MMC Loc: Brooklyn NY

My favorite lens autofocus stopped working. Switch M/A M in M/A position. Yesterday I cleaned electronic lens contacts but problem still persists. I tried using this lens on 2 cameras with the same result. Using another lens on these cameras autofocus is working. I need advice for solving my problem.

Julian Loc: Sarasota, FL

What part of the lens isn't working?

MMC Loc: Brooklyn NY

Electronical focusing parts are not working.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Assuming by electronic focusing parts are not working, you mean autofocus is not working, there is little you can do short of sending the lens to a repair facility. I'm guessing you don't have the proper tools and skill to repair the lens yourself.

MMC Loc: Brooklyn NY

Thanks.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

You're welcome, but I don't believe you liked my response. My response is based on personal experience. Auto focus on my favorite lens, my Canon EF 28-300L, failed a few years ago. My only option was to send the lens to Canon repair where they replaced the failed auto focus parts and cleaned the lens elements. These lenses aren't designed for consumer servicing. They are quite complex and require special tools and training to service. I wish you the best of luck with your lens situation. I know what it's like to have to send favorite lenses, both Canon and Nikkor, off to the service facility, and I know how expensive it can be, but repairing will most always cost way less than replacing. Case in point, my EF 28-300L has been to service twice in the 14 years I've owned it. Repair and service costs have come to about $1300, to replave the AF and then later the aperture mechanisim. It's a fairly old lens and I use it pretty much every day. It would cost me around $2400 to replace the lens. I bought the lens used from a school in Canada.

MMC Loc: Brooklyn NY

I can use my lens in manual focusing mode but it is not the best decision. I am going to ask specialist about repair cost and after that will think what to do.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Sorry to hear of your issue MMC...
This is the reason I still only purchase screwdriver AF optics...
They are build to last... and last they do... I have the original (circa 1986) AF 70-210mm f/4 (constant aperture) optic that works flawlessly... The AF-S 80-200 f/2.8 IF is a heart breaker... amazing optic albeit it is plagued by it's internal AF motor failure and Nikon will no longer service it! There are no parts available for this wonderful lens... And its AF-S motor will fail, just a matter of time...

You're super lucky to live in Brooklyn NY MMC where there are a myriad of top rated lens repair facilities...
I'm absolutely certain you'll be able to find lot's of options for service...

Food for thought....
If you decide to tombstone that Nikkor I would suggest the Tokina AT-X 24-70 f2.8 Pro FX Nikon which is far superior optically to your failing Nikkor... The Tokina is built far more robust than that Nikkor..

However please take my word on this, check out DxOmarks scores on this epic Tokina...
https://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Tokina/Tokina-AT-X-24-70-F28-PRO-FX-Nikon-mounted-on-Nikon-D800E__814

The down side it's heavy beast: 1010g

btw, This stellar Tokina has been on back-order forever on B&H and I'm already ahead of you in line... lol

Good luck and I trust that Nikon can repair your optic at a reasonable price...

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Sometimes, that M/A M switch can be a real bugger. I would suggest switching it back and forth a few times, then, go to the M settings, and when switching back to M/A, really push it hard and strong.
If this fails, call Nikon at 1-800-645-6687.

MMC Loc: Brooklyn NY

Thank you for your advice. I switched M/A switch a few times without any result. I will call Nikon.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

If you want to have the lens repaired Nikon is your best choice. I have a 18-70 f3.5-4.5 AF-S that its AF suddenly began to fail till it quit working. Nikon no longer makes repairs to my lens and looking around to other places the prices were so high that I could buy two used lenses for the price asked to repair the AF of mine.

Because I like the little lens I have kept it and I use it in manual focus. I do not shoot action with it and manual focus is what I have done most of my life.

MMC Loc: Brooklyn NY

Thanks.

xt2 Loc: British Columbia, Canada

See your dealer for best advice MMC.

Cheers!

Photec

I have that lens, and truly love it. I dropped it down some rocks and beat it up pretty good, so I knew it was a goner. I contacted Nikon and they said send it in for an estimate. A few days later they sent me an estimate of $600 to repair it, and considering the pile of rubble I sent them I didn't think that was possible, and contacted them by phone. The service center assured me that it would be in perfect condition when they sent it back. Sure enough, when it came back it was perfect except there was a slight scuff mark on one of the barrels that didn't hurt anything. In reality what they had done was take a brand new lens off the shelf and swap the lens barrel and sent it back (with a different serial #) as repaired for only $600. I was very happy to get that lens back for 1/4 the cost of a new one. My suggestion is, send it to Nikon for an estimate, and hope you get as lucky as I did.

MMC Loc: Brooklyn NY

Thank you very much. Most likely I will follow your advice.