What to do about this message?

Pentax931 · 11-03-2016, 11:38 AM

I was photographing autumn foliage and clouds when this message F-- showed up and now my camera doesn't function. What should I do to prevent the interference and restore the camera function?
The camera is Pentax K20D with Pentax 18-55mm lens. I usually set the exposure to TV for shutter priority and not AV for aperture priority. When I capture a great image this error occurs and then the camera is locked. The exposure was set to TV for shutter priority and not AV for aperture priority. Does the F-- mean FCC as in the compliance rule?

Last edited by Pentax931; 11-04-2016 at 08:02 AM.

Ole · 11-03-2016, 11:43 AM

If you are using a lens with an aperture ring, set it back to the "A" position.

If you're using a lens with an aperture ring and no "A" setting, read here.

Otherwise check that the lens is mounted correctly (turned all the way in).

Clean the lens information contacts.

**Wingincamera** · 11-03-2016, 12:22 PM

What camera and lens were you using? A little more info might help.

**Kerrowdown** · 11-03-2016, 12:37 PM

+1 on what Ole said, it should covered by one of those options.

CarlG · 11-03-2016, 12:59 PM

Kerrowdown is right.

noblepa · 11-04-2016, 02:01 PM

Clean the electrical contacts on both the lens and the camera body.

The F--- message usually appears when an older lens that does not have the electrical contacts is mounted. It should never appear with a properly mounted (and properly functioning) auto-focus kit lens. Is this the kit lens that came with your K20d? This message is telling you that the camera is unable to control the aperture on the lens.

I like to use a pencil eraser to clean electrical contacts. Just be careful not to allow the rubber that comes off to fall into the camera body.

A short-term fix might be to set the camera to allow the use of the aperture ring, which, for some reason Pentax has turned off by default.

11-03-2016, 11:38 AM	#1
Pentax931 New Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 5	What to do about this message? I was photographing autumn foliage and clouds when this message F-- showed up and now my camera doesn't function. What should I do to prevent the interference and restore the camera function? The camera is Pentax K20D with Pentax 18-55mm lens. I usually set the exposure to TV for shutter priority and not AV for aperture priority. When I capture a great image this error occurs and then the camera is locked. The exposure was set to TV for shutter priority and not AV for aperture priority. Does the F-- mean FCC as in the compliance rule? Last edited by Pentax931; 11-04-2016 at 08:02 AM.

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11-03-2016, 11:43 AM	#2
Ole Administrator Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Copenhagen, Denmark Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,408	If you are using a lens with an aperture ring, set it back to the "A" position. If you're using a lens with an aperture ring and no "A" setting, read here. Otherwise check that the lens is mounted correctly (turned all the way in). Clean the lens information contacts.

11-03-2016, 12:22 PM	#3
Wingincamera Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Pine Haven, Wyoming Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,182	What camera and lens were you using? A little more info might help.

11-03-2016, 12:37 PM	#4
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,815	+1 on what Ole said, it should covered by one of those options.

11-03-2016, 12:59 PM	#5
CarlG Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 417	Kerrowdown is right.

11-04-2016, 02:01 PM	#6
noblepa Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bay Village, Ohio USA Posts: 1,142	Clean the electrical contacts on both the lens and the camera body. The F--- message usually appears when an older lens that does not have the electrical contacts is mounted. It should never appear with a properly mounted (and properly functioning) auto-focus kit lens. Is this the kit lens that came with your K20d? This message is telling you that the camera is unable to control the aperture on the lens. I like to use a pencil eraser to clean electrical contacts. Just be careful not to allow the rubber that comes off to fall into the camera body. A short-term fix might be to set the camera to allow the use of the aperture ring, which, for some reason Pentax has turned off by default.

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