D200 "Err" message fix

[harrysixtie7]

A little known, but unfortunately common error in the Nikon D200 causing "ERR" to appear on the camera plagued me this weekend. Friday while preparing to shoot a rehearsal dinner/party I get this annoying little message on my screen, while switching to a Sigma lens.

It seemed impossible that my D200, that I had owned less than a week, could be letting me down like this. Everything seemed perfectly fine, but the screen flashed ERR continuously. Not having time to mess with it, I was able to borrow a D90 for the rehearsal, so all was not lost, but it was not until the next morning that I started messing with my D200 again.

After resetting the camera and removing the batteries a countless number of times to no avail, I removed the lens, turned the camera on, and took a shot. To my amazement the brisk click of the D200 mirror and shutter slamming down became the most amazing sound to my ears. I checked the rear screen and sure enough a solid white exposure lay in front of me, and my precious camera was back to normal.

Overall I learned an invaluable trick to fix a D200, and had my first hands on with the very impressive D90.

So in retrospect, if you get an ERR message on the D200, remove the lens, cover the mount opening with your hand, and fire a shot. If you are lucky, your day will be saved.

Harrison

You sure the aperture ring wasn't in the wrong place?

[harrysixtie7]

Yeah I checked that, it wouldnt work in Manual either. Also tried 4 different lenses

Originally Posted by harrysixtie7

Yeah I checked that, it wouldnt work in Manual either. Also tried 4 different lenses

Sounds as if you had a dirty spot on the electrical connection on the body between the lens and body.

[harrysixtie7]

I guess, not really sure what happened. It was just odd to me that taking an exposure without the lens cured it.

[candleman]

we'll maybe it was simply the removal of the lens, not the shutter/mirror action

last weekend, whilst on a portrait shoot, i randomly had an "F--" appear and it refused to do anything.
i vaugley recalled bumping the side of the lens when messing with my flash.. the same side as the lens unlocking button.

i just unlocked the lens, turned it a bit as if to remove it, clicked it back in place and she was fine.
( i was at a playground so flying dirt and open cameras dont mix too well)

chances are what you did was bump the "lock.unlock" button for detaching the lens, the lens wasnt properly connected anymore thus it refused to fire.

just a thought..

[kirbinster]

I have had this with my D300 but only when using my Sigma 24-70 EX macro lens. The lens has an aperture ring, and if it moves off of the highest aperture that will happen. Coincidently I just found a little switch on the lens yesterday that will let me lock the ring so this does not happen anymore.

[Frank B]

Thanks for the tip. It fixed in an instant my D200 too. I had already lost all hope after tryin everything I could of, then I saw your message.

[ravncat]

Nikon bodies have some problems with that - it's a relative of dead battery syndrom, tends to be triggered by third party lenses - doesn't always happen though. Updating to the latest firmware for the body is generally important - alot of times removing the lens will help, but its a pain in the but to have to do multiple times if it shows up.

[SwissJon]

Happens to me regularly.. Always with the lenses with an Aperture ring, and always when the ring is turned away from the "orange" setting, usually it's because I turned it while putting the camera away. Locking the ring into placewith the little switch is helpful. The lens needs to be set at the smallest aperture so that the blade lever can touch thecamera motor, and let the camera move the aperture blades. The unhelpful "Err" message goes away when I put the ring back to where it should be.. Happens on my older Non-G Nikon lenses, as well as the 3rd party lenses.

You would have thought, with the LCD on the back, they could have come up with a more helpful message like "Check the lens seating and aperture ring".. Nikon.. Are you listening?