Camera won't take anymore pictures...

Kilo · September 14, 2007

I don't know where this topic is suppose to go, but I gave up and put it in here.

I never had any camera problems... until I started taking pictures of my aquarium. It didn't act up the first time I took pictures of my fish and tank, but the last time and tonight it acted up—especially tonight. All it does is lock up immediately after I press down on the shutter-release button; then it says Error [Err]; then I have to turn it off and turn it back on so it will be ready to take pictures again, but it keeps locking up anyway. Or if I rather wait until the flashing error goes away on its own, then it's supposedly ready to take pictures again, but of course no matter what, it still locks up. Surely the aquarium isn't the reason why it messed up my camera. Guess this is gonna cost a couple hundred to fix it. If so, forget it. I won't buy another SLR again, for the warranty had just expired.

&

Thanks!

wxwax · September 14, 2007

We need a lot more info!

What camera?
What lens?
Flash?
Camera settings (all of them?)
Distance from lens to tank?
Can we see an example of a successful photo of the fish?

Kilo · September 14, 2007

wxwax wrote:

We need a lot more info!

What camera?
What lens?
Flash?
Camera settings (all of them?)
Distance from lens to tank?
Can we see an example of a successful photo of the fish?

It's a Nikon D50. It's a hair over a year old. Didn't take a tremendous amount of pictures. Probably a couple hundred (if that) since I bought it. Distance from lens to tank... just about right up to the glass. And no, no water got on my camera. To tell you every bit of the camera's settings would be a lot of typing—then again, I have no clue what's set to what. The lens is a Sigma and the flash is the built in kind—the flip-up.

My last shots of the aquarium are here in this thread toward the bottom... http://dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=70557

I'm looking at all the settings now, and see how I'm gonna type it all in here and quick.

Thanks!

Kilo · September 14, 2007

However, I do usually have it set on the green auto setting on the dial—but to go into how everything is set in the Menu, would take awhile to tell ya.

Giphsub · September 14, 2007

I had this happen once, only to sheepishly realize the lens had unlocked from the auto/default f-stop position. Might be completely unrelated, but check that the lense is attached properly and to the right position. Mine was just one click out of the spot it should have been. Missed some good pics that day cos I was to slow to realize the problem.

Scott_Quier · September 14, 2007

As a follow-up on what Giphsub posted:

In the Canon world, third party lens can cause this problem as well. Sometimes, this can be resolved by cleaning the contacts on both the camera and the lens.

I had this happen with a Canon 20D and a Sigma 50-500. Clean the contacts and problem gone.

howard · September 14, 2007

This may save you some typing it's from your shot in the other thread.

I just noticed it says 1375 shutter activations, wish Canon EXIF gave that info.

[Image]
Make = NIKON CORPORATION
Model = NIKON D50
Orientation = top/left
X Resolution = 300
Y Resolution = 300
Resolution Unit = inch
Software = Microsoft Windows Photo Gallery 6.0.6000.16386
Date Time = 2007-09-08 18:48:41
YCbCr Positioning = centered
Exif IFD Pointer = Offset: 2318
[Camera]
Exposure Time = 1/60"
F Number = F3.5
Exposure Program = Not defined
Exif Version = Version 2.21
Date Time Original = 2007-09-08 06:37:19
Date Time Digitized = 2007-09-08 06:37:19
Components Configuration = YCbcr
Exposure Bias Value = ±0EV
Max Aperture Value = F3.48
Metering Mode = Pattern
Light Source = unknown
Flash = Flash fired, auto mode, return light detected
Focal Length = 18mm
Maker Note = 9718 Byte
User Comment =
Subsec Time = 0.70"
Subsec Time Original = 0.70"
Subsec Time Digitized = 0.70"
Flashpix Version = Version 1.0
Color Space = sRGB
Exif Image Width = 3008
Exif Image Height = 2000
Sensing Method = One-chip color area sensor
File Source = DSC
Scene Type = A directly photographed image
CFA Pattern = [B,G],
[G,R]
Image Unique ID = D9F0F63AA41B484E928C9207B864C643

