F80, failing AF-Assist illuminator

Dear nikon users,

 

I recently (two weeks ago) bought a F80, and now, I suspect the AF-

Assist illuminator is failing to work (it used to work fine).

 

I did some tests to see if it works, the steps of which was:

 

1. Set to single focus

2. Set to single shots

3. Put the lens cap over the lens (simulate absolute darkness)

4. Half-press the shutter release

 

The AF-Assist illuminator doesn't light up.

 

So, does it need some reparing? or have I set something wrong?

 

Please help me,

Thomson

Did you 'play' with the custom functions? I think there is an option to turn the illuminator off - and on again ... (Don't know which function it is, though).

There's a few things you need to know about the f80 focus light: 1) The focus only activates when you use center cross sensor; 2) As the previous poster suggested, you might someone turn it using a command function. It would be very easy to do if you turn the mode dial all the way to command function mode. Check you manual to find out which function correspond to turning focus assist light on and off. 3. (This one's a little more cynical on Nikon's part, but doesn't necessarily pertain directly to your problem) The focus assist lights on Non Nikon flashes (and even certain low cost Nikon flashes) was purposely disable by Nikon on the N80. This was done specifically to discourage n80 owners from purchasing third party brand flashes amd encourage them to buy expensive units like the Sb-28 (since replace by the sb-80 and now sb-800) and mid priced units like the sb-27.

 

Nikon's least expensive flash with an AF assist light, the Sb-23, also has it's focus light disabled by the N80. This is a completely cynical ploy on Nikon's part because the focus assist lights worked on the camera I own prior to my n80, the Nikon N60.

 

The only good thing is the camera's built in assist light will work when you have a third party (or cheap Nikon) flash attached- as long as you use the center cross sensor.

Why put the lens cap on?

 

 

 

Try your 'test' in a dark(er) room in your house or apartment....one doesn't shoot with a lens cap on, so why would the AF-Assist feature work?