diff --git a/examples/howto/optimize_evoked.py b/examples/howto/optimize_evoked.py
index 7c8b6000d..0f799517d 100644
--- a/examples/howto/optimize_evoked.py
+++ b/examples/howto/optimize_evoked.py
@@ -188,7 +188,7 @@ def set_params(net, params):
 
 net = jones_2009_model()
 optim = Optimizer(net, tstop=tstop, constraints=constraints,
-                  set_params=set_params, max_iter=40)
+                  set_params=set_params)
 with MPIBackend(n_procs=n_procs, mpi_cmd='mpiexec'):
     optim.fit(target=exp_dpl, scale_factor=scale_factor,
               smooth_window_len=smooth_window_len)
diff --git a/hnn_core/optimization/general_optimization.py b/hnn_core/optimization/general_optimization.py
index 40bd87a8c..efe29c8a6 100644
--- a/hnn_core/optimization/general_optimization.py
+++ b/hnn_core/optimization/general_optimization.py
@@ -113,13 +113,12 @@ def fit(self, **obj_fun_kwargs):
         relative_bandpower : tuple (if obj_fun='maximize_psd')
             Weight for each frequency band.
         """
-
         if (self.obj_fun_name == 'dipole_rmse' and
                 'target' not in obj_fun_kwargs):
             raise Exception('target must be specified')
         elif (self.obj_fun_name == 'maximize_psd' and
-              'f_bands' not in obj_fun_kwargs or
-              'relative_bandpower' not in obj_fun_kwargs):
+              ('f_bands' not in obj_fun_kwargs or
+               'relative_bandpower' not in obj_fun_kwargs)):
             raise Exception('f_bands and relative_bandpower must be specified')
 
         constraints = self._assemble_constraints(self.constraints)