Flashing F-- with new lens

**hjoseph7** · 11-06-2014, 11:31 AM

Hello I just purchased a used Pentax lens from eBay and there is a flashing F-- on the LCD and the shutter won't release. I tried putting the lens in Manual Focus mode but still no luck. I even tried cleaning the contacts with an eraser but still no luck.

Giklab · 11-06-2014, 11:46 AM

Which lens?

**hjoseph7** · 11-06-2014, 12:07 PM

Guys I figured it out after almost dying from a heart attack. The lens is the 77mm f1.8 "Limited" that I bought used off of eBay. After trying to clean the contacts I went to the manual which explained that with FA series lenses you have to set the aperture ring to "A" for auto. I did that and the "F--" went away and I had control of the shutter. What bothers me is that after spending all that money I can't use the lens in Manual mode ?

schnitzer79 · 11-06-2014, 12:34 PM

Just set the aperture ring of the lens to the f stop you want and change the "use aperture ring" option to 2 in the menu and youre good to go

Adam · 11-06-2014, 12:48 PM

Originally posted by hjoseph7

Hello I just purchased a used Pentax lens from eBay and there is a flashing F-- on the LCD and the shutter won't release. I tried putting the lens in Manual Focus mode but still no luck. I even tried cleaning the contacts with an eraser but still no luck.

Follow this guide, there's a setting you need to change:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/54-pentax-lens-articles/110657-how-use-me...k-x-k-7-a.html

Na Horuk · 11-06-2014, 02:10 PM

Yes, you have to tell us which lens, to see if this is normal or a problem.

Originally posted by hjoseph7

Guys I figured it out after almost dying from a heart attack. The lens is the 77mm f1.8 "Limited" that I bought used off of eBay. After trying to clean the contacts I went to the manual which explained that with FA series lenses you have to set the aperture ring to "A" for auto. I did that and the "F--" went away and I had control of the shutter. What bothers me is that after spending all that money I can't use the lens in Manual mode ?

This is normal behaviour for all lenses that have an A setting on their aperture ring (usually have to press a little button to set it to A). This sets the aperture control to go through the camera. So you choose the aperture with the dials on the camera. This mode also allows metering, Av, P, and other modes.
You can also use the lens' aperture ring. Take it out of A mode, and go to camera Menu, at the end of the Menu choose "Enable aperture ring." Now the camera will let you use the aperture ring on the lens. But this can limit automation, you might have to use Green button to meter, and not all modes might be available. See the thread that Adam linked to. The Aperture ring is not needed on modern DSLRs, many DA lenses don't even have one, but it is good to have the aperture ring if you want to use the lens on old film cameras or with macro bellows, extension tubes.

But with the lens you mentioned, setting it to A and leaving it there is the way to go. You can use all modes, from M (full manual, you choose aperture, shutter speed, ISO) to P or Auto

stevebrot · 11-06-2014, 04:05 PM

Originally posted by hjoseph7

What bothers me is that after spending all that money I can't use the lens in Manual mode ?

Put the aperture ring on the "A" setting and use it in the same manner as your kit lens. Manual mode is fully supported.

Steve

**hjoseph7** · 11-06-2014, 04:58 PM

Thanks for all the advice !

11-06-2014, 11:31 AM	#1
hjoseph7 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Minnesota Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,051	Flashing F-- with new lens Hello I just purchased a used Pentax lens from eBay and there is a flashing F-- on the LCD and the shutter won't release. I tried putting the lens in Manual Focus mode but still no luck. I even tried cleaning the contacts with an eraser but still no luck.

11-06-2014, 12:48 PM	#5
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Originally posted by hjoseph7 Hello I just purchased a used Pentax lens from eBay and there is a flashing F-- on the LCD and the shutter won't release. I tried putting the lens in Manual Focus mode but still no luck. I even tried cleaning the contacts with an eraser but still no luck. Follow this guide, there's a setting you need to change: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/54-pentax-lens-articles/110657-how-use-me...k-x-k-7-a.html Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Does this flashing yellow and red have something to do with exposure?	rkymtnrider	Pentax K-01	6	02-03-2013 09:40 AM
Problems with mirror lens on K-01...red flashing F--	slackercruster	Pentax K-01	2	07-11-2012 01:20 PM
Getting a flashing F when I try using an SMC Pentax-M 1.7 lens with my K10D	altrace	Pentax DSLR Discussion	5	12-30-2010 10:34 PM
Flashing F------	Sheridan	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	8	07-28-2010 05:01 PM
k10d problems - locking up with a flashing "F---"	s4chung	Pentax DSLR Discussion	9	09-04-2007 05:02 AM

11-06-2014, 11:46 AM	#2
Giklab Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Slovenia Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,182	Which lens?

11-06-2014, 12:07 PM	#3
hjoseph7 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Minnesota Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,051 Original Poster	Guys I figured it out after almost dying from a heart attack. The lens is the 77mm f1.8 "Limited" that I bought used off of eBay. After trying to clean the contacts I went to the manual which explained that with FA series lenses you have to set the aperture ring to "A" for auto. I did that and the "F--" went away and I had control of the shutter. What bothers me is that after spending all that money I can't use the lens in Manual mode ?

11-06-2014, 12:34 PM	#4
schnitzer79 Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,248	Just set the aperture ring of the lens to the f stop you want and change the "use aperture ring" option to 2 in the menu and youre good to go

11-06-2014, 02:10 PM	#6
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	Yes, you have to tell us which lens, to see if this is normal or a problem. Originally posted by hjoseph7 Guys I figured it out after almost dying from a heart attack. The lens is the 77mm f1.8 "Limited" that I bought used off of eBay. After trying to clean the contacts I went to the manual which explained that with FA series lenses you have to set the aperture ring to "A" for auto. I did that and the "F--" went away and I had control of the shutter. What bothers me is that after spending all that money I can't use the lens in Manual mode ? This is normal behaviour for all lenses that have an A setting on their aperture ring (usually have to press a little button to set it to A). This sets the aperture control to go through the camera. So you choose the aperture with the dials on the camera. This mode also allows metering, Av, P, and other modes. You can also use the lens' aperture ring. Take it out of A mode, and go to camera Menu, at the end of the Menu choose "Enable aperture ring." Now the camera will let you use the aperture ring on the lens. But this can limit automation, you might have to use Green button to meter, and not all modes might be available. See the thread that Adam linked to. The Aperture ring is not needed on modern DSLRs, many DA lenses don't even have one, but it is good to have the aperture ring if you want to use the lens on old film cameras or with macro bellows, extension tubes. But with the lens you mentioned, setting it to A and leaving it there is the way to go. You can use all modes, from M (full manual, you choose aperture, shutter speed, ISO) to P or Auto

11-06-2014, 04:05 PM	#7
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by hjoseph7 What bothers me is that after spending all that money I can't use the lens in Manual mode ? Put the aperture ring on the "A" setting and use it in the same manner as your kit lens. Manual mode is fully supported. Steve

11-06-2014, 04:58 PM	#8
hjoseph7 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Minnesota Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,051 Original Poster	Thanks for all the advice !