If you’ve picked up photography as a hobby, you might have experienced one of the most frustrating downsides, camera, and lens connection issues. If you’re at your wit’s end and considering giving up, we have a solution you may appreciate. Below we’ll investigate how to solve the “lens not attached Nikon” problem.
The most efficient way to correct a “lens not attached” error on your Nikon camera is to systematically work through what the issues might be. Dirty and dusty connectors or broken components are the most common causes of camera lens errors, resulting in lens and camera connectors not communicating.
While lens not attaching errors are frustrating, there are often dire consequences if the issue is not rectified. It is essential to try and establish what the issue is (timeously) to prevent extensive and permanent damage to the items by working through the following diagnostic process.
Troubleshooting And Solving A “Lens Not Attached” Nikon Problem
Software (firmware) or hardware issues are usually behind your lens and camera’s communication failure.
Most lenses have contact pins near the lens bayonet (which connects the lens to the camera body). These pins are part of the CPU (central processing unit) inside the lens that makes contact with electronic contacts inside the camera (when the lens is attached).
Power and data pass through these connectors, which are most frequently to blame when your camera gives you a “lens not attached” error.
You can start your diagnostics by answering these questions:
- Was the camera or lens dropped? (or some other type of “trauma.”)
- Did the camera get dirty while in use? (e.g., were you taking photos of a mountain bike race and were splattered with mud?)
- Was the camera correctly stored? (was the lens removed, and were all components returned to their containers away from dust and damage.)
If the camera fell, was dropped, or experienced some other trauma, there is a chance that a cable might have broken inside (there are several fragile cables that sit close to the camera housing, and any hard bumps may damage it).
If you open the camera and discover a broken cable, you can order a replacement and fix it yourself (if you’re a DIY sort) or take it to a repair shop.
If you determine that it’s a connectivity issue, we recommend taking a systematic approach to troubleshooting the problem.
Step 1 Unmount The Lens From The Camera And Examine It
Remove the lens from the camera body if you suspect a connectivity issue.
Once removed, inspect the lens to see if there are any damages to the lens or where it attaches to the camera (the pins or where they attach). You must take the camera/lens in for repairs or replacement parts if anything is damaged or broken.
Look carefully at the attaching mechanism to determine if the lens was correctly installed (upside down/not pushed in properly, etc.). If not, the lens won’t make contact correctly, and the camera won’t recognize (or work with) the lens.
Check The Pins For Bends Or Stuck Springs
If any pins (connectors) are bent, the camera might not recognize (and work with) the lens. Unfortunately, if the pins are bent, you’ll need to take the unit in for repairs, as they require the tools and expertise to remove and replace them.
Certain lens models use spring-loaded contacts, which may become stuck. Make sure you examine these as well. If the springs are stuck, you could attempt to dislodge them using a small pin/pointed object to wiggle the pin and spring.
While attempting to dislodge the pin/spring, use a “gentle touch” (no force). The components are sensitive and excessive force may further break them. Before using a pointed object, try running your fingers across the pins, as this is often enough to dislodge the stuck pins.
Check The Screws Holding The Lens Mounting Screws
Whether through manufacturing errors or use, the lens screws might become loose. If you discover this issue while examining the unit, take the screws out (but be careful not to drop anything inside the lens), realign the ring, and retighten the screws (in opposite pairs) until it’s tight.
Ensure the screws are firm but not overtight, as you might strip them/crack the housing.
Step 2 Ensure That You’re Using A Compatible Lens
While the lens is off, double-check to see that it is compatible with your type of camera. Unfortunately, not all lenses work with all camera models.
The solution might be to return it to the store and swap it for a compatible lens. The Nikon website has a list of compatible lenses for various camera models.
Determine If The Lens Require An Adapter
While regular lenses work with no issues, certain specialized lenses may require an adaptor to correctly connect them to the camera body.
Astrophotography is becoming ever-popular as more people find that their DSLR cameras are sufficient for taking photos of deep-sky images, provided you connect them to a telescope.
You’ll need a T-ring and other adapters to convert your camera into an astrophotography device. These connectors need to fit the camera and the telescope with several locking mechanisms to prevent the telescope from moving while attached.
Step 3 Examine The Lens And Camera For Dirt
While the lens is off the camera, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to inspect the components for dirt, paying particular attention to the contacts.
If the contacts are dirty, your camera may not recognize the lens and give an error. Clean the dirt with a soft cloth or photographic tissue wrapped on a small wooden stick.
It’s a good idea to clean the contacts on the lens and inside the camera body. You could also use a cleaning fluid (like surgical spirits) while cleaning, but try to ensure that the rest of the components remain dry (i.e., only wet the cloth slightly, don’t pour the cleaning fluid onto the camera or lens).
When cleaning, try not to touch the lens, press it too hard, or push dust and dirt deeper into the mechanisms.
Inspect the lens carefully, as additional dirt may be trapped deeper in the camera. The dirt might also have caused damage to the lens/camera, and taking the unit to a repair shop is recommended (depending on the severity).
Step 4 Reattach The Lens And Switch On The Camera
When sufficiently satisfied with your cleaning and inspection, reattach the lens (ensuring that the pins align with the contacts and that the lens clips on/screws correctly).
Once correctly attached, the moment of truth arrives. Switch on your camera and observe the screen for a connection error or a lovely working unit.
Step 5 If The Problem Persists, Try A Different Lens
Should your interventions prove fruitless, consider trying another lens (if you’re in the fortunate position of owning one/have access to borrow one). If you don’t have a spare lens and can’t borrow one, head to a photography store and ask them to help you with one.
If the 2nd lens works without showing the same error, you know the fault lies with the first lens (at least the camera is okay).
However, if the problem persists, the camera is (most likely) at fault. It may require a software update, which you can often do easily by connecting to a computer and opening the associated application/program.
If updating the software does not solve the problem, we recommend taking the unit to a professional for service and diagnostics.
Step 6 When In Doubt, Seek Professional Advice And Assistance
If you’re tech-savvy, taking the camera and lens to a professional to troubleshoot is probably the last thing on your to-do list.
However, they are (usually) knowledgeable enough to determine what’s wrong and provide you with various options to rectify the situation.
We recommend that, once you’re at the end of your diagnostic prowess and remain unanswered, you take your camera and lens for a service/repair or replacement.
Conclusion
The “lens not attached error” is a common product of when cameras and lenses do not communicate. This issue can often be easily fixed by cleaning the contact pins on the lens and the connectors on the camera or by dislodging a stuck spring/pin. However, taking the unit to professionals is the best option when in doubt.
