Graveman Loc: Indiana

I have a Nikon D3100. I bought a used 70-300m ED lens (non VR, from another UHH and he's aware of the problem). When I attached it to the camera I got an error message "Lock lens aperture ring @ minimum arperture".

Did that, msg still there. Dove into the user's manual for both, put camera in manual mode, nothing, same msg.

I called Nikon (the lady I got was very nice & helpful up to a point), she gave me a list of what to try. Including: removing Memory Card & battery, wait, replace and then & download update. Same error msg.

One of the things she suggested might be wrong was that I was using an "un-authorized" memory card (WTH? never had that problem before with any camera).

The only difference between the lens I have and this one (except for it being non VR) is the contacts points. My newer ones have 7 points, the older one has only 4 and is marked Nikon ED. Anyway that could be the source of the problem? (The newer lenes are marked Nikon DX)

I also cleaned the contact points because you never know.

Any more suggestions? Or am I missing a BFO moment? I think I've put everything down I've tried.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Did she advise cleaning the contacts on the lens?

I've seen various methods proposed for that on UHH. You might see what the search feature brings up.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Unfortunately, the lens should go back to the person who sold it to you not implying that he is responsible for your present problems with it.
If you are in need of that lens range and you seem to be, go with the excellent Nikon 70-300 VR which is a more modern lens with very good technology and sharp as a tack.
The extra money invested is worth it as you will see when you begin to use it.
Good luck!

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

The difference in points is because the older lenses , the AF-D do not have a focus motor in them, so the D3100 will not autofocus with them .

A DX camera, (D3100) can use an FX lens fine, but if the lens has no focus motor (AF-S) then focusing will be manual only.

Aperture setting will also not be communicated to a D3100 because there is no pin on the lens chip. Instead it uses what is known as an aperture index tab - and a D3100 has no aperture index ring to connect with the tab and tell the camera what the aperture is.

If you lock the aperture on the lens to its smallest setting, and thats F/22 or f/32 most likely, then the lens should not display an error message, but work on the camera with manual focusing - auto ISO will function as will shutter priority mode.

The part about an "un-authorized" card - well, she may have meant UN-TESTED card, Nikon tests several cards, and thats all they list.

I use untested by Nikon cards in my D7100 and have had no errors like you are seeing. Currently I am using a Samsung Pro & a Transcend card and have several cheap unnamed cards as spares that all work without error.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Had to do that with my AF 50mm. It is on the Aperture ring.

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

Does the aperture ring have f22 in another color? If so put it on F22 and try again.

I should have said, a red f number.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

So little info to go by here that it brings up a multitude of questions.
Is it an AF-S lens?
Is it a "G" lens?
Does it work on any other bodies?
A picture of the lens in question or at least a complete description of it would go a long way towards getting an effective, and accurate, diagnosis of your problem.

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

is the lens actually set to f 32 before the camera is turned on?

Graveman Loc: Indiana

Graveman Loc: Indiana

No she didn't I did that all on my own.

Graveman Loc: Indiana

No her words were un-authorized. I did put the camera on manual, but no luck there.

Graveman Loc: Indiana

Yes

Graveman Loc: Indiana

Here's the pic

(Download)

Graveman Loc: Indiana

As to workingon other bodies, I haven't found anyone around here that uses these types of cameras....yet.

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

Lock it on f/32, connect to camera while camera is OFF, turn on camera, go to manual mode.

See if that makes a difference. It is a MANUAL focus lens on a D3100 also.

Edit: If it still generates an error on the D3100, you may want to try it on another D3000 series or D5000 series before assuming the lens has an issue.