[Thumbnail Info]
Compression = JPEG Compressed (Thumbnail)
X Resolution = 0.01
Y Resolution = 0.01
Resolution Unit = inch
JPEG Interchange Format = Offset: 14710
JPEG Interchange Format Length = Length: 2367

[Thumbnail]
Thumbnail = 96 x 64

[MakerNote (Nikon)]
Makernote Version = 0210
ISO Speed Used = 400
Quality = FINE
White Balance = AUTO
Sharpening = AUTO
Focus Mode = AF-A
Flash Setting = NORMAL
Auto Flash Mode = Built-in,TTL
White Balance Bias Value = 0
000D = 00, 01, 06, 00
Exposure Diff = D8, 01, 0C, 00
ThumbOffset = 9712
Flash Compensation = 00, 01, 06, 00
ISO Speed Requested = 400
Photo corner coordinates = 0, 0, 3008, 2000
Flash Bracket Compensation Applied = 00, 01, 06, 00
AE Bracket Compensation Applied = 0EV
001D = D50
Tone Compensation (Contrast) = AUTO
Lens Type = Nikon D series Lens
Lens Min/Max Focal Length, Max Aperture = 18/1, 50/1, 35/10, 56/10
Flash Used = Flash Fired
Auto Focus Area = 02, 00, 00, 01
Bracketing & Shooting Mode = 32
008A = 0
008B = 40, 01, 0C, 00
Colour Mode = MODE3a
Lighting Type = SPEEDLIGHT
Hue Adjustmen = 0
Noise Reduction = OFF
Total Number of Shutter Releases for Camera = 1375
Saturation = NORMAL
Digital Vari-Program = AUTO

Kilo wrote:

It's a Nikon D50. It's a hair over a year old. Didn't take a tremendous amount of pictures. Probably a couple hundred (if that) since I bought it. Distance from lens to tank... just about right up to the glass. And no, no water got on my camera. To tell you every bit of the camera's settings would be a lot of typing—then again, I have no clue what's set to what. The lens is a Sigma and the flash is the built in kind—the flip-up.

My last shots of the aquarium are here in this thread toward the bottom... http://dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=70557

I'm looking at all the settings now, and see how I'm gonna type it all in here and quick.

Thanks!

Foochar · September 14, 2007

A few more suggestions to try and determine what the problem is. Have you tried any other lenses on the camera to see if you get the same error? What about a different memory card? It is possible that the memory card has been corrupted.

howard · September 14, 2007

According to Google you are not alone

http://www.google.com.hk/search?q=Error+%5BErr+nikon+d50&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

It may be worth checking some of those threads

HarveyMushman · September 14, 2007

Foochar wrote:

A few more suggestions to try and determine what the problem is. Have you tried any other lenses on the camera to see if you get the same error? What about a different memory card? It is possible that the memory card has been corrupted.

That'd be my first step. Format the card in-camera.

Kilo · September 14, 2007

Giphsub wrote:

I had this happen once, only to sheepishly realize the lens had unlocked from the auto/default f-stop position. Might be completely unrelated, but check that the lense is attached properly and to the right position. Mine was just one click out of the spot it should have been. Missed some good pics that day cos I was to slow to realize the problem.

I've tried that, and it's on correctly—always has been, but that was a good idea. Thank you!

Kilo · September 14, 2007

Scott_Quier wrote:

As a follow-up on what Giphsub posted:

In the Canon world, third party lens can cause this problem as well. Sometimes, this can be resolved by cleaning the contacts on both the camera and the lens.

I had this happen with a Canon 20D and a Sigma 50-500. Clean the contacts and problem gone.

Now that I didn't try, but I will as soon as I completely wake up. Just got up a few minutes ago. Thank you!

Kilo · September 14, 2007

Foochar wrote:

A few more suggestions to try and determine what the problem is. Have you tried any other lenses on the camera to see if you get the same error? What about a different memory card? It is possible that the memory card has been corrupted.

No, this is the only lens I have now, and yeah, I've tried other cards—still locks up with others. Thanks!

Kilo · September 14, 2007

howard wrote:

According to Google you are not alone

http://www.google.com.hk/search?q=Error+%5BErr+nikon+d50&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

It may be worth checking some of those threads

Thanks, I will.

