Nikon N90 with Err problem

infrar3d · Apr 20, 2024

I recently bought an N90, and it has a strange Err issue. If I take a shot with a shutter speed below 1/500, the camera displays "Err." The only way to clear the Err message and get things back to normal is to force it to take a shot with a shutter speed of 1/500 or faster. Turning the camera off, or removing the batteries will not clear it.

The camera still seems to work fine even while displaying the Err message, but I can't see the shutter speed - which makes Shutter-priority mode useless. Aperture-priority and Program mode both still seem to work, just without the shutter speed displayed. I can also set Manual mode to Bulb when the display is working, and that will still work even with the Err message.

I've done some searching online, but I haven't found anything about this particular Err problem. Has anyone ever seen this? Is there a fix? Should I embrace it as an overweight point and shoot?

250swb · Apr 21, 2024

It could be many things although most would stop you making an exposure at all. But faulty lens, lens not set to minimum aperture, DX conflict, etc. You can download a manual for free which will give a list of Err issues. You could also try a camera reset to clear any Custom menu's of previous owners.

Daniela · Apr 21, 2024

Look at page 143 on this manual. It talks about an error reading DX codes, although I don't know what the connection would be to shooting at certain speeds...

infrar3d · Apr 21, 2024

Thanks. I didn't know about the reset. I just tried it, and no change. I've tried a few different AF lenses, even some AI-S lenses, and also cleaned the contacts in the camera - still no change.

It's just the Err code blinking, not DX and ISO. A good thought, but I have the ISO set manually.

reddesert · Apr 21, 2024

Did you try absolutely fresh new batteries? Sometimes if the batteries are a little low, the camera will behave oddly during moments of higher battery drain, which includes (AFAIK) when the shutter is open, winding, or rewinding.

infrar3d · Apr 22, 2024

I did. Both alkaline and rechargeable. Same result.

gaizkabas · Jun 20, 2024

hey, did you find a solution? i bought an n90 a couple years ago, and the err code pops up when i take a picture on low shutter speeds after leaving the camera on idle for a while. definitely not the lens as it happens also without them.

Tom Taylor · Jun 20, 2024

On the Pentax 67II that error message means the contacts are dirty.

gaizkabas · Jun 20, 2024

Tom Taylor said:
On the Pentax 67II that error message means the contacts are dirty.

ive tried wiping the contacts (both the lens and the body ones) with a microfiber cloth many times, but the error still appears, even when firing the shutter with no lens attached.

reddesert · Jun 20, 2024

Did you try really fresh batteries? And cleaning the battery contacts (not the lens contacts). Happening on low shutter speeds after leaving the camera for a while could mean the batteries are on the edge of what the camera needs. As I suggested above, the current drain is higher when the shutter is open than when it is sitting.

gaizkabas · Jun 20, 2024

reddesert said:
Did you try really fresh batteries? And cleaning the battery contacts (not the lens contacts). Happening on low shutter speeds after leaving the camera for a while could mean the batteries are on the edge of what the camera needs. As I suggested above, the current drain is higher when the shutter is open than when it is sitting.

it could be, but if i recall right the err has also appeared with fresh batteries. i've tried cleaning the contacts too, but theyre pretty clean. i'm going to shoot a couple rolls with it, see how it behaves and maybe depending on how they turn out i'll get it checked out at some repair shop.

250swb · Jun 21, 2024

infrar3d said:
I recently bought an N90, and it has a strange Err issue. If I take a shot with a shutter speed below 1/500, the camera displays "Err." The only way to clear the Err message and get things back to normal is to force it to take a shot with a shutter speed of 1/500 or faster. Turning the camera off, or removing the batteries will not clear it.

The camera still seems to work fine even while displaying the Err message, but I can't see the shutter speed - which makes Shutter-priority mode useless. Aperture-priority and Program mode both still seem to work, just without the shutter speed displayed. I can also set Manual mode to Bulb when the display is working, and that will still work even with the Err message.

I've done some searching online, but I haven't found anything about this particular Err problem. Has anyone ever seen this? Is there a fix? Should I embrace it as an overweight point and shoot?

I'm at risk of stating the obvious but if your lens has an aperture ring is it set and locked to the smallest aperture, say f/22?

MFstooges · Jun 22, 2024

gaizkabas said:
it could be, but if i recall right the err has also appeared with fresh batteries. i've tried cleaning the contacts too, but theyre pretty clean. i'm going to shoot a couple rolls with it, see how it behaves and maybe depending on how they turn out i'll get it checked out at some repair shop.

Try turning off auto ISO and set manually. Just to see if it's related to DX code.

gaizkabas · Jun 22, 2024

MFstooges said:
Try turning off auto ISO and set manually. Just to see if it's related to DX code.

i have also tried that unfortunately. i think i'll get it checked out and if the repair is too expensive i'll sell it for pieces and use my other cameras until i get a new one

MFstooges · Jun 23, 2024

gaizkabas said:
i have also tried that unfortunately. i think i'll get it checked out and if the repair is too expensive i'll sell it for pieces and use my other cameras until i get a new one

Or play with button combinations or pull the battery while camera is on. I had the N90S and it was pretty durable until I accidentally drop my backpack with the camera inside.
Good thing is that the used one are unbelievably cheap.

RalphLambrecht · Jun 23, 2024

infrar3d said:
I recently bought an N90, and it has a strange Err issue. If I take a shot with a shutter speed below 1/500, the camera displays "Err." The only way to clear the Err message and get things back to normal is to force it to take a shot with a shutter speed of 1/500 or faster. Turning the camera off, or removing the batteries will not clear it.

The camera still seems to work fine even while displaying the Err message, but I can't see the shutter speed - which makes Shutter-priority mode useless. Aperture-priority and Program mode both still seem to work, just without the shutter speed displayed. I can also set Manual mode to Bulb when the display is working, and that will still work even with the Err message.

I've done some searching online, but I haven't found anything about this particular Err problem. Has anyone ever seen this? Is there a fix? Should I embrace it as an overweight point and shoot?

the only two times this happened to me were when I forgot to insert a memory card or when the lens was not set to the minimum aperture and the lock switch was not activated.

Nikon N90 with Err problem

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