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Autofocus Problem Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 VRII
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May 17, 2020 22:59:33   #
NHinote Loc: Tennessee
 
My 10 plus year old nikon 70-200 f2.8 VRII has an autofocus problem...it's not working. All of the switches on the camera and lens are set correctly.  The lens has worked like a charm until now. Due to a shoulder injury, the lens has been stored in the closet since September 2019 and not connected to a camera or used until yesterday, may 16.

When I pressed the focus button (back button). The VR engages, but no focus.

Any suggestions? Is this worth fixing? How much to repair?

Thanks,
Noel

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May 17, 2020 23:35:43   #
alx Loc: NJ
 
I'll assume you tried another lens and it will focus.

Have you tried cleaning the electrical contacts on the lens?

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May 18, 2020 00:33:33   #
NHinote Loc: Tennessee
 
Yes to both. The 24-70 is fine.

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May 18, 2020 05:32:35   #
camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.
 
Time to check with Nikon.

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May 18, 2020 06:41:05   #
f8lee Loc: New Mexico
 
Some years back, my 14-24 f2.8 lens had auto-focus issues - it would sporadically not work - no correlation to which body I used or any other factor...I brought it to the local Nikon repair facility (ACS in Woodland Hills, CA) and they said it was a micro-crack in the circuit board built inside the lens. They ended up having to send it to Nikon for repair (happily it was less than 5 years old so under warranty).

The point is it's possible your lens is having the same issue - but it can likely only be determined for sure by Nikon.

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May 18, 2020 07:25:18   #
david vt Loc: Vermont
 
This could be something very simple, as I know it happened with several of my Nikon lens. Not only check, but turn off (to manual) and then back to autofocus. For me the switch was in the right position, but needed to be cycled on/off. I would have suggested the same for the switch on the body as well, but you said another lens is working

Just my $0.02

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May 18, 2020 07:29:56   #
billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
 
NHinote wrote:
My 10 plus year old nikon 70-200 f2.8 VRII has an autofocus problem...it's not working. All of the switches on the camera and lens are set correctly.  The lens has worked like a charm until now. Due to a shoulder injury, the lens has been stored in the closet since September 2019 and not connected to a camera or used until yesterday, may 16.

When I pressed the focus button (back button). The VR engages, but no focus.

Any suggestions? Is this worth fixing? How much to repair?

Thanks,
Noel
My 10 plus year old nikon 70-200 f2.8 VRII has an ... (show quote)


Make sure your MA/M switch is really switched to M/A, then try cleaning your contacts on the lens and camera, use a lens cleaning tissue, then makes sure your camera is not set to manual focusing, then try two button reset, then call Nikon at 1-800-645-6687.

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May 18, 2020 08:35:01   #
charleswiseman
 
NHinote wrote:
My 10 plus year old nikon 70-200 f2.8 VRII has an autofocus problem...it's not working. All of the switches on the camera and lens are set correctly.  The lens has worked like a charm until now. Due to a shoulder injury, the lens has been stored in the closet since September 2019 and not connected to a camera or used until yesterday, may 16.

When I pressed the focus button (back button). The VR engages, but no focus.

Any suggestions? Is this worth fixing? How much to repair?

Thanks,
Noel
My 10 plus year old nikon 70-200 f2.8 VRII has an ... (show quote)


Had same issue, that lens is very sensitive to focus distance, make sure you are back far enough, try to focus on a distant object.

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May 18, 2020 09:28:05   #
rchadlock Loc: Plano, Texas
 
Had the same problem with my 70-200mm and it was the focus motor in the lens. Sent to Nikon for replacement. Pricey repair but all is well now.

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May 18, 2020 10:25:37   #
jonfrei
 
Do you have a Manual/Auto focus switch on the lens? On the camera? Check both.

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May 18, 2020 13:20:38   #
chasgroh Loc: Buena Park, CA
 
...that's some great glass and, even if you have to replace the motor, is well worth the cost of repair.

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May 18, 2020 13:27:58   #
Anne With An E
 
Thank you all for asking and answering the question. I have been struggling with my new Nikon D7500 after too many YouTube advisors and picking-and-choosing settings. Long story short, I messed up my autofocus. I got it back to a point but it wasn't until I read about checking the M/A on both the lens and camera that the heavens opened and the angels sang! Problem solved, focus now tack sharp.

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May 18, 2020 14:23:59   #
cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA
 
Kinda, sorta sounds like a bad focusing motor considering all you've tried. Contact Nikon Tech Support for a rough estimate. Compare to the price of a used/reconditioned replacement. I believe repair is closed right now due to the virus. Best of luck.

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May 19, 2020 00:34:57   #
rjriggins11 Loc: Colorado Springs, CO
 
NHinote wrote:
My 10 plus year old nikon 70-200 f2.8 VRII has an autofocus problem...it's not working. All of the switches on the camera and lens are set correctly.  The lens has worked like a charm until now. Due to a shoulder injury, the lens has been stored in the closet since September 2019 and not connected to a camera or used until yesterday, may 16.

When I pressed the focus button (back button). The VR engages, but no focus.

Any suggestions? Is this worth fixing? How much to repair?

Thanks,
Noel
My 10 plus year old nikon 70-200 f2.8 VRII has an ... (show quote)



Hi. My name is Rick. I’m the owner and lead technician at Discount Camera Repair and a member in good standing here at the UHH. I’ve been doing repairs for other members here at greatly discounted rates and would be glad to help.

I'd be more than happy to repair the lens for you and keep the cost as low as possible. If you’re interested, please respond by private message.

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May 19, 2020 10:19:19   #
Dalbon
 
I also have a lens like this and my auto focus stopped working. I sent it to Nikon and they responded that a repair could not be performed because parts were no longer available. So now I have a high dollar lens that can only be used as a paper weight. Oh yes and if it could have been repaired the cost was almost $600.00. If you find someone that is able to repair yours please contact me at, dasemail41@yahoo.com.
Thank You, David

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