autofocus quits after a few shots

[AimeeSa]

I have a Nikon D200, using a Tamron 28-300 zoom lens. Lately after I shoot about 5-6 frames, I can't get auto focus to focus. After turning camera off, then back on it resumes working for a short period of time. Is this a camera issue or lens issue? I check all settings on lens to make sure I'm set to AF and camera is set to AF also. What do you think?

[scootermcq]

Do you have another lens to try? Maybe know someone who shoots nikon that you could borrow from? That would be the quickest way to trouble shoot it.

What conditions are you shooting under when this happens (daylight, dark etc.) and what autofocus mode are you on when it happens? Have you tried different modes, such as single point vs multi and AF-S vs AF-C?

Also, are you getting an ERR message on the LCD at the same time?

[AimeeSa]

My 35mm seems to work, so I'm assuming it is the lens. I haven't seen any error messages on lcd.

I've had the issue shooting in daylight and in shade or indoors. After a few minutes it just stops working. I press the shutter button down half way and get no response from the lens. Then if I turn the camera off and back on, it works again for a few minutes. Ugh!

[Almond.Butterscotch]

it might be the lens contacts. try cleaning them with the eraser on the back of a pencil

[sk66]

Originally Posted by Almond.Butterscotch

it might be the lens contacts. try cleaning them with the eraser on the back of a pencil

+1, contacts/ alignment.

[nokiN]

I agree it's likely the lens to camera body contacts. Also this is just one example of the kinds of issues one can have using 3rd party gear.

And it's better to use the other end of the pencil, because graphite is a conductor and you don't want eraser particles in your mirror box.