It is frustrating to see an error message on your camera. Modern Nikon DSLRs, such as D3300/D3400, D5200/D5600, D5500/D5600, D7200/D7500 and D500, display specific error messages to help photographers troubleshoot and fix problems. This article will cover each error code and what you can do to fix it.

Blinking the “Err” message

A blinking error message (Err) on the top or back LCD means there is a camera malfunction. However, it does not necessarily mean the camera is defective. This problem is common with new Nikon DSLR cameras. The lens’s contacts are oily from manufacturing, and can be easily fixed by you. You can simply dismount the lens and clean your contacts with a clean cloth. You can read my article “How to fix blinking error on Nikon DSLR cameras” to learn more.

If the problem persists after you’ve tried cleaning the contacts, take the battery out of the camera and put it back in. Contact Nikon if the problem persists. Your camera may be damaged.

Blinking the “fEE” message

This error is only visible if you are using an older lens, such as the Nikon 50mm F/1.4D with an aperture band and the lens aperture has not been set to the minimum aperture. The error could be caused by accidentally rotating the aperture ring of the lens when you change lenses. To avoid this, lock the aperture ring in place and set it to the maximum f-number (minimum aperture), so that it doesn’t accidentally get rotated again.

A triangle containing the letter F

The camera can’t detect the lens if it sees a small triangle containing the letter F. Make sure the lens is securely attached to the mount. The error should disappear by removing the lens from its mount and reattaching it.

Continuous (-E-) Message

This simply means you don’t have a memorycard in your camera. You can verify that your memory card is inserted by taking the card out and then putting it back in to see what happens. You might try another card. If the message does not go away, it may be that your memory card contacts in your DSLR are damaged or bent. In this case, you’ll need to send your camera to Nikon.

Blinking the “CHA/CHR” Message

This error means that your memory card is having problems. This error is most commonly seen when people copy images from memory cards and then delete them instead of formatting the card. It is dangerous to delete images from memory cards without formatting them. Many DSLR cameras will have trouble writing to these cards eventually. It is better to format the card in the camera than to do it on a PC/Mac. For instructions on how to format your memory card in your camera, refer to your manual. You can format a DSLR like the D7500 by simultaneously pressing two buttons on the top and back of your camera. To format the card, press both buttons again once the word “FOR”, which appears on the top LCD, blinks. The camera menu also allows you to format the memory card.

If your camera still shows this message after formatting your memory card, it is possible that your card is not properly seated. In which case you can either take it out and put it back in or clean the contacts. You should also avoid using non-approved cards with your DSLR. It could be that your DSLR does not support the card. If the error persists after you’ve tried everything, it could be that your camera is having contact problems or that your memory card has been damaged.