D300 FEE error with Kenko extension tubes!

After my D70 gave up I decided to get a D300. To my disappointment I can only use up to the 36mm of extension! Any other combination produces FEE error.

I had no such issue with the D70!

Any idea why?

Anyone know of a work around?

Hardware: D300 + kenko Ext Tubes + 200mm F4 or 60mm Micro

David

It may simply be too much resistance in so many connections. Have you cleaned all contacts thoroughly? You are dealing with tiny voltages, and any resistance is murder. Try wiggling each tube individually. Something in the setup may be just a bit out of line.

I have Adorama's set and got no errors even with 64MM of extension on a D80..

i use the same set from kenko and have no problem at all on my D300. Try cleaning those contacts. This set should work fine on your D300....

Whats the name of the electrical contact cleaner you guys are always recommending to use on the lens contacts?

I get the “Dead Battery” syndrome when I use my Kenko Tubes, even with a freshly charged battery. Remove the tubes, and all is fine. Took me a while to figure it out, but the weight of the tubes and lens is too much for all those connections, and the lens and tubes sag downwards, resulting in poor electrical contacts. The fix is to support the lens and tubes with your hand so the contacts stay in contact. I don’t remember getting the “FEE” error. As a result, it’s probably been over since I’ve used any of my Kenko Tubes.

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Gary
Will Fly for Food... and more Nikon stuff

martyn. wrote:
Whats the name of the electrical contact cleaner you guys are always recommending to use on the lens contacts?

I use one called "Eraser." You can find it on the end of most pencils.

Seriously, that is pretty close to what we use in the nuclear power industry. Granted, it doesn't come on a pencil, but it is close to that in makeup. When we don't have one available, we use a pencil eraser there as well.

Some contact cleaners have ingredients (such as trichloroethylene) that will attack plastic or insulation. We have had failures of electrical equipment as a result of that, and it is now a known problem within our industry and banned from use. Be careful which chemicals you choose to put on your camera gear.

David

Deoxit is often mentioned on these boards. The eraser method is far more friendly to the environment.

Tried the eraser as suggested and it appears it did the job.

I also believe the play in the tubes may have something to do with it.
It's as if the aperture ring is not locked in place.

Thanks guys.

Here are a few using this setup (36mm Extension)

Tiger Beetle


Mating


Fly


The Hunt


Scorpion Fly

eaglewolf wrote:
martyn. wrote:
Whats the name of the electrical contact cleaner you guys are always recommending to use on the lens contacts?

I use one called "Eraser." You can find it on the end of most pencils.

Seriously, that is pretty close to what we use in the nuclear power industry. Granted, it doesn't come on a pencil, but it is close to that in makeup. When we don't have one available, we use a pencil eraser there as well.

Some contact cleaners have ingredients (such as trichloroethylene) that will attack plastic or insulation. We have had failures of electrical equipment as a result of that, and it is now a known problem within our industry and banned from use. Be careful which chemicals you choose to put on your camera gear.

David

Thanks for the reply, I was aware of this product I think I shall stick to this in light of your other comments.

runamuck wrote:
Deoxit is often mentioned on these boards. The eraser method is far more friendly to the environment.


Thanks, thats the stuff I remember seeing mentioned.

Wingspar wrote:
I get the “Dead Battery” syndrome when I use my Kenko Tubes, even with a freshly charged battery. Remove the tubes, and all is fine. Took me a while to figure it out, but the weight of the tubes and lens is too much for all those connections, and the lens and tubes sag downwards, resulting in poor electrical contacts. The fix is to support the lens and tubes with your hand so the contacts stay in contact. I don’t remember getting the “FEE” error. As a result, it’s probably been over since I’ve used any of my Kenko Tubes.

--------
Gary
Will Fly for Food... and more Nikon stuff



This is exactly what happened to me also. I bet your stacking the tubes together. If your having this issue with only one tube then it should be a very heavy lens (300mm AFS f/4?)

stompyq wrote:
This is exactly what happened to me also. I bet your stacking the tubes together. If your having this issue with only one tube then it should be a very heavy lens (300mm AFS f/4?)


Yes, I have this problem with only one tube also. 105 VR. Heavy enough I guess.

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Gary
Will Fly for Food... and more Nikon stuff