Just figures that right after the warranty expires, the camera acts up.

Kilo · September 14, 2007

HarveyMushman wrote:

That'd be my first step. Format the card in-camera.

Didn't format the card since the camera started to lock up. Thanks, I'll try that.

Kilo · September 14, 2007

Okay everyone—it makes no sense. I just now turned the camera on and was about to do a simple task... format the card while it's in the camera. I decided to take a shot at just anything, (except the aquarium) and it worked. Now this happened last time it locked up after taking pictures of the aquarium... it locks up, I wait a couple hours, (this time I waited until this morning from last night) and it worked/works again. I thought it might be the battery, but it shows that it's fully charged while it's in the camera, even last night while it was locking up. It keeps taking pictures now. It might not after many more—I dunno, but I almost bet it'll lock up again if I take close ups of the aquarium. What the crap?

salazar · September 14, 2007

I'm talking through my hat here but I am an electrician. Perhaps your aquarium fluorescent light has an electronic ballast that outputs high frequency electrical noise that is jamming the camera's processor. Try a few shots away form the aquarium and then one near it again? Just a guess...

Giphsub · September 14, 2007

Hmmm...

That sucks mate. Hope you can sort it out soon.

Scott_Quier · September 14, 2007

salazar wrote:

I'm talking through my hat here but I am an electrician. Perhaps your aquarium fluorescent light has an electronic ballast that outputs high frequency electrical noise that is jamming the camera's processor. Try a few shots away form the aquarium and then one near it again? Just a guess...

That would be so weird that I would be much surprise if that actually was/is the problem.

Kilo · September 14, 2007

wxwax wrote:

We need a lot more info!

What camera?
What lens?
Flash?
Camera settings (all of them?)
Distance from lens to tank?
Can we see an example of a successful photo of the fish?

Since it's set on Auto (green) most of the time, here are the settings...

Long Exp. NR: On
Image Qulaity: JPEG Fine
Image Size: Large (3008x2000)
AF-Area Mode: Dynamic Area (but it tens to reset itself automatically, and I dunno why).
No SD Card?: Locked
Image Review: On
Image Review: On
AF Assist: On
AF Area lllm: Auto
ISO Control: On
EV Step: 1/3AE-L/AF-L: Locked
AE Lock: Off
Mirror Lock-Up: Yes
Dust Ref Photo: Yes
Image Rotation: On
Flash Level: 0

Everything else pretty much has nothing to do with the camera locking up, such as the LCD brightness, image size, video mode, folders; etc. This is just the settings for Auto, not M, A, S, or P. I hardly ever use them `cos I have never learned. I do remember the ISO is set at 1600 when one of those others are used. I hope this setting info helps.

Thank you!

Kilo · September 14, 2007

howard wrote:

This may save you some typing it's from your shot in the other thread.

I just noticed it says 1375 shutter activations, wish Canon EXIF gave that info.

[Image]
Make = NIKON CORPORATION
Model = NIKON D50
Orientation = top/left
X Resolution = 300
Y Resolution = 300
Resolution Unit = inch
Software = Microsoft Windows Photo Gallery 6.0.6000.16386
Date Time = 2007-09-08 18:48:41
YCbCr Positioning = centered
Exif IFD Pointer = Offset: 2318
[Camera]
Exposure Time = 1/60"
F Number = F3.5
Exposure Program = Not defined
Exif Version = Version 2.21
Date Time Original = 2007-09-08 06:37:19
Date Time Digitized = 2007-09-08 06:37:19
Components Configuration = YCbcr
Exposure Bias Value = ±0EV
Max Aperture Value = F3.48
Metering Mode = Pattern
Light Source = unknown
Flash = Flash fired, auto mode, return light detected
Focal Length = 18mm
Maker Note = 9718 Byte
User Comment =
Subsec Time = 0.70"
Subsec Time Original = 0.70"
Subsec Time Digitized = 0.70"
Flashpix Version = Version 1.0
Color Space = sRGB
Exif Image Width = 3008
Exif Image Height = 2000
Sensing Method = One-chip color area sensor
File Source = DSC
Scene Type = A directly photographed image
CFA Pattern = [B,G],
[G,R]
Image Unique ID = D9F0F63AA41B484E928C9207B864C643

