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Fee / FEE

Nikon Camera

Severity: Minor

What Does This Error Mean?

FEE means the lens aperture ring is not set to the minimum aperture (highest f-number). Nikon cameras with electronic aperture control need the lens ring locked at f/22 or f/32. Rotate the aperture ring to the highest f-number and lock it.

Affected Models

  • Nikon D850
  • Nikon D780
  • Nikon D7500
  • Nikon D500
  • All Nikon DSLRs with AF-D or AI lenses

Common Causes

  • Aperture ring on the lens is not set to the minimum aperture (highest f-number)
  • Aperture ring lock tab not engaged
  • Using an older AI/AI-S lens that requires manual aperture setting
  • Lens aperture ring accidentally moved

How to Fix It

  1. Rotate the lens aperture ring to the highest f-number (f/22, f/32, etc.).

    Look for the smallest aperture number printed on the lens ring. Rotate until you reach the highest number and it clicks into place.

  2. Engage the aperture lock tab on the lens.

    Most Nikon lenses with aperture rings have a small locking switch or tab. Slide it to lock the ring at the minimum aperture so it does not accidentally move.

  3. If using a G or E lens (no aperture ring): clean the lens contacts.

    G and E lenses have no aperture ring — FEE should not appear. If it does, the contacts between lens and body may be dirty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the aperture ring need to be at the minimum?

Nikon cameras control the aperture electronically. The lens ring must be at the minimum so the camera can control it from there. If the ring is at a different position, the camera does not know the actual aperture.

Do Nikon Z mirrorless cameras show FEE?

Not with native Z-mount lenses (they have no aperture ring). But FEE can appear when using F-mount lenses with an FTZ adapter if the lens has an aperture ring.