Nikon D7100 lens release problem: Today I changed lenses and found that the new lens would not autofocus. When I looked at camera settings, it showed the autofocus off. I started to...

Nukepr Loc: Citrus County, FL

Today I changed lenses and found that the new lens would not autofocus. When I looked at camera settings, it showed the autofocus off. I started to change the lens back to the one originally on the camera and found that it would remove without pressing the lens release button beside the lens mount. I am assuming that this is why autofocus is not working, because the camera will not autofocus on any of my lenses, and they all autofocus fine on another body. I also assume that there is a malfunction of the release mechanism related to this problem, but have no idea how to fix it. Can anyone give me advice on what to do, or is it a trip to the Nikon repair shop for my 7100?

Bill_de Loc: US

For starters I would work the release button and hold light pressure on the locking pin. This will let you know if they are still connected. The pin might even be stuck and could loosen up.

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Nukepr Loc: Citrus County, FL

Thanks for the info. I was able to take a pin and put pressure on the locking pin and it popped up, but when I put a lens on and remove it the pin stays in, along with the focusing screw, and I don't have autofocus capability even on lenses with the autofocus motor in the lens, so there is something still going on with the camera attachment to the lens. Any further ideas?

Bill_de Loc: US

At this point I would send it to Nikon or if there is a local Nikon certified repair facility, bring it in.

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Bill_de Loc: US

Bill_de wrote:

At this point I would send it to Nikon or if there is a local Nikon certified repair facility, bring it in.

Of course if you like to take risks you might want to try a very small drop of light machine oil on the pin. Work it in a bit, but wipe it off well before attaching a lens.

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Nukepr Loc: Citrus County, FL

I think you are right. There is no authorized Nikon repair center near here, so I guess it goes to Nikon USA for repairs. Thanks again for your assistance and advice.

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

My local Nikon repair facility (that only does certain repairs) recommended sending my D7000 to the facility on the east coast instead of the one on the west coast. He said the west coast one took a lot longer to process repairs.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Nukepr wrote:

I think you are right. There is no authorized Nikon repair center near here, so I guess it goes to Nikon USA for repairs. Thanks again for your assistance and advice.

You can go online and start the process.

https://www.nikonusa.com/en/service-and-support/service-and-repair.page

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

Bill_de wrote:

For starters I would work the release button and hold light pressure on the locking pin. This will let you know if they are still connected. The pin might even be stuck and could loosen up.

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jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I guess WD-40 is out of the question. :D

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

David in Dallas wrote:

My local Nikon repair facility (that only does certain repairs) recommended sending my D7000 to the facility on the east coast instead of the one on the west coast. He said the west coast one took a lot longer to process repairs.

When I was working for Nikon (in Melville) I noticed that Nikon Melville was faster and seemed to do a better job with repairs than El Segundo (which then moved to Los Angeles and there is a strong rumor that they are preparing to move again which may account for the delays in California repairs). After Nikon California moved to Los Angles, their response to repairs seemed to improve. Personally, I would be inclined to send everything to Melville because that is where Nikon USA corporate is and they probably tend to be on top of things better. But, I know many of the people in Melville and only a very few in LA so I probably am biased.

twowindsbear

Maybe call the repair service first?

Bill_de Loc: US

dcampbell52 wrote:

When I was working for Nikon (in Melville) I notic... (show quote)

When you were working in Melville, were they outsourcing repairs as they are now?

I noticed with a couple of lenses I sent in recently that UPS shipping showed they came back from an independent who handles all brands. This was in spite of the fact that I requested in house service. The repairs were fine, but the lenses didn't come back in the pristine condition I got used to when I lived in the area, brought stuff in, and we're usually ready in a day or two.

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jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Sounds like the bayonet mount on the body is buggered up. I'd let Nikon have a look at it.

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

Bill_de wrote:

When you were working in Melville, were they outsourcing repairs as they are now?

I noticed with a couple of lenses I sent in recently that UPS shipping showed they came back from an independent who handles all brands. This was in spite of the fact that I requested in house service. The repairs were fine, but the lenses didn't come back in the pristine condition I got used to when I lived in the area, brought stuff in, and we're usually ready in a day or two.

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Yes they were when they have an overload in the Melville workshop. They paid to have me send my D7100 in for a complete "free" overhaul where they went though it and fixed or replaced anything that was needed and cleaned the camera and they paid for overnight shipping into them and were supposed to overnight it back. They had so many cameras come in on the "deal" that they outsourced mine to another location on Long Island. They did a good job but sent if back regular UPS rather than overnight. It was still their dime but I was a little irritated (mainly because of scheduling) about the delay returning the camera. I had a couple of jobs to do and so I purchased my D610 as an addition and also used my D70s. But, for free, I can't really complain.