[Thumbnail Info]
Compression = JPEG Compressed (Thumbnail)
X Resolution = 0.01
Y Resolution = 0.01
Resolution Unit = inch
JPEG Interchange Format = Offset: 14710
JPEG Interchange Format Length = Length: 2367

[Thumbnail]
Thumbnail = 96 x 64

[MakerNote (Nikon)]
Makernote Version = 0210
ISO Speed Used = 400
Quality = FINE
White Balance = AUTO
Sharpening = AUTO
Focus Mode = AF-A
Flash Setting = NORMAL
Auto Flash Mode = Built-in,TTL
White Balance Bias Value = 0
000D = 00, 01, 06, 00
Exposure Diff = D8, 01, 0C, 00
ThumbOffset = 9712
Flash Compensation = 00, 01, 06, 00
ISO Speed Requested = 400
Photo corner coordinates = 0, 0, 3008, 2000
Flash Bracket Compensation Applied = 00, 01, 06, 00
AE Bracket Compensation Applied = 0EV
001D = D50
Tone Compensation (Contrast) = AUTO
Lens Type = Nikon D series Lens
Lens Min/Max Focal Length, Max Aperture = 18/1, 50/1, 35/10, 56/10
Flash Used = Flash Fired
Auto Focus Area = 02, 00, 00, 01
Bracketing & Shooting Mode = 32
008A = 0
008B = 40, 01, 0C, 00
Colour Mode = MODE3a
Lighting Type = SPEEDLIGHT
Hue Adjustmen = 0
Noise Reduction = OFF
Total Number of Shutter Releases for Camera = 1375
Saturation = NORMAL
Digital Vari-Program = AUTO

Thank you! That's a lot of info that I don't even see in my camera's Menu list.

Kilo · September 14, 2007

salazar wrote:

I'm talking through my hat here but I am an electrician. Perhaps your aquarium fluorescent light has an electronic ballast that outputs high frequency electrical noise that is jamming the camera's processor. Try a few shots away form the aquarium and then one near it again? Just a guess...

I wouldn't doubt it. Science can be weird at times—and many times. Thing is, I wasn't near the light's ballast or even the light, but it could be that it is that strong and the camera that sensitive.

Kilo · September 14, 2007

Okay, after a couple more shots at other things besides the aquarium, it finally jammed again. I've formatted the card, cleaned the contacts and the battery is reading 100%. Gonna take the camera to the shop and see what they find out and charge. If it's $50, okay—hundreds, forget it. It acts like the lenses shutter is wearing out, so I'll borrow a lens from a shop and give it many shots and see what happens then before I let them take it apart.

claudermilk · September 14, 2007

DSLRs don't have the shutter in the lens--it's a focal-plane shutter in the body. That's why so many people are so hung up on click count on their bodies. Good luck with this, sounds like the camera is way too lightly used to be having this kind of problem.

Kilo · September 14, 2007

claudermilk wrote:

DSLRs don't have the shutter in the lens--it's a focal-plane shutter in the body. That's why so many people are so hung up on click count on their bodies. Good luck with this, sounds like the camera is way too lightly used to be having this kind of problem.

That mirror piece of glass (if that's the sensor) my second guess is that it's going out, and it's clear as can be—no dust that I can see on it. Oh well, right now I'm doing a water change in the aquarium, then set up new filter media, then I'll take the camera to the shop.

mr peas · September 14, 2007

Try setting your D50 to shoot without the lens on. If it fires fine, its a problem with your lens. If it continues to give you an error code, its definitely something to do with the body.

I suggest doing that then if it continues to fire w/out the lens, borrow a diff lens from a buddy or bring your camera to a camera store who will allow you to try out their lenses or what not and try shooting w/ that diff lens.

Also, look at the contact points of the part that connects the-lens-to-body. On Nikons, these things protrude unlike the Canon ones. Check to see if the mechanisms have not been bent. If the dots on the lens and camera do not match when the lens is attached this is due to the contacts not pairing correctly.

Lastly, make sure your battery contacts are clean and are fully charged, if you attempt to make a long exposure on your camera and it doesnt have enough juice in it to complete it, it will probably give you some type of ERR code.

At any case, even though you don't have a warranty anymore, if nothing above or anyone else says works, you should still send it in. Sometimes, its such a simple problem that they will probably fix it for cheap or if anything just cover the shipping charges back.

Let us know if any changes, wish you all the luck.

Kilo · September 14, 2007

mr peas wrote:

Try setting your D50 to shoot without the lens on. If it fires fine, its a problem with your lens. If it continues to give you an error code, its definitely something to do with the body.

I suggest doing that then if it continues to fire w/out the lens, borrow a diff lens from a buddy or bring your camera to a camera store who will allow you to try out their lenses or what not and try shooting w/ that diff lens.

Also, look at the contact points of the part that connects the-lens-to-body. On Nikons, these things protrude unlike the Canon ones. Check to see if the mechanisms have not been bent. If the dots on the lens and camera do not match when the lens is attached this is due to the contacts not pairing correctly.

Lastly, make sure your battery contacts are clean and are fully charged, if you attempt to make a long exposure on your camera and it doesnt have enough juice in it to complete it, it will probably give you some type of ERR code.

At any case, even though you don't have a warranty anymore, if nothing above or anyone else says works, you should still send it in. Sometimes, its such a simple problem that they will probably fix it for cheap or if anything just cover the shipping charges back.

Let us know if any changes, wish you all the luck.

The camera will not even do a thing without the lens—as if though it were still off. Of course it never would never do anything when I first bought it with the lens off. The contacts aren't bent or anything. I never take the lens off (until now) `cos it was the only lens I've had for several months. The battery contacts are clean and the battery reads 100% charged. I haven't taken it to the shop yet `cos it's pouring down rain and I don't wanna get it wet nor even allow any moisture to settle in.

But I'm gonna try something else that just popped into my mind. I have this after-market Powergrip. Maybe it isn't working too well anymore. For $49, maybe it's not expected to. The batteries may read strong, but maybe there's something wrong with the PG.

Be back later.

Kilo · September 14, 2007

Well so far, it's working. Perhaps the PG is becoming defective. Maybe it's the Energizer Lithiums that are getting just weak enough not to work and the camera says they're strong. I would think if the batteries are dying, the camera would say so, at least 50% power left, but it says 100%. So I dunno—beats me what's going on.

mr peas · September 15, 2007

Kilo wrote:

Well so far, it's working. Perhaps the PG is becoming defective. Maybe it's the Energizer Lithiums that are getting just weak enough not to work and the camera says they're strong. I would think if the batteries are dying, the camera would say so, at least 50% power left, but it says 100%. So I dunno—beats me what's going on.

OMG. You mean to say you had an additional accessory attached and you did not let us know?

Thats like saying, 'Hey I can't feel my legs'...'oh I forgot to mention I've been sitting on my butt for the past 5 hours'.

Hahah.. Well at least you learned something and your camera is okay. Beats getting told by the shop that it was just the additional grip and feeling like a fool. ;p

Seymore · September 15, 2007

Kilo wrote:

Well so far, it's working. Perhaps the PG is becoming defective. Maybe it's the Energizer Lithiums that are getting just weak enough not to work and the camera says they're strong. I would think if the batteries are dying, the camera would say so, at least 50% power left, but it says 100%. So I dunno—beats me what's going on.

Well, I've heard that Sigma lenses can have issues on Nikon bods. Now, I don't own any Sigma glass, so can't speak directly to this. So, which Sigma lens do you have? Specifics please...

If you have any other problems, you may want to go find a local camera store, borrow a lens at the store (I'd suggest a genuine Nikon) and see if you still have problems.

I have 2 genuine Nikon batteries that are over 2 years old and one that's over 3. I doubt if it's the battery.

Good luck and keep us posted...

wxwax · September 15, 2007

Kilo wrote:

I have this after-market Powergrip. Maybe it isn't working too well anymore. For $49, maybe it's not expected to. The batteries may read strong, but maybe there's something wrong with the PG.

Dude.

Camera won't take anymore pictures...

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