D3s Problems

I got out in the field this morning and ran into problems with my D3s. I could not auto focus no matter what mode or setting I tried and after a while the view through the view finder became dark and noisy. I left for home thinking I had a lens (Nikkor 400mm 2.8 ASF II) problem. Upon arriving I started eliminating possibilities and found the lens to be OK by mounting my D300. However, mounting different lenses on the D3s gave me varying results. At first I got full auto focus and metering, but would lose those functions and get a flashing Err on the display. I changed lens and full function would return and then go bad again. When the view finder is dark, metering was way off. It didn’t seem to matter whether it is a D or G type lens, although the D lenses were more prone to the dark view finder and metering problem.

There isn’t much out the internet about this. I did find some links that say clean all contacts and reset the camera, but that didn’t help. Some say they had a shutter jamming problem, but I don’t think that’s the case here. Another said they had an aperture arm problem. I don’t know that would affect auto focus and metering?
Anyway, it would seem that my favorite camera is going to the shop. If anyone has any insight or advise, I sure would like to hear from you.

Happy shooting…

Try cleaning the contacts of the D3s. I had a similar problem with a D300, cleaning the contacts solved it.

Sorry, just reread your post, you already tried cleaning the contacts. I need to read more closely before opening my mouth.

Reset the camera - remove the battery - try again
If it persists - its going to be a send to nikon job.
:)

It definitely sounds like an electrical contact problem. Cleaning the contacts needs be done correctly. Regular Radio Shack contact cleaner is not recommended. If proper cleaning does not fix it, you would need Nikon service to replace the connector. Probably not too expensive a repair, I would guess <$100.

Thanks for your replies. I got it packed for shipping tomorrow. It’s still under warranty with 5 months to go. Hopefully it will be a permanent fix.

Holy spit Batman!!! ......is this a Nikonian admitting... in public..... to a problem:D:D:D??? Is he now out of the Nikon brotherhood of saynothingsucksaboutmynikoncamera fraternity????
On a serious note....hope they fix it!

All kidding aside Roman, I hope you never experience any problems with your equipment, whatever that might be! I think the forum is here to elicit help from the community and not to poke some sort of rivalry fun at some else’s expense.
Happy shooting…