willy6419

two bodies, set identical, D500 and D850, both fully charged batteries.

Put 80-400 lens on 500 (frequently use it there, as short as one week ago) and it wouldn't focus. Checked all settings, were correct.

Put two different lenses on 500, each focused, no problems.

Put 80-400 on D850, focused, no problems.

Put 80-400 back on 500, focused, no problems.

I'm thinking 'clean the contacts'.

Or send to Nikon, but doesn't seem like much to go on. Perhaps focus motor, but now that it's working, sound is as usual.

Off to Alaska 9/8, so short on time and need it.

Advice?

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

Has anything happened to your D500, like even a small drop or rough handling? I had the same thing happen a couple of years ago, except with the flash system. Intermittent problem with a SB-400 flash that worked properly everywhere else, gradually got worse before it failed completely. Sent to Nikon where the main circuit board, several internal cables, and a couple of other parts required replacement..

If cleaning the contacts doesn't resolve the problem, don't overlook the possibility that it just might be the camera. These are incredibly complex, sophisticated systems that sometimes aren't that hard to upset.

willy6419

Good question. Nothing that i remember and i'm pretty careful, after drenching a D750 with 24-70 in salt water---$$$.

Thanks

Bill_de Loc: US

So basically you took the 80-400 off the D500 and when you put it back on it worked. What happened in between was inconsequential. Maybe you just didn't turn it all the way the first time you installed it.

Have a nice trip!!!

---

NormanTheGr8 Loc: Racine, Wisconsin

Calibrate it

willy6419

I've removed, replaced it several times yesterday, carefully, to ensure fully seated. Most of the time, it functioned. twice it didn't, when the button was depressed, nothing happened, no motor, no focus indicator, no noise.

Other lenses, no problem. I'm going to make sure i seat fully (didn't know you couldn't as i've never experienced not rotating to the 'stop') and keep experimenting to restore my confidence. Don't think a calibration issue, it just doesn't engage when the button is pressed. When it does, the focus is sharp.

Crazy, Might be and hopefully is, operator error. Thanks,

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Quite often, frequent usage will expose electrical contacts to lubricants from the lens or body, finger oils, and various dirt, grit, oxidizers, etc.

Carefully examine the contacts on the rear of the lens and inside the lens mount. VERY slightly moisten a lint-free cloth with 100% methanol (Photosol Eclipse) and wipe them GENTLY. This should remove surface grease and other contaminants.

If cleaning the contacts does not solve the problem (it OFTEN does), then remove the battery from the camera, wait 20 minutes, and replace it with a fully charged one. Re-mount the lens and test.

If cleaning and power cycling do not fix the issue, Nikon repair should be involved.

Another possibility is that the lens and body mounts are not engaging completely. Wiggle the lens gently once it is mounted. If you hear a click, and the lens gets tighter, that's probably your issue. I have had this issue with several brands of cameras over the years. They SEEM to mount, but don't fully seat. That can keep contacts loose.

You might want to go to http://www.cleaningdigitalcameras.com and get information on sensor cleaning, because you may want to clean your sensor while the lens is off, and before your trip. At least check it for dust using the information on that site.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

I have mine calibrated with the specific camera and at the focal length, I use most often. By professionals.

willy6419

thanks, Burkphoto, exactly the knowledge i was looking for. I'll do that. I have made sure the lens was securely to the end of the mounting cycle. And yes, i planned to clean both sensors prior to the trip. Thanks