Please help: D200 autofocus problem

[raghunath_aerabati]

I had the same problem with my D200, Nikkor 18-200 AF Lens. After 6months of use, all of a sudden my AF

stopped working. My initial thoughts were that it was D200 Body Problem. I immediately checked with one of my

old Tamron Lens and AF worked just fine. I called Nikon Support and informed them that 18-200 AF Lens is not

working. They asked me to send the LENS to their California Center. I got my Lens just 3 days back (after 3

weeks) and so far everything is fine. This forum made me think that the problem was with D200 Body. But,

PROBLEM IS NOT WITH D200 BODY, IT'S THE LENS THAT IS DEFECTIVE. I bought both body and lens

online (body at Amazon and Lens at Ritz Camera), and I strongly believe that Ritz has sold me a refurbished lens.

Ritz even ditched me with mail-in-rebate, and their customer service sucks. I'm not going to buy anything from

Ritz and I strongly suggest not to buy anything from Ritz if it costs more than $100.

[hyphen_1]

<p>Hello <a href="http://www.photo.net/photodb/user?user_id=2206786">Narayan</a> & others,<br>

I ahve had a similar frustrating problem at times when the autofocus does not work, checking all the above items. It turned out, remove the AF lens, re-attach and turn until you hear it CLICK, so that it is in proper position.<br>

Stupid but simple. Over a year to figure that one out for me...<br>

_h</p>

[robert_miller17]

<p>I've been through all the solutions offered above; I can usually get the autofocus to work if I go through and make sure every setting is correct. The problem is that this is a complicated camera, not a faulty one. The solution that usually works for me:<br>

set focus-mode selector to S; set mode-dial to S<br>

 

<p>MENU>[pencil]>R-MENU RESET<br>

 

<p>MENU>PENCIL>METERING EXPOSURE then set ISO to AUTO<br>

MENU>PENCIL>AUTOFOCUS>a10: set to AF-ON</p>

</p>

</p>

[deb_hoff]

<p>I thought it was just me - I own <strong>2</strong> D200s and have the same issues with both. These cameras were purchased at different times from different vendors. I have been so frustrated that I am nervous each time I need to do a shoot. The issue is somewhat