Sony SLR a230 Camera - I'm getting a camera error come us a lot but it doesn't tell me what the error is, I'm on AF - Auto normally

Check that the camera or lens AF/MF switch hasn't moved to MF.
This will turn off the auto focus on the camera.
You can see them both in this photo.

Probably a problem with the af/m switch so that even though switching to manual moves the connector out of the way (pulls it into the mount) the af motor continues to run. Remover the bottom and then the front cover and check the switch.

You did not say which camera body you are using, but you probably have three different auto-focus modes on you camera. You might be using the wrong one.

The modes are as follows:
AF-A Mode: Camera automatically selects single-servo autofocus when AF-A subject is stationary, continuous-servo autofocus when subject is moving. Shutter can only be released if camera is able to focus. AF-S Mode: For stationary subjects. Focus locks when shutter-release button AF-S is pressed halfway. Shutter can only be released when in-focus indicator is displayed.
AF-C Mode: For moving subjects. Camera focuses continuously while AF-C shutter-release button is pressed halfway. Photographs can be taken even when in-focus indicator is not displayed.

Try cleaning the lens and camera contacts gently with a lint-free cloth

Could be your lens is not communication with the body. If the lens is not telling the camera that the AF has locked on an object then it won't allow the camera to fire. Make sure that the camera is indeed locking the AF on the object. If there isn't enough contrast (for example a plain wall) then it wont be able to lock onto it. This would usually explain why it works on manual but not on auto (I assume you mean the focus setting and not the camera's modes). If you're still having issues I recommend you contact a nearby Nikon authorized service center for assistance and possible repairs. Hope this helps!

Hiram
Photo Tech Repair Service
110 East 13th Street
New York, NY 10003
212-673-8400

Any of the Nikon Auto Focus(AF) lenses should work fine with it. There are also a number of fine aftermarket lenses made for your 8008, by Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, Quantaray and others. Be sure you get the Nikon AF lenses, as they make the same lenses for Sony and Canon. You cannot use the Lenses made for another brand, as they will not fit, work right, and can damage your Nikon.

if you want to use your current lens, then your only new choice is any of the Sony Alpha dSLR's as they use the Minolta AF mount.

However... your lens will not operate correctly. You may have to manually focus and the auto iris stop down might not work. The only way to find out in advance to to take your lens along to a Sony stockist to try it out, but phone them in advance to ensure that they have a display model with a freshly charged battery.

You will definitely find that your 35mm film lens will have a different angle of view; the smaller sensor on the dSLR means that your lens will appear to have a 1.5x teleconverter fitted. You'll also likely find that your lens will be optically inferior to the modern offerings simply due to greater advances in computer aided design and materials technology, although the actual build quality of your lens may well be better.

On balance, I'd suggest that you continue to use your Minolta 35mm camera and if you buy a digital SLR system just make a clean break and pick whichever system suits your needs best. Unless you already own late model 35mm AF Nikon or Canon gear there's really very little to be gained by trying to use your old equipment on the new dSLR body and potentially a lot of handling issues to interfere with taking photos.

As I understand it, Sony bought Minolta, lock, stock, and barrel. Theoretically the lenses should fit and may work on manual, but I'm very sure they will not totally work on sony digital cameras. I wouldn't even try to fit them as the autofocus system on the camera may be damaged.

No extra batteries.

Usually this is a lens fault as the focusing gear is all in the lens. Clicking sounds as if a rear pinion has cracked. It's not uncomon in the 'prosumer' level lenses where plastic gears are used a lot.

It's just possible the fault is which the auto-manual switch. This usually has a mechanical clutch coupled to it which physically disconnects the gearbox from the focusing ring, as well as operating a switch to tell the camera to turn off the AF system.

rtjohnson1,
the minolta 7000 was the first auto focus slr. you can still buy a good working 7000 on e-bay for around $40.00 to $50.00, or take a 7000 lens to a camera store and try it on a newer model.