Lens Manual Focus Switch (Page 3): I always thought the suggestion was to turn off VR.

Bobbee

mdorn wrote:

Someone told me that I should always make sure to switch to manual focus on my lens before removing or reattaching to my camera.

Is there any merit to this procedure? I've never done this. Of course, I always make sure my camera is powered off, but I never toggle the switch to manual on my lens. Thoughts?

I always thought the suggestion was to turn off VR.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Luggerbugs wrote:

Reading through this thread I was beginning to think I was the only one who didn't switch my camera off before changing lenses so I'm relieved to see others don't either.

From the Nikon D7100 manual.

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Some say yes, others no. I have always turned off the power before changing lens but really don't know why. So I had a novel idea- what does the manual say? Pg 25 of my D600 manual: Attaching Lens, step 1 of three- turn off the camera. Still don't know why but Nikon does recommend that this be done. ;)

amehta Loc: Boston

Db7423 wrote:

Some say yes, others no. I have always turned off the power before changing lens but really don't know why. So I had a novel idea- what does the manual say? Pg 25 of my D600 manual: Attaching Lens, step 1 of three- turn off the camera. Still don't know why but Nikon does recommend that this be done. ;)

There are electrical signals going between the camera and lens, for aperture, focus, and VR. If the contacts are live, disconnecting them can cause a shock. It's like unplugging a lamp that is on, sometimes you can get a spark there too.

amehta Loc: Boston

Bobbee wrote:

I always thought the suggestion was to turn off VR.

VR should be off. Turning off the camera accomplishes that.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

Db7423 wrote:

A camera should be off when installing or removing a lens but I have never heard of switching a lens to manual before removing or installing it. ;)

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

amehta wrote:

There are electrical signals going between the camera and lens, for aperture, focus, and VR. If the contacts are live, disconnecting them can cause a shock. It's like unplugging a lamp that is on, sometimes you can get a spark there too.

Agree, this is my thought too and I have also heard that if the camera is on when a lens is removed the camera will attract dust to the sensor. Problem is so far as I can find Nikon is silent as to the reason(s) why they say to turn the camera off. ;)

ocbeyer Loc: Baltimore

Just checked two Canon manuals and they make no mention of turning off the camera when changing lenses. Must be a Nikon thing.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Bobbee wrote:

I always thought the suggestion was to turn off VR.

That isn't necessary, either.

Sirsnapalot Loc: Hammond, Louisiana

mdorn wrote:

Someone told me that I should always make sure to switch to manual focus on my lens before removing or reattaching to my camera.

Is there any merit to this procedure? I've never done this. Of course, I always make sure my camera is powered off, but I never toggle the switch to manual on my lens. Thoughts?

Sounds like poppycock, on my Canon the AF motor does not in-gauge when lens make contact with the camera body, the AF circuit is not complete until the shutter release button is half way depressed

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Bobbee wrote:

I always thought the suggestion was to turn off VR.

Never did that either. I think damaging a camera by leaving the power switch or lens switches on when changing lenses is more urban myth than anything else. While one of more camera companies might even recommend it, they always err on the safe side to mitigate their responsibility. That doesn't mean it's really an issue in real world situations.

ocbeyer Loc: Baltimore

Apparently the idea is that the static electricity generated by live AF contacts will attract dust. I can't imagine this being a problem unless the shutter is open.

Bobbee

jerryc41 wrote:

That isn't necessary, either.

yes, I do not do that, never seem to remember, but I do remember reading that somewhere. The statement was, that if you did not turn it off, when reattaching the lens the VR may not function. Turning VR off and on usually corrects the isue. I loved that word 'usually' in the description.

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

I have seen this mentioned when putting on or taking off lens hoods, but not within the context of your OP.
BTW - I always switch to manual when installing or removing a hood. The exception being the after market rubber types that telescope as they generally stay on all of the time.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

mdorn wrote:

Someone told me that I should always make sure to switch to manual focus on my lens before removing or reattaching to my camera.

Is there any merit to this procedure? I've never done this. Of course, I always make sure my camera is powered off, but I never toggle the switch to manual on my lens. Thoughts?

Nope!