JMV said:
The problem is definitely with the camera since I have the same problem no matter what lens I use. With the lens off, when I push the DOF button I can hear a click from inside the camera but the lever does not move.

ding ding ding ding - that is the issue. I had that happen on a D80 I owned. Usually it is a spring that just worked loose or a pin that fell out. I have my camera back in less then 7 working days.

JForhan said:
Did not mean to imply there was anything wrong with Nikon service. Just saying that I have read many posts (some here) where people have had to return their camera multiple times to get a simple issue fixed. Having it serviced locally would eliminate having to send it back and forth.

I have had my fair share of problems and have seen many posts like you describe. Most read one of three ways to me- 1) That a person refuses to believe it could be the other part or user error, or 2) There is really nothing wrong with the camera but with the expectations of the person using it. 3) lastly the classic communication failure where they did not sufficiently describe what issue they are experiencing.
I have nothing but praise for Nikon Service and they have always been great to work with.

JMV : clear..
.
I'd check all my lenses though, whether there is any of them where the aperture lever does not move freely anymore for some reason, 'cause that can cause a defect like this.....

The problem is definitely with the camera since I have the same problem no matter what lens I use. With the lens off, when I push the DOF button I can hear a click from inside the camera but the lever does not move. It does however vibrate a little when you let up on the DOF button. It appears to me that the linkage between the mechanical lever and the acuator that moves it has either come un-done or is broken.

I've already got the camera packed up to be sent to Nikon for repair.

Thanks for your help.

JMV

m If no lens attached, when you push the DOF button, does the mechanical lever in the camera move ?

If so, then either the tab on the lens or the tab on the camera may be bent a little, causing them not to align properly. If the lens one is bent slightly you can try to bent it CAREFULLY Gently back, same for the camera...

Did not mean to imply there was anything wrong with Nikon service. Just saying that I have read many posts (some here) where people have had to return their camera multiple times to get a simple issue fixed. Having it serviced locally would eliminate having to send it back and forth.

And to PB, go back and read the OP, he said he verified it was not the lens but the mechanism on the camera that controls the aperture. At least that is how I interpreted it.

JMV said:
I checked to make sure it was not the lens (good thing since I was shooting with the 500mm F4). I’m planning to send it to Nikon for repair.

Don't listen to the above post, there is nothing wrong with Nikon service. I have used Nikon service three times, and they have always fixed any problems I have.

With a lens like that, you can expect to wait a few weeks, one or two for them to asses the problem and another two or three for the repair.

Welcome JVM!

I am no D300s (or Nikon in general for that matter) expert by any means. However, I have read more posts recently where folks have sent their camera to Nikon only to get it back with absolutely no fix or the fix was not done correctly, etc. I would look at the ist of authorized repair shops and find one in your area. This way you save shipping (can get damaged or lost, etc.) and you can ensure the camera is repaired to your satisfaction before you pay them and take the unit.

I have been lucky to find an excellent repair shop close to me. About 45 minutes away in MA. They have done a couple of lenses for me and they are great! They service allot of the equipment for the phtogs that cover the PATs, Sox and Celtics. So my wait time is usually a few weeks. But the quality of work is unsurpassed.

HTH

Later,
Jeff

I was out shooting with my D300s this morning and encountered a problem. When I take a picture the camera displays the “Err” error message and the picture comes out massively overexposed. After doing a little checking it appears that the mechanism that stops down the lens is not working. I get the same error message when I press the DOF preview button and the stopping down of the lens again does not work. I checked to make sure it was not the lens (good thing since I was shooting with the 500mm F4). I’m planning to send it to Nikon for repair. Has anyone else encountered this problem? How long should I expect Nikon to take to fix it?

Thanks for your help.
JMV