Why won't my Nikon D90 DSLR auto-focus or take pictures?

Question

I recently bought a brand new Nikon D90. It's my first DSLR and I still don't know everything about the camera. Occasionally when I use it the camera won't focus properly or take pictures. Each time it happens I check and the auto-focus is on. I usually try turning the camera off for 1 minute and then turning it back on but this doesn't work. Eventually the camera starts working again. Sometimes it seems like cleaning the lens helps, but it doesn't always. When I clean it I always use a cloth designed for cleaning camera lenses. One other thing I've noticed is that the aperture isn't displayed when it this happens. Instead of showing f5 or some other number, it shows "f--". Any suggestions? Thanks for your help.

Update:

At least once the problem occurred during bright, outdoor light so I don't think that's the problem.

Both the camera and the lens are set to auto-focus.

The bad lens-to-camera contacts sounds like a likely issue. I will try cleaning them. Is a cotton swab with a little bit of rubbing alcohol a good way to do that?

Jim A · Accepted Answer

Two possibilities come to mind.

One, when you're having a focus problem perhaps the light is low.  No camera can focus if there's nothing for it to grab on to.  I often light the center of my subject with a flash light to catch focus.

Or, perhaps your lens contacts are dirty.  Take the lens off and gently, and I do mean gently clean the contacts on both lens and camera.  This is where the two talk with each other.  If they aren't clean, if even one is dirty, this can cause a problem.

Linda S · Answer

It seems a shame to spend over a year yelling at everyone in sight and to not spread the word to other people when I finally found it.  The problem is probably mine.  There is a connection between the lens and the camera body that causes them to coordinate with each other.  Mine would do the same thing take a few--everything great.  Then it wouldn't take some with an f--- error.  I would work if I picked up the camera and tightened or fiddled with the lens for a few seconds. The store tried to tell me it wasn't all that bad as a problem.  I told him trying to catch children at just the right spot and have the stupid camera not work was not what I wanted.  They said send it to Nikon. Nikon said give it back to the store. The store said give it to their repair man etc. The repair man said they do have a few cameras that have this problem.  After stomping my foot for almost 1 year, they gave me a new camera (the store.)  And while it doesn't have that problem, it is not a crisp as my older Nikon. I am switching to Canon.

abigail · Answer

Nikon Dslr Autofocus

Sordenhiemer · Answer

I believe that means you are using one of the auto or semi-auto settings and the camera is unable to find an aperture which will give you a properly exposed picture.

I would recommend that you learn how to use your camera on full manual mode like a photographer and these things will not happen.  There are several good books out there that will teach you how to use your fine camera like a photographer does, instead of like a really expensive point and shoot.

MistyCreek · Answer

1. What lens are you using?

2. Check the switch on the front that switches from AF to M. 

3. Clean the contacts for the lens connections on the DSLR with a cotton swab.

4. READ THE DAMN MANUAL!


Cheers

-EDIT-

If your camera is saying F-- like you say it is.. Your lens is not communicating with your lens.

Your contacts between the lens and camera are dirty or damaged.

Try switching lenses and see if it works.

? · Answer

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Why won't my Nikon D90 DSLR auto-focus or take pictures?

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