Lens or Camera problem?

[Stevean]

I have a problem I'm hoping someone can help me with before I have to spend out half the value of the camera on a service.

I have a Nikon D80 with the standard Nikkor 18-135mm Lens. Used for general hobby use. Hence the default kit and nothing special.

I rely on auto-focus a lot. I know people will chastise me and suggest I switch to manual, but I'm not quick enough or accurate enough to do with out it. So please remember that when replying.

My problem is that recently whilst in auto-focus mode the camera often doesn't work, and when it does the 'silent' motor makes some worrying noise, like the gears are out of alignment or going past their end stop. Twisting the lens in the mount can sometimes cure the problem. I've missed so many pictures because it didn't work when I needed it to, or ruined pictures because it didn't focus right. The camera shop suggested contact issues. But wants £100-200 to service/quote, which could become more depending on problems found.

My thoughts:

1. Could it be contacts; not making full contact to control the lens or not getting feedback corrects?
2. Could it be the lens?
3. Could it be the chassis twisted and contacts will never meet properly again?

I don't have any other lenses to compare against, or friends with appropriate lenses to borrow,

Any advice will be welcome. Other than switch to manual,

When it's working or I have time to manually focus; it takes great pics.

Thank you
Steve.

[Nicole]

Without experience with that lens. This is what I would do.

First, I'd see if I could find a camera store that stocked that lens and try it out on my camera (note, I'd bring my camera with, that way I'd know if it was the camera or lens). Then I'd see if there was another lens I could try to see if that's a normal thing.

Then I'd see how much a replacement for the lens is to see if that's more cost effective than getting the lens repaired. From what you've said, they've quoted you £100-200. Having a look, a replacement for your lens would be around £179. At that point I'd personally question doing a repair rather than a replace.

Couldn't tell you anything specific to the lens though. I have a few lenses that are very loud. And ones that have a reasonably small maximum aperture do hunt when trying to auto focus. That doesn't mean I use manual focus, just means that it's more of a pain. Sorry if none of that is helpful though, it's just what I would do in the same situation.

[sk66]

Sounds like a contact issue more than anything.
I would lean towards lens replacement, but try before you buy.
Before that try cleaning the contacts (lens and camera) with a pencil eraser...

[nikonkid]

Could you try cleaning the contacts with some alcohol?

[griffin3]

I am having problems with my camera from Nikon as well!
Some of the problems you described are the same as mine but I have a d90...

I have sent my Nikon d90 camera in 3 TIMES with the same problem:

My camera has difficulty focusing when set to automatic focus
It will not show me my set shutter speed when set to Manual
After taking a picture I get an ERRR Message on my screen.

Taking out my battery does not solve this issue, once the issue seems to resolve itself it comes back a few snap shots later.

I have read many blog posts and articles about multiple people having the same problem as my self. This is truly frustrating because Nikon is known for their great quality, but why is the d90 failing so many time?

If you or anyone you know has the same problem as my self and many others then here is a short cut I have found to getting you camera fixed fast and hopefully Nikon will realize they have a serious issue with one of their products.

Instead of calling costumer service, call 1-631-547-4200 and ask for David Bentry who is the Head of Nikon USA.

Nikon is a great company and is known for its great cameras, maybe a recall is in order to fix this issue so many people are having?