Nikon 80-200 AF-D: M/A focus ring selector broken

I've had the Nikon 80-200mm AF-D f/2.8 lens for 2 years and it worked perfect

for the past 2 years. However, I noticed a small crack in the manual/auto focus

ring selector and a week ago when I switched to manual focus, the ring selector

broke. The small crack (which I thought was on the surface only) in the plastic

focus ring selector gave in. About a year ago I've seen a similar crack in the

same lens in a photo shop. Is this normal for this lens? Is it one the "weak"

points in the design of this lens? Given the "pro" status of this lens, I'm

very surprised by this incident.

 

I have the USA 5 year warranty, but noticed that I've never sent the

registration for the 4 year extension. In fact, I don't think I've sent this

registration for any of my USA Nikon lenses. Do you think Nikon will still

accept it for repairs under the warranty?

Send it in to Nikon. They'll fix it. Regardless of warranty or not, that lens is worth repairing.

I have the same problem with mine 80-200 f/2,8 AF-D two ring version. I am using it for some time with ring selector broken. I think it is the weak point of this otherwise very fine piece of glass.

 

Regards, Marko

<i>"Is this normal for this lens? Is it one the "weak" points in the design of this lens?"</i><P>

 

Unfortunately yes, to both questions. These failures seem to be pretty common, not only with the 80~200/2.8D, but a couple of others that use the same type of M/A selector ring. It's a weak point in an otherwise outstanding (mechanically and optically) design.

<P>

Send it to Nikon USA along with copies of all your warranty paperwork and receipts and hope for the best. Include a letter stating that you are aware that this is a well known and common failure with this particular lens model, and that you *<u>expect</u>* the repair work to be done at no charge under warranty. As long as you have a receipt dating your purchase, I don't think there is a legal requirement for you to register the extended warranty (which you paid for) in order to obtain service under that warranty.<P>

Good luck.

After getting the lens repaired by Nikon, I'm thinking to pick up the 80-200 AF-S from KEH, which has pretty good prices. Does the AF-S (non VR) version have any known problems? Good or bad ideea to make the swich from the AF-D (smaller/lighter) version to the AF-S (non-VR)?

Yes it is a common problem, but i have heard that it was caused by 'inapropriate usage'... during you switch the lense between Auto and Manual mode...

 

So let's be careful about this...

the same problem with 28/1.4 AF-D, I guess nikon just wants to to save money costs on the

material.

This happened to my 80-200 AF-D, also. Nikon repaired it at no charge but the repair is

useless. The button on the new ring is nothing like the old one. It does not have a spring

nor does it lock focus. I can turn the ring to M or AF and then turn the focus ring a little

which will lock it temporarily. If I inadvertently touch the ring, then I have to start all over

because neither manual nor AF will work. The lens is pretty much worthless this way.

I am glad I found this thread. Mine broke too but unfortunately I don't have the receipt from B&H from 6 years back. I

will see what Nikon has to say.

<p>This seems to be a design flaw. I have just had mine repaired for the same fault. 120GBP to fix including a full service and clean - zoom and focus is now silky smooth and no dust inside. Fixation in the UK get my recommendation for great service.</p>

<p>Recently happened that the ring broke my 80-200. I live in Brazil will have a high cost to ship to the United States and not stop to purchase invoice lens. I wonder if anyone knows where sells this ring. With the ring in hand can send in a technician here in Brazil and he lay back. I will be very grateful if someone help me. I rolled ebay and not found.<img src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/v/1174907_591244504267340_1977817526_n.jpg?oh=417517eb0dd987c5564ab23727c99922&oe=522BC0CE&__gda__=1378667802_b202ff125ede5c8b68ac13e3b7e79a02" alt="" width="960" height="451" /></p>