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Rico Lewis
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Asked: 2025-02-07T17:19:49+00:00

Nikon D90 shutter gets stuck with a lens on, but works fine with no lens. How do I fix this?

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Nikon D90 shutter gets stuck with a lens on, but works fine with no lens. How do I fix this?
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2 Answers

  1. Youdee
    Enlightened

    If your Nikon D90 shutter gets stuck when a lens is attached but works fine without a lens, there could be several possible causes. Here are some troubleshooting steps to help you fix the issue:

    1. Check the Lens Mount Contacts

    • Remove the lens and inspect the gold contacts on both the camera and lens.
    • Clean the contacts with a microfiber cloth or a cotton swab lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol.
    • Reattach the lens and test the shutter.

    2. Test with a Different Lens

    • If possible, try a different compatible Nikon F-mount lens.
    • If the issue only occurs with one lens, the problem may be with the lens itself (e.g., aperture mechanism or electronic contacts).

    3. Reset the Camera Settings

    • Reset the D90 by doing the following:
      1. Press MENU → Go to the Setup Menu (Wrench icon).
      2. Select Reset Shooting Menu and Reset Custom Settings.
      3. Turn off the camera, remove the battery for a few minutes, then reinsert it and power it on.

    4. Check the Aperture Control Mechanism

    • The Nikon D90 controls the aperture using a small aperture lever inside the lens mount.
    • With the lens removed, manually move the lever to check if it moves smoothly.
    • If the lever is stuck or sluggish, it may need professional servicing.

    5. Enable “Release Without Lens” (Diagnostic Step)

    • Go to MENU → Custom Settings → d7: Release Without Lens → Set to Enable.
    • This setting forces the camera to fire even if it doesn’t detect a lens. If the shutter works, the issue might be with lens communication.

    6. Inspect and Clean the Mirror and Shutter Mechanism

    • Remove the lens and gently lift the mirror using a clean swab or blower to inspect for dirt or obstructions.
    • DO NOT touch the shutter blades, but check if they look damaged or out of alignment.

    7. Try a Firmware Update

    • Check if your firmware is outdated by going to MENU → Firmware Version.
    • Download the latest firmware from Nikon’s official website and update if needed.

    8. Check for Mechanical Issues

    • If the shutter half-opens or sticks, it could be a faulty motor, misaligned parts, or lubrication issue.
    • This typically requires professional repair.

    9. Service the Camera

    • If none of the above work, it may need internal servicing. Nikon service centers or a camera repair shop can diagnose shutter, aperture, or electronic failures.

    Temporary Workaround

    If you need to use the camera urgently, try using Live View mode (LV button) to see if the issue persists in that mode.

    Let us know if any of these steps help or if you need further guidance.

  2. Rogers White
    Enlightened

    If your Nikon D90’s shutter gets stuck when a lens is attached but works fine without one, the issue could be mechanical, electrical, or firmware-related. Here’s a step-by-step troubleshooting guide to fix it:

    1. Check the Lens Mount and Contacts

    • Power off the camera and remove the lens.
    • Inspect the lens mount for any visible dirt, damage, or misalignment.
    • Clean the electronic contacts on both the camera body and the lens using a dry microfiber cloth or a pencil eraser. Poor communication between the camera and lens can cause malfunctions.

    2. Try a Different Lens

    • If you have another compatible lens, attach it to see if the issue persists.
    • If the problem occurs with only one lens, that lens might have a mechanical issue.

    3. Check the Aperture Lever

    • Remove the lens and look at the small lever inside the camera mount (on the left side).
    • Gently move it with a toothpick—if it feels stuck or stiff, it may need lubrication or repair.
    • Do the same for the lever on the lens mount.

    4. Reset Camera Settings

    • Go to Menu > Setup > Reset Shooting Settings and Reset Custom Settings to rule out any incorrect configurations.

    5. Update Firmware

    • Check if your firmware is up to date on Nikon’s official site.
    • If an update is available, follow Nikon’s instructions to install it.

    6. Test in Live View Mode

    • Switch to Live View mode and take a picture.
    • If it works fine in Live View but not through the viewfinder, the mirror mechanism might be faulty.

    7. Inspect for Mechanical Obstructions

    • Look inside the camera mount for any loose screws, dust, or debris.
    • If there’s any resistance when attaching the lens, stop and inspect for bent pins or obstructions.

    8. Perform a Mirror Lock-Up Test

    • Go to Menu > Setup > Mirror Lock-Up for Cleaning and activate it.
    • This allows you to see if the mirror moves freely or gets stuck.

    9. Battery and Memory Card Check

    • Ensure you are using a fully charged original Nikon battery.
    • Try a different memory card, as corrupted cards can cause camera errors.

    10. Last Resort: Professional Repair

    If none of these steps work, the camera may have an internal shutter or mirror mechanism failure, and you’ll need to send it to a Nikon service center.