My wife has had a Nikon D5300 for 5+ years. Recently, it will not shoot when set on autofocus. It has the Nikon 18-200mm lens. It will shoot on manual focus and in Liveview. We have tried reset to factory settings, cleaning the lens connections, and cleaning the autofocus sensor with air. I tried putting another 18-200 on it. No dice. Any thoughts?
Can you actually see it change focus when you point at subjects that are different distances from the camera? If the lens seems to behave as it should it could be a camera setting related to focus. My cameras can be set to NOT take the photo unless it's achieved perfect focus. Also, if you have another lens, try it out before taking it in for repair.
Through the lens and Live-view use different focusing hardware. It seems the one in the viewfinder isn't saying it is satisfied. This is a camera issue, not a lens problem.
jeep_daddy wrote:
Can you actually see it change focus when you point at subjects that are different distances from the camera? If the lens seems to behave as it should it could be a camera setting related to focus. My cameras can be set to NOT take the photo unless it's achieved perfect focus. Also, if you have another lens, try it out before taking it in for repair.
It does try to focus but does not lock in. I tried another lens as mentioned above.
DRG777 wrote:
It does try to focus but does not lock in. I tried another lens as mentioned above.
Are you focusing on something too close to the lens? Have you checked the AF / MF switches on the lens and the camera body, if applicable? You mention auto, does that mean the camera / lens will focus in P / A / S ? You tested another 18-200, how about another focal length lens? Has anyone been messing with back-button focus?
Use a wider AF area so that it can more easily find *something* on which to nail focus. (Something should blink in the finder telling you what it chose.)
If youre accidentally in single pinpoint AF then the system will be "very picky" and sometimes never satisfied.
You could also disable the focus priority shutter lock. There are caveats to that, but most users have no problems.
Tried multiple modes, distant subject, checked switches, 3 different lenses.
Hello
I think a phone call to Nikon Tech Support. 1 (800) 645-6687
Alvin
Is focus set to single shot, (S) or continuous (C)? If continuous set it to single shot and see if that helps
Yep. Same problem with my D40 Nikon. Tried cleaning the contacts. Changing lenses.
I probably took 15,000 shots with it. It should have gone a few more years, but......
So, I guess the AF just wears out after several years.
Saving for a new Nikon 7500. The old lenses will fit the 7500. (I think).
Gotta be sure before purchasing new stuff.
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