I have a Nikkor 24-70 f4 lens I got with my Z6III in November last year. I don't use it much and it's in excellent shape. Two days ago I put it onto the Z6III and got the dreaded "Lens initiation failed" message. I tried it on the Zf with the same results. I tried to clean the contacts (very conservatively with a Q-tip only) with no change. I then took it to the shop where I bought it and they cleaned the contacts more aggressively with fluid and a brush and they too could not get it to work. I was going to send it in to Nikon before the warranty expires. When getting it ready to send in, I decided to give it one more try and on mounting the lens to the Z6III it works fine in both AF and MF. I tried different AF modes, different focal lengths, changed apertures and shutter speeds- all good. Did the same on the Zf and no problem.
I have read that cleaning the contacts can help/fix the problem. On the other hand, is it just a matter of time before it fails again. After all, I have not used this lens much (I shoot primes and the 24-70 lens is just for the little bit of video I shoot now and then) and it is stored in a dry cabinet that's very clean. I have a month before the warranty expires so will shoot a lot more with it this weekend to be sure its fully functional. My question is, should I send it in to Nikon either way just to be sure (and before my warranty expires in November).
I wish all companies work like Apple ie. You file a concern during warranty period, they open a case. and down the road even after warranty expires, Apple honours it and trusts the customer.
Just sent in something to Nikon for repair, it was a very easy process. Got it back within a week. Fuji on the other hand, takes a bit longer. Getting a lens cleaned... it was sent in Sept 26th, haven't got an update since.
