Problems with Extension Tubes: I have been using extension for quite a while, however I'm experiencing a problem: None of my 3 lenses can auto-focus with any of the tubes recently. I...

augieg27 Loc: Central California

I have been using extension for quite a while, however I'm experiencing a problem: None of my 3 lenses can auto-focus with any of the tubes recently. I have checked out settings and they have not been changed??
I have a Nikon 5500,
Nikon 18-200 3.5/5.6
Nikon 40mm 2.8 macro and
Sigma 105mm 2.8 macro
Extension tubes: Kenko 36mm and a Neewer set of 12,20 and 36mm.
I would appreciate your input.
Thanks,
Augie

twowindsbear

They did and now they don't? Or is something new, now?

newtoyou Loc: Eastport

If it happens with all three sets, I would hope for dirty contacts on the camera. Find how to clean them and proceed with your fingers crossed it is not a worse problem. DO NOT use an abrasive. I use a lenses wipe, that has done fixed the problem so far.

augieg27 Loc: Central California

newtoyou wrote:

If it happens with all three sets, I would hope for dirty contacts on the camera. Find how to clean them and proceed with your fingers crossed it is not a worse problem. DO NOT use an abrasive. I use a lenses wipe, that has done fixed the problem so far.
Bill

Thank you Bill, the fact is the camera AF without the tubes, so the contacts must be OK.

twowindsbear

augieg27 wrote:

Thank you Bill, the fact is the camera AF without the tubes, so the contacts must be OK.

Check and clean the contacts on the tubes

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

Kenko makes two different types of extension tubes. One for manual focusing only and the other for auto focusing. One for auto focusing has the letters DG on the side of each section of extension tubes. Also too note, the Nikon D5500 does not have a built in focusing motor, so not sure if needed to focus thru DG type extension tubes. I know some of your lens mentioned are of the AF-S type and have built in focusing motors, but not sure if these will work on set of tubes with a camera that doesn't have a built in focusing motor.

augieg27 Loc: Central California

martinfisherphoto wrote:

Kenko makes two different types of extension tubes... (show quote)

Thank you Martinfisherphoto,
The Kenko is a DG. What's really estrange is that all extension tubes worked with all my lenses until recently.
In fact, right now I can't even manually focus with any of my lenses when tubes are installed.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

I had the same problem with Kenko tubes, they were a sloppy fit right out of the box.
Lesson learned!! bought a set of Nikon tubes "Manual only" cost about twice the price, but they always work!!!The kenko set is now a dust collector, and they do a great job collecting dust.

chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon

If you put the 36mm Et on the 40mm then your focus point is inside the lens and it will be unable to focus. ET's do not work well on zoom lenses if they do you have to be at full zoom length. The 105mm lens should be able to use any of the three ET's.

another thing to consider is the since ET's reduce focal length and DOF, is your aperture at 16mm? That is the most useful aperture I have found when using ET's.

augieg27 Loc: Central California

chapjohn wrote:

If you put the 36mm Et on the 40mm then your focus point is inside the lens and it will be unable to focus. ET's do not work well on zoom lenses if they do you have to be at full zoom length. The 105mm lens should be able to use any of the three ET's.

another thing to consider is the since ET's reduce focal length and DOF, is your aperture at 16mm? That is the most useful aperture I have found when using ET's.

Thank you so much for your comments. I don't use ETs with the 40mm however, I have used them with the 18-200mm and the 105mm in the past with no problems. Frankly I'm confused as to why they are not working now.