Ugly Hedgehog - Photography Forum
Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register
Main Photography Discussion
Nikon 200-500 mm Zoom (semi locked up)
Page 1 of 2 next>
Apr 7, 2021 20:25:50   #
oconnortf
 
Help! ~ I bought this lens used about 4-5 months ago - Love it and use it all the time - about 2 weeks ago it started to "catch" when zooming out (at about 400mm) with some mile coaxing it would continue down to 200 no problem (the catch was at about 400mm) The issue would come back occasionally but again coaxing it it would be fine and then it would not have that symptom for a while.
Today the catch was much more noticeable and now it can no longer be coaxed. so my 200-500 is now close to a 400-500mm zoom.

Since I bought it used I'm sure it not covered but hoping it is repairable and at a cost that is not too close to just buying a new one. I'm on disability so even buying a used one was a major hit to my budget.

Does anyone know who I would contact for repairs - I am in the Tampa area in case their are any locations near their as opposed to shipping it across country _ which would involve investing in a hard-body cushioned case that I could ship it in.

Any advice links or help would be greatly appreciated.

Reply
Apr 7, 2021 20:59:35   #
Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.
 
oconnortf wrote:
Help! ~ I bought this lens used about 4-5 months ago - Love it and use it all the time - about 2 weeks ago it started to "catch" when zooming out (at about 400mm) with some mile coaxing it would continue down to 200 no problem (the catch was at about 400mm) The issue would come back occasionally but again coaxing it it would be fine and then it would not have that symptom for a while.
Today the catch was much more noticeable and now it can no longer be coaxed. so my 200-500 is now close to a 400-500mm zoom.

Since I bought it used I'm sure it not covered but hoping it is repairable and at a cost that is not too close to just buying a new one. I'm on disability so even buying a used one was a major hit to my budget.

Does anyone know who I would contact for repairs - I am in the Tampa area in case their are any locations near their as opposed to shipping it across country _ which would involve investing in a hard-body cushioned case that I could ship it in.

Any advice links or help would be greatly appreciated.
Help! ~ I bought this lens used about 4-5 months a... (show quote)


Contact Nikon. They may be able to give you suggestions for correcting the problem. If not, they could give you an estimate for repair. They will ask for the serial number.

Reply
Apr 7, 2021 21:00:27   #
lukevaliant Loc: gloucester city,n. j.
 
allens in levitown,pa.

Reply
 
 
Apr 8, 2021 06:09:29   #
New Mexico Dave Loc: Corrales, NM
 
I had a similar problem when in Thailand in 2019. Talk about bad timing! Mine froze up at around 250mm. Fortunately I had a Coolpix P1000 for a backup which I used for the remainder of the trip to Thailand and then on to Cambodia. When I returned, I contacted Nikon Repair Services, boxed it carefully via UPS with lots of padding and bubble wrap, insured it for $1000, and shipped it off to the Los Angeles location for repair. I had it back in two weeks and the cost was around $250. I think that I had accumulated fine grit on the barrel and it finally gave up and locked up on me. Now, as good as new!

Reply
Apr 8, 2021 06:12:18   #
billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
 
oconnortf wrote:
Help! ~ I bought this lens used about 4-5 months ago - Love it and use it all the time - about 2 weeks ago it started to "catch" when zooming out (at about 400mm) with some mile coaxing it would continue down to 200 no problem (the catch was at about 400mm) The issue would come back occasionally but again coaxing it it would be fine and then it would not have that symptom for a while.
Today the catch was much more noticeable and now it can no longer be coaxed. so my 200-500 is now close to a 400-500mm zoom.

Since I bought it used I'm sure it not covered but hoping it is repairable and at a cost that is not too close to just buying a new one. I'm on disability so even buying a used one was a major hit to my budget.

Does anyone know who I would contact for repairs - I am in the Tampa area in case their are any locations near their as opposed to shipping it across country _ which would involve investing in a hard-body cushioned case that I could ship it in.

Any advice links or help would be greatly appreciated.
Help! ~ I bought this lens used about 4-5 months a... (show quote)


I am sure something either got into your lens barrel or a part came loose in there some where.
Call Nikon at 1-800-645-6687.

Reply
Apr 8, 2021 06:41:16   #
gpro111 Loc: Floral City, FL, formerly Tampa /Saint Pete
 
You might try The Camera Cure in St. Pete. He's worked on my Nikon camera before without a problem I'm not sure about lenses but look them up and give them a call.

Reply
Apr 8, 2021 08:13:24   #
turp77 Loc: Connecticut, Plainfield
 
Don’t know but have you tried cycling the lock a couple of times

Reply
 
 
Apr 8, 2021 08:46:00   #
Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC
 
oconnortf if you purchased the previously owned AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6 ED VR from either KEH or mpb their warranty is valid for 180 days in which they will repair or replace in like kind otherwise if that isn't an option they with refund your purchase (they provide free shipping btw).

If you purchased this used kit from B&H or UsedPhotoPro their warranty is the same as Nikon's refurbished product (90 days).

Caveat: The warranty provided by the aforementioned are limited to equipment grades... i.e. the lowest grades do not qualify a.k.a. Caveat emptor!

If it is a product that was distributed for sale in the USA then my best advice is to contact Nikon Service and Support. They have repaired/refurbished several items in my kit. Their work is stellar in my humble estimation. The items they repaired have worked flawlessly ever since. (worth their repair fee).

As per your request here is a URL to Nikon Service and Support
https://www.nikonusa.com/en/service-and-support/service-and-repair.page

Hope this helps oconnortf
Wishing you all the best on your photographic journey...

Reply
Apr 8, 2021 09:28:31   #
GLSmith Loc: Tampa, Fl
 
I'm in Tampa as well. Over the years I have used (rarely)Southern Photo Tech Services in Miami Beach " sp-ts.com

Phone number (305) 653-7355" They are fully authorized Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Sony repair center. The Miami office for AFP, UPI, API all use them for calibration/repair of equipment". Last time I used them I had my lens back in under 3 weeks. I called on the phone got a ball park price, sent it in, the Tech who was working on it, called me up with exact issue & tweeked down the cost & gave me a call when it was ready & being shipped. They have all of the equipment for latest repairs/calibrations

Reply
Apr 8, 2021 10:14:13   #
LEWHITE7747 Loc: 33773
 
GLSmith wrote:
I'm in Tampa as well. Over the years I have used (rarely)Southern Photo Tech Services in Miami Beach " sp-ts.com

Phone number (305) 653-7355" They are fully authorized Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Sony repair center. The Miami office for AFP, UPI, API all use them for calibration/repair of equipment". Last time I used them I had my lens back in under 3 weeks. I called on the phone got a ball park price, sent it in, the Tech who was working on it, called me up with exact issue & tweeked down the cost & gave me a call when it was ready & being shipped. They have all of the equipment for latest repairs/calibrations
I'm in Tampa as well. Over the years I have used (... (show quote)


There is a guy in Tampa that fixed my friends Nikon Lens. Used to work in store that is now closed.

Reply
Apr 8, 2021 10:24:56   #
Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
 
oconnortf wrote:
Help! ~ I bought this lens used about 4-5 months ago - Love it and use it all the time - about 2 weeks ago it started to "catch" when zooming out (at about 400mm) with some mile coaxing it would continue down to 200 no problem (the catch was at about 400mm) The issue would come back occasionally but again coaxing it it would be fine and then it would not have that symptom for a while.
Today the catch was much more noticeable and now it can no longer be coaxed. so my 200-500 is now close to a 400-500mm zoom.

Since I bought it used I'm sure it not covered but hoping it is repairable and at a cost that is not too close to just buying a new one. I'm on disability so even buying a used one was a major hit to my budget.

Does anyone know who I would contact for repairs - I am in the Tampa area in case their are any locations near their as opposed to shipping it across country _ which would involve investing in a hard-body cushioned case that I could ship it in.

Any advice links or help would be greatly appreciated.
Help! ~ I bought this lens used about 4-5 months a... (show quote)


If you want it fixed by Nikon then send it to Nikon. No one else is authorized to fix them in the USA.

Reply
 
 
Apr 8, 2021 10:42:42   #
oconnortf
 
So far a couple great options that I will try - I did buy it private party but did do my best to make sure to check it was US - and all functionality was smooth. The downside to being on an ultra tight budget is often buying second hand but waiting for or finding good or even great deals. One thing I do like is that I can really use a piece of equipment and then discover its something I love enough to truly invest in - I bought a used d750 with a fairly low shutter count - I want to get used to more professional level camera bodies before pulling the trigger on something like a d850.

again, Thank you to all who replied for the suggestions and advice.

Reply
Apr 8, 2021 12:41:55   #
DaveO Loc: Northeast CT
 
turp77 wrote:
Don’t know but have you tried cycling the lock a couple of times


That cleared my lock-up a couple years ago.

Reply
Apr 8, 2021 13:32:38   #
gnadeau80 Loc: Rowley,MA
 
I had the same issue with mine. Sent it to be repaired and had it back in less than 3 weeks.

Reply
Apr 8, 2021 14:47:43   #
Judy795
 
I hear this is a fairly common problem. I read about it on other forums also. I have the same lens, no problem yet but I don't use it that much. Something to do with the small fine screws inside.

Reply
Page 1 of 2 next>
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.
Main Photography Discussion
UglyHedgehog.com - Forum
Copyright 2011-2024 Ugly Hedgehog, Inc.