FEE error message when lenses are set correctly

Turn the aperture ring on the lens to its smallest setting (largest f/number) and then forget it's there. You can control the aperture from the camera body, the same way as on lenses without an aperture ring.

On these cameras, if you're using ANY of the auto modes (P, A, S on the dial), the lense must be set to the lowest aperture setting (the highest number). Check to make sure this is the case. If it isn't, that's most likely your issue.

If you're using a non-CPU lense, this camera can only be used on M(anual) mode on your dial. If you haven't changed lenses this isn't likely an issue. If however you're using a new (to you) lense, this is a possibility.

According to the manual, the only other possibility is that your attached flash isn't set to the proper setting when using "P" mode. In this mode, the attached flash MUST be a Nikon dedicated flash unit set to TTL mode, otherwise fEE flashes with a little lightning bolt symbol. If you're not using a flash specifically designed for this model, remove it and try again. If you are, cycle the mode button on the flash until it reads "TTL" on the flash's LCD panel.

The manual makes no mention of fEE (error) and the battery indicator blinking, so these are the only things I can suggest with the information given.

FEE error message displayed on SLR camera LCD Description If the cameras LCD screen displays "FEE" in the area where the aperture is normally displayed, please ensure that the lens is attached to the camera correctly. This error message will appear if the lens is not attached correctly to the camera or if you are not using a CPU lens such as the Nikon AF or Nikkor P lenses. Alternatively, if the lens has an aperture ring, it may not be set to f22 (or the highest aperture number on the aperture ring - normally marked in orange). Select the aperture number marked in orange on the lens and lock it using the aperture locking switch to prevent this occurring again.

The FEE error message

Set to F22, or the highest aperture number - normally marked in orange. Note the locking switch.
If the above did not resolve the problem and you still experence the the error display FEE, please contact your local Nikon office. Before doing so please also check the following.

That the EE servo coupling highlighted above on the lenses has not been broken. That the F-min switch highlighted above on the camera body has not been broken. If either of the two items above are broken please contact your local Nikon service center.

You didn't specify which Sigma 70-300mm lens (Sigma has at least five different versions, and I'm not referring to the lens mount), but from the error message I assume the lens has an aperture ring. Turn the aperture ring to its smallest setting (largest f/number) and lock it in place. Control the aperture from the camera, the same way as on a lens without an aperture ring.

If the lens doesn't have an aperture ring, please reply to this post specifying the exact model of the lens. That's all of the numbers and letters around the 70-300mm, like AF, DGO, f/4.5, etc.

I hope you mean FEE.

Turn the aperture ring on the lens to its smallest setting (largest f/number). If the ring has a lock, lock it in place. You control the aperture from the camera body, just as you would on a lens with no aperture ring.

Thanks for the additional info.

First, an apology: I misread the lens description, sorry. If you have the "AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 ED Nikkor" then the lens DOES have an aperture ring at the rear of the lens. If this is the case, then your D50 is compatible and all you need to do is turn the aperture ring on the lens until it's at the minimum f32 setting. The "FEE" message on your D50 should then vanish. When set this way, you control the aperture setting on the lens via the camera body controls. The command wheel alone adjusts the aperture when in Aperture Priority mode, and in Manual or Shutter Priority modes you need to first press the " /-" button behind and to the right of the shutter release before using the command wheel. There's even a handy little printed icon of a lens diaphragm to remind you of the secondary function of this button.

If your lens model is the "Nikon 70-300mm f/4-5.6G" then like a G lenses it lacks an aperture ring and so can only be controlled by Nikon bodies which operate the aperture from the body alone, like yours. So if you're getting the FEE error with a G lens then there's most likely a common fault which occurs with Nikon bodies with a small switch beside the lens mount. In the picture (courtesy and copyright of Digital Photography Review), the switch is at the 8 o'clock position.


This switch is activated either when a non-G lens aperture ring is turned to the smallest setting or when a G lens is correctly mounted. It is possible for the G lens to be damaged in such a way that the switch doesn't get activated but it's rare. If the switch is broken the camera body will need a repair.

Hope this answers your question, but if not add further comments. If it has answered your problem then please let me know by rating my reply.

Your aperture lenses should be set to the biggest f-stop (smallest aperture)

This might be a long shot, but on the lens section of the guide shown below, it notes ,,,,

Non-G lenses will have an aperture ring on the base of the lens where it's attached to the camera. Set this this ring to the smallest aperture (largest number), usually in orange and 16, 22 or 32. There usually is a lock to keep this ring set there, since if it comes off that setting you'll get an error message (fEE) from most cameras.

Full guide is here:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d90/users-guide/index.htm

Hope this helps

Make sure the lens is mounted on the camer fully. Make sure the aperture ring is set for the largest numbe like 22 or 32 if the lens has it. Some lenses have a lock to lock the aperture ring on the largest number for you. Also make sure the lens you are using is compatible with the F65 camera. if the lens is older then it will not give you any electronic data and the camera will never give you the f information in the viewfinder.

The FEE message indicates that the lens is not set to smallest aperture (highest number). The camera body expects this so it will have full control of the aperture. It sounds like you may be accidentally bumping or turning the aperture ring on the lens while using it or changing lenses. There is a little slide lock to lock it at f/22 to prevent this. Turn the aperture ring to 22 and move the slider so the white dot is next to the orange mark on the lens barrel.