Jbrustrom

Last night I was using my 10mm 2.8 for astrophotography and this afternoon I changed lenses to my 10-30mm VR because I wanted a zoom for some nature photos.
I pushed in the button on the barrel to unlock the lens and turn on my J5. I turned the top dial from M (last night) to P. The LCD showed P but the screen was nearly black. No, the lens cover was off. Also, the shutter was a blinking 25 and the aperature a blinking 5.6. No matter what dial I used to change shutter or aperture nothing changed on the display.
Thinking something went wrong, I replaced the 10-30 with the 10 and the display acted normally. Then I put the 10-30 back on and reset all settings, turned the J5 off, took out the battery then put the battery back in and powered it on. Same black screen and goofy shutter and aperture. Replaced the 10-30 with the 10 again and all back to normal.
The back of the 10-30 VR lens has a black dot, which tells me that Nikon has already fixed this lens before (I bought it used from mpb back in April 2018).
So am I SOL with this lens? Should I avoid buying another used one? Does anyone think Nikon would repair a repair? Thanks. TL;DR: Think I have a hosed lens.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Its likely a goner. Good used copies of that lens go for about $50 or so. The new 10-30mm VR PZ lens goes for about $110 and its a much better lens, more compact too.

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

Clean all contacts with 91% alky (or best you have), remount and try again. Do a "re-set", or custom reset. Call Nikon, tell them/ask them.....

Jbrustrom

Yes, I paid $49 for it used. I do have the 10-30 PD zoom and love how compact it is with the built in lens cover but I can’t use my ND or CPL on it. That’s why I had the 10–30 VR. Looks like mpb still has a couple 10-30 VRs in stock for same price. May have to get another. Thanks.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

If not, let me know. I have a black one that is like brand new. Customer replaced it with a 10-100 PZ lens after only a couple weeks. $50

fetzler Loc: North West PA

Try cleaning the contacts. I use lens cleaning wipes. If this doesn't work then contact MTshooter. Looks like a good deal.

Jbrustrom

Thanks for your reply!

calfilm Loc: Southern California

I had the same problem with my Nikon 1 10-30mm lens a few weeks ago and thought
all was lost.
But if you Google---
Technical Service Advisory for Users of the 1 NIKKOR VR 10-30mm you will find a recall notice
I filled out the on line form and they emailed me a postage label. Nikon fixed my lens and
returned it postage paid. No charge for anything, 10 day turn around. I bought the Nikon in December
2011. Good luck!

Jbrustrom

Yippee!
Just got a return message from Nikon with a repair estimate attached. Total cost of repair: $0.00.
Thanks to all!

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

Excellent outcome!!!!! Win/Win

calfilm Loc: Southern California

I’m happy you took advice,
Roger

Jbrustrom

Yay! UPS just delivered my 10-30mm lens which I had repaired for FREE thanks to everyone who helped me. And a 7 day turnaround. Wish I could attach photos of how it was packaged-wow. I am impressed. Thanks again and oh, yes, the lens works just fine now!

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

That is the best outcome!!!