairs or have the camera returned to you unrepaired. I have no idea of the cost or whether they would charge, but between asking them, then if necessary, sending back the camera, you'll find the solution.
Wish I could identify a "home" fix for you. Anyone else?
Jennnn
Thanks so much for your replies. It seems I will have to contact Nikon about this, and maybe send in my camera to their repair guys... It's not an issue of the lens not clicking in. Cleaning the contacts with a pencil eraser doesn't solve the problem either. Actually, I can hardly imagine that it really has anything to do with the actual contacts themselves, as quite a number of people have reported similar issues, and the camera may start responding again just as sudden as it stopped working- withour any obvious trigger...
Start at the Nikon site and follow their instructions. I'm hoping you will be as impressed as I have been.