Lens not working

[kat]

I have a Nikkor 18-135 lens.

From the 105 to the 135mm my lens just wont autofocus anymore. I hear a little click sound and nothing. From 105mm and down it works perfectly fine.

I can manual focus on the higher mm's but now I am worried that something is really wrong and that I shouldn't use it.

Does anyone know what is going on? The nearest camera store to take it in is 5.5 hour drive away so I figure I'd give this a shot first...

[jjeling]

Wow, you do live in Canada! I could probably walk to 4 different camera stores. Wish there was something I could do, but no such luck. Just fixed the focus mechanism on my camera, but lenses are a different thing. Sounds like the focusing screw is stripped out at its far end and I have no clue how to fix that. Seems like it would be an unlikely problem, but don't know what else it could be.

[tirediron]

I agree, sounds like the most likely cause is a stripped mechanism. Is the lens still under warranty?

[kat]

No..I think it's out now. I'd have to go through some papers and see for sure. Is it something that can be fixed in store or has to be sent away?

[jjeling]

Depends, if you think you can disassemble it, fix the screw or replace it, and then reassemble it as it was when it was new? Lenses are something different than the camera body. If it were a camera body, I would try it. I recently just took my camera body completely apart, fixed the autofocus switch, then reassembled it. Its as good as new. That was a camera body, lenses are a LOT different. There are no screws you can easily take out and then put back in. Not only that, the elements in the lens are extremely sensitive, taking the lens apart would probably mean disaster. It would probably be best to get sent away. That might be unrealistic depending on the glass, it might just be better to get a new lens, and use that one through its usable range.

The other thought I had is it might not be a stripped screw. It sounds like when you zoom out past 105, whatever keeps the linking mechanism between the elements and the screw lose its hold. When you come back down to 105, it can regain its grip and autofocus again. Can't seem to think this would be an easy problem to deal with.

[tirediron]

I would NOT try to disassemble a modern lens. I've taken apart old, mechanical (60s, '70s vintage) lenses and repaired them, but there were no electronic contacts, focus motors, microchips or anything else. Unless you have access to a major camera-repair facility, I'm 100% sure they'll send it back to Nikon for repair.

[kat]

Well..I called Nikon and they said to send it to them. In the mean time..searching up and down for a warranty..I guess my packing wasn't as good as I thought because I can't find it anywhere..boooooo. Either way I'm going to have to send it away..although if it costs more than a new one - I guess a new one will be purchased.

Thank you for the help everyone! I just hope it wasn't because I did something wrong!

[tirediron]

Well..I called Nikon and they said to send it to them. In the mean time..searching up and down for a warranty..I guess my packing wasn't as good as I thought because I can't find it anywhere..boooooo. Either way I'm going to have to send it away..although if it costs more than a new one - I guess a new one will be purchased.

Thank you for the help everyone! I just hope it wasn't because I did something wrong!

Very unlikely.

[kat]

Well, my husband took it upon himself to send an email to Nikon and explaining the problem, how we moved 4X in the last year and can't find the Warranty Slip/Purchase Receipt.

We got a reply back saying to send the lens to them and they will look at it as if it was a gift purchase (which it was from my husband to me) and treat it as if the Warranty was sent! I should be fine if the problem is covered under warranty!!!

Now that was nice news yesterday. Makes me happy for purchasing the Nikon brand :)

[tirediron]

Sounds good so far, let us know how it goes!

[Barefoot]

Just curious, is it a VR lens and what body are you using?

[Mad Aussie]

I've heard really good things about Nikon's service department so your news doesn't surprize me. Apparently they are great on price as well.

[kat]

Just curious, is it a VR lens and what body are you using?


Nope, not VR and I have a Nikon D40X base.

[Barefoot]

Nope, not VR and I have a Nikon D40X base.

OK, so it’s not VR. I ask because you mentioned hearing a clicking sound and there is some noise to be expected in a Nikkor VR lens and that’s perfectly normal.

Shooting with the D40x means that the lens you’re having trouble with is almost certainly an AF-S (S=Silent Wave) type as this is the only glass that will autofocus on the D40 or D60s. Do you have another AF-S lens that does autofocus throughout its entire range?

Not that it would solve your problem, but the first thing I would do is to clean the CPU contact points on the lens and camera body with the eraser (rub all the dirt of the eraser first) of a pencil, being very careful not to get the rubbing inside the body of the camera. Also, make sure you have the latest version of firmware released for you camera. I know that there has been at least a couple for the D40/D40x. Even if I already had the latest version, I might still try to reinstall just in case it might have somehow been corrupted.

Sorry you're having troubles.

[kat]

Yes, sorry. It's AF-S. I don't have another lens that Autofocus'. I can't even try that out!!!

There is firmware for my camera...? OMG..what is that and where do i get it? I'm feeling really stupid now! :eek: :eek: :eek:

[Barefoot]

Yes, sorry. It's AF-S. I don't have another lens that Autofocus'. I can't even try that out!!!

There is firmware for my camera...? OMG..what is that and where do i get it? I'm feeling really stupid now! :eek: :eek: :eek:

You’ll need to got to Nikon’s site and nose around in the support section or maybe just punch in- D40x,firmware update- in a google search. It won’t be hard to find. I suspect that if you have never updated, that you may have to start with the first one released and work your way up to the latest. This just may solve your problem. I hope so, anyway. :fingerscr

[kat]

Thanks! I'm on that right away.

:)

[Iguanasan]

According to the site, if I read it correctly, there are no current firmware updates for the D40X

http://support.nikontech.com/cgi-bin/nikonusa.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=13783&p_created=1133899490&p_sid=Pidk7Pqj&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_lva=13948&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX 3Jvd19jbnQ9MiwyJnBfcHJvZHM9MTksMzUxJnBfY2F0cz0xODY mcF9wdj0yLjM1MSZwX2N2PTEuMTg2JnBfc2VhcmNoX3R5cGU9Y W5zd2Vycy5zZWFyY2hfbmwmcF9wYWdlPTE*&p_li=&p_topview=1

[kat]

According to the site, if I read it correctly, there are no current firmware updates for the D40X

http://support.nikontech.com/cgi-bin/nikonusa.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=13783&p_created=1133899490&p_sid=Pidk7Pqj&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_lva=13948&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX 3Jvd19jbnQ9MiwyJnBfcHJvZHM9MTksMzUxJnBfY2F0cz0xODY mcF9wdj0yLjM1MSZwX2N2PTEuMTg2JnBfc2VhcmNoX3R5cGU9Y W5zd2Vycy5zZWFyY2hfbmwmcF9wYWdlPTE*&p_li=&p_topview=1


Yup..I got the same thing!!!

[Barefoot]

According to the site, if I read it correctly, there are no current firmware updates for the D40X

http://support.nikontech.com/cgi-bin/nikonusa.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=13783&p_created=1133899490&p_sid=Pidk7Pqj&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_lva=13948&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX 3Jvd19jbnQ9MiwyJnBfcHJvZHM9MTksMzUxJnBfY2F0cz0xODY mcF9wdj0yLjM1MSZwX2N2PTEuMTg2JnBfc2VhcmNoX3R5cGU9Y W5zd2Vycy5zZWFyY2hfbmwmcF9wYWdlPTE*&p_li=&p_topview=1

You're right, I just looked too. They released one for the D40 but not the D40x. I wonder if the original could just be reinstalled? The firmware is a lot like a driver for a printer or some such device and they can sometimes become corrupted and the results in having to reinstall the driver for the device to operate properly again.

If you don't feel comfortable with something like that, then don't attempt it. No need to compound the problem. :eek:

But, don't forget to clean the CPU contact points!

[kat]

Thank you for the help!!! I'm on to cleaning!! :)

[kat]

Well. FINALLY got the word back. It's my apreture shutter thing. Not under warranty so now I have to dish out $230. Fun fun...

[Mad Aussie]

Your aperture shutter thing?

Your aperture ring? Something along these lines ?
http://www.jeffwignall.com/images/263_Lens_aperture_mechanism.jpg

Tough decision to fix a lens with that much collateral damage and it will still be 2nd hand ... or go that bit further and get a new one ... or different one.

[kat]

Well. New news since this morning.

I was pretty upset this morning. In shock that they wouldn't warranty any aperture part. I told my husband when he got home from work and the first thing he asked me was, did you bang it? He knows as well as I do that I didn't. I'm so careful of everything to do with my camera. It's my third baby and I can't afford a new one of anything. So he called Nikon. "You banged it and that is why you aren't under warranty.", is what he was told. No we didn't. So are call got forwarded to the technician. Once again you banged the lens your fault. Nope. I then explained how one day I went to change the focal lenght of hte lens and it got hard and made a noise and then it just didn't autofocus after that. "Ohhh". Forwarded to another technician who now sees that there is a piece of something "glass he says" in the lens and that the aperture thing was cut (hence why I don't know the piece).

Getting the lens fixed under warranty now and all happy. I've learnt today to question things when you just don't understand. I never did what they said I did. The guy that we talked to was wonderful. Whew..now to take that money and get a new lens that I wanted to add to my collection!

[Mad Aussie]

Great news !!

Let me celebrate for you Kat ...

http://www.mtbdirt.com.au/home/smf/Smileys/classic/dance.gif http://www.mtbdirt.com.au/home/smf/Smileys/classic/yeehah.gif http://www.mtbdirt.com.au/home/smf/Smileys/classic/claphands.gif http://www.mtbdirt.com.au/home/smf/Smileys/classic/getdown.gif http://www.mtbdirt.com.au/home/smf/Smileys/classic/photo.gif

So ... what lens will you be getting now then http://www.mtbdirt.com.au/home/smf/Smileys/classic/hmm.gif

[kat]

Well. I was looking at this lens. The one I want is over 1000 so it's going to have to wait a bit bit I think this one may do...what do you think?

Nikon AF-S 70-300mm VR Zoom-Nikkor F/4.5-5.6G ED-IF $579 cnd

I'm not to sure yet. I won't get another lens until I can get into Winnipeg and actually visit a camera store with the lens in stock. I like to see them, feel them and ask every possible question.

If you have any thoughts please do tell!

[Mad Aussie]

I'm not a Nikon expert but I can only go look and think about what others say myself I guess.

I just read this one http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/70-300-vr.htm which seems to suggest it's alright lens but a bit pricey for the prosumer lens.

I think it depends on your own factors as well. For instance, what you it for, what lenses you already have or intend to get, budget etc etc.

At f4.5-5.6 it's not a fast lens but then that's the same min aperture rating as my Canon L 100-400mm lens I get most of my bird shots with. What you might find is there will be times when a good flash is also necessary to get those bright colours and get rid of shadows.

I think one thing that is over looked with lenses is how heavy the expensive pro ones are. My wife or daughter could never carry around my Canon 40D with my 100-400 attached. It hurts my wrists after awhile. I've seen my daughter out do me and my 100-400 with the cheap lenses I sold her so it's not all in the lens for sure.

I'm guessing you are looking at expanding your range to include sports and wildlife a bit more rather than the more wide angle landscape/kids style shots you have taken recently?

[kat]

The lens I have coming back to me is the Nikon AF-S 18-135mm DX Zoom-Nikkor f3.5-5.6G IF-ED. I find I can get most landscape shots with it. I't s been a great lens (maybe because I haven't tried anything else though).

Yes, I would love to get those hockey shots this winter. Lots of wildlife up here but I'm not going to get that close to them :P

That was a good read MA. It's hard sometimes to figure out what you want. Ha ha..I'll go down the list and see soemthing that peaks my interest, take a look and bang, $2000. I told my husband if I can sell my photography, start doing jobs and pay for it myself through my photography then I think I can get a wonderful f/2.8 200-400mm lens :P

All that aside though, I'd like to get something good for my money. We got accepted for the house..so money isn't what it will be for a while. Ahh..the joys of life :)

[Barefoot]

Yes, I would love to get those hockey shots this winter.

I don’t know that you would get the kind of indoor action shots that would make you happy with the AF-S 70-300mm VR F/4.5-5.6G mounted on the D40/40x. I think it would mean taking the ISO a little higher than the D40 and D60 like to go.

With that f/2.8 200-400mm lens, on the other hand, your "hockey" won’t stink.

[kat]

I don’t know that you would get the kind of action shots that would make you happy with the AF-S 70-300mm VR F/4.5-5.6G mounted on the D40/40x. I think it would mean taking the ISO a little higher than the D40 and D60 like to go.

With that f/2.8 200-400mm lens, on the other hand, your "hockey" won’t stink.


I know :( I'm living in a dream world here. I know it's going to have to be go big or go home when it comes to that. I tell yah, lottery gods hear my voice and let me win some money!

In general though, would it be a good lens outside the arena? Summer is almost here and we live for camping and the wilderness. Maybe I should wait and just keep saving up. Although to be honest I would rather get a better base for that price then a lens.

[Barefoot]

In general though, would it be a good lens outside the arena?

I know people that shoot with it and say that it’s a fine piece of glass. Of course, it has it’s share of detractors as well, but they are mainly those that sprang for the more expensive glass and are ashamed that they could have gotten comparable performance under the conditions they are most likely to use it in for a lot less denaries.

I visit Ken Rockwell’s site on occasion, but find him to be a bit of an opinionated a$$hole at times. Sort of a “shoot like I do, or you stink” type of fellow. Try reading this review on the lens, and by all means, bookmark Tom’s site. I think it might be the best Nikon site on the web.

http://www.bythom.com/70300VRlens.htm

[Mad Aussie]

Take reviews with a grain of salt though. Read them and take it in but realise that much of what is said is often a sibjective opinion by the unqualified or an over analysed document by the over qualified. That said though ... find the average thinking in them and you might be close.

I don't how often I see people saying in reviews my 100-400mm lens is not sharp. Maybe it isn't compared to something, but what, I don't know. I'm happy with it. No one tells me my wildlife shots are soft.

I think that lens will be fine for outside work. 300mm is a good focal length for general wildlife and shooting people without them realising it :)

Your current lens is very much suited to landscapes as if you need us to tell you that. :)