nikkor 50mm

[woodpigeon]

I have a seven month old Nikon D80 and a new Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D AF lens.

Why does the lens have a ‘minimum aperture lock lever’?

With the lever in the locked position at aperture 22, I can take photographs.

With the lever in the unlocked position and any aperture from 16 to 1.8, I cannot take photographs. The shutter release button is locked and I cannot depress it, no matter which mode I am in.

Is there something wrong with the camera or the lens?

[Rooz]

your d80 will control the aperture of this lens. you must put it in f22 position.(the white dot should line up with the 22 mark).

then you need to lock it in position by pushing the little switch down so the 2 red dots line up with eachother. then you adjust the aperture with your camera as opposed to the aperture ring.

[K1W1]

Why does the lens have a ‘minimum aperture lock lever’?

As per Rooz's explanation.
The situation where you would unlock the aperture is if you were using the lens on an older (i.e. non digital at least) body where you manually set the aperture.

[rawpaw18]

Is there something wrong with the camera or the lens?

Both are in perfect working order.

[woodpigeon]

Thank you.

Woodpigeon