Nikon Lens focusing problems

[Luna~]

I have a Nikon 18-55mm lens that isn't focusing properly anymore.It will focus to a point and then stop (even if it is not in focus) ,if I switch to manual and I can rotate it more but I have to apply some force and it makes a very worrying click sound(quite loud) ,once its past that point I can switch back to autofocus.

Basically something is causing it resistance at some point,does anyone have any idea what this could be? Thanks

[zona5101]

broken.

Turn around at NikonUSA is pretty fast. If it's not under warrentee might run $150-$180 for a clean and adjust + replace minor parts... That's a guess based on a lens I had repaired last month.

[Luna~]

I was worried it might be that.

Any idea how it might have happened?I haven't dropped it or banged it at all. I've had it about a year.

Unfortunately I think my warranty is expired(I got it with my D3000 last yr Nov).I got it in the UK,I'll find out how much a repair is but as new one is around £120 I don't know if it will be worth it or not.

Thanks for the reply.

[zona5101]

I don't know what might have happened, they use a lot of plastic in there so maybe something stripped, chipped, or slipped out of alignment. I had not dropped my lens either but it quit focusing sharply and lost its smoothness when focusing...it is also 20+ years old...

[Luna~]

Right. Well thanks for the reply ,I have spent all day trying to figure out what was wrong with it and if there was anything I could do about it,at least I know there isn't now.

[OsmosisStudios]

If youre in the US, you have a 5 year warranty on your lenses. Just a thought.

[Photologyst]

Than kit lens is known for developing a zoom problem, Luna. Nikon had a posting on their website regarding it a while ago. I had one that stopped working properly on a trip. Apparently there are several screws that can come loose and impede the zoom.

Get it to Nikon right away if it’s under warrantee, otherwise it may cost you more than the lens is worth to have it fixed. They should fix it free of charge, regardless, but you never know.

[Luna~]

No I'm in the Uk.My camera has a 1yr warranty so I guess that's the same for the Kit lens too.

Photologyst : Thanks,I hadn't heard that.I think I might chase it up,like you said you never know,not like I got anything to lose.

Yeah I agree it's the same as getting a new one.I do have another ( Tamron 18-200mm) which is quite good too but I was fond of the 18-55mm. I'm wondering now if it's worth replacing as I do have the Tamron and wanted to get a 50 or 80mm prime.

I'm just really confused as to what happened to it,it was fine one day and then not focusing the next,and it does focus somewhat,just not past that one point.Realistically I could use it by switching between manual and auto but it'll be very annoying.

Edit: Photologyst ,I don't suppose u have a link to that posting do u?

[griffin3]

My lens is doing the same thing! It will NOT focus I also have several other problems concerning my camera:

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?