N90s Aperture Coupling Problem

I recently bought a used N90s, in excellent condition, from KEH. Generally, it seems to work wonderfully and I

really like it. However, I think there is a problem with the mechanical aperture coupling on the camera.

 

The camera usually cannot use the lowest aperture on a lens I put on it. Let me provide some examples:

1) With my Nikon 24mm f/2.8 AF-D or Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8 AF-D, the widest aperture the camera can read is f/4.

2) With the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 AF-D, the camera sometimes reads f/1.8, but usually f/2.

 

All of these lenses work perfectly on my D70s. I haven't tried yet with any other lenses, and I haven't run any

film through the camera yet. I don't know whether the camera stops down to the selected aperture or not when you

actually take a photo. I'm pretty sure it would, but still, an incorrect aperture reading will mess up the metering.

 

Is there a simple adjustment that can be made to fix this?

Should I take it to my (semi-)local camera store (Huron Camera, Dexter MI for the record) and see if they can fix

it? Send it to Nikon? Should I just try to get a replacement from KEH?

Well, please disregard this post I guess.

 

After many (>15) lens changes in testing, and switching to program mode and back, the camera seems to be functioning well again. I should've done more tests before posting (although I also did a ton of tests before posting). Oh well. I'll also clean the contacts on the lenses and body for good measure.

 

Oh, and one more observation: AF on that thing is noisy! I'm used to the D70s, and the N90s is even worse.

Another observation: I *love* this viewfinder. I wonder how the D300 viewfinder compares? I might get one... next year-ish :(

Regarding the viewfinder, yes - the viewfinder on an N90s is a huge improvement over a DX DSLR. It blows away

even a D2x. After shooting my D2x exclusively for a few months, I went back to a N90s and couldn't believe how

bright and clear it was.

 

I haven't handled a D300 myself, but it's still a DX camera so the viewfinder most likely is still a far cry from

FX or film bodies.

 

Even though you say the camera is working OK now, I'm still a bit curious as to the problem you encountered. You

didn't mention much about what modes you tried, except for one mention of P mode. A camera like the N90s relies

on mechanical coupling for aperture information in A and M modes, with that little tab at the 1 o'clock position

as you face the lens mount. Maybe you know that already; I don't know. It's possible that the camera hasn't

been used in a long time and needed a little "waking up".

Maybe I just need a D700, then :)

 

I should've mentioned that I was using it in A mode. It does seem like the camera did just need some "waking up;" I hope to put one or two rolls of film through it this weekend.

I learned and still use with a N90s, on A mode it should allow you to choose your aperture. I would call KEH if the problem persists. I love that camera!

...Glad to read that your N90s is working as it should. Now, if you really want a treat, screw on a MB-10 Power Verticle Grip to the bottom of your N90s, and enjoy the excellent ergonomics that this combo provides.

I'm planning to pick up an MB-10 pretty soon here... I'm really looking forward to it!