Issues with my f-stop on Nikon D80 with AF Nikkor lens

[lerabu]

Hi all!

I just recently got into digital photography and have read myriads of articles and tutorials and so on and the time has finally come the time to get to grips with it!

I inherited a Nikon F601 from my grandfather with a Nikkor AF 35-70mm 1:3.3-4.5 lens. I went first with film bu soon found out it would be an expensive learning curve so I sold off some stuff and stashed some money aside and have now purchased a Nikon D80 body, which though some may think obsolete, is really wonderous for my first step into Digital Photography.

So I am experimenting as one would with Aperture priority and Shutter priority modes. "P" mode is really nice on the go but I really love getting into technicalities and trying new stuff, experimenting and understanding the underlying mechanics of each shot I make.

So, onto the real issue. The lens I am using has a ring the sets the aperture of the iris in it (f-stop). The number from 22 (smallest opening) to 3.3 (biggest opening). The lens works perfectly when the f-stop is set to 22 (smallest opening). My problem is that when I set the camera to Aperture priority I can set the f-number on the camera to whatever I want but as soon as I modify the iris opening by turning the ring of the lens the camera goes bonkers and shows "fEE" - an f-stop error as I understand it. Modifiying the aperture with the lens' ring should allow me to modify the amount of depth of field I am getting but it throws the camera into error. I had the same problem with my F601, so there is either something wrong with the bodies, lens or maybe I am not understanding something. Is there a setting I have to modify on the camera in order for it to work with these bigger iris opening (smaller f-stops)?

Thank you in advance for any replies! I will upload pictures if needed.

[Almond.Butterscotch]

If I understand how [lenses with aperture rings] work with [cameras compatible with G lenses], you're supposed to leave the ring at the smallest aperture (f/22 in your case) and the camera'll take care of the rest when you set it in-camera.

[Almond.Butterscotch]

(I could very easily be wrong.)

[lerabu]

Hi!

Thanks for the answer! That is what I was guessing at too but I wasn't sure if the CPU could actually compensate for a real physical pehnomenon such as the aperture size. I am really unsure

If someone could confirm Almond's post or if you have the answer please do post

Thanks!

[Nicole]

The camera takes care of it and adjusts the lens' aperture. It's not the CPU compensating, the camera actually changes the aperture mechanically. For example, Nikon's G lenses don't have an aperture ring and the aperture is entirely controlled by the camera.

[lerabu]

Thanks for the answer Nicole I was really afraid the lens wasn't working properly

Feeling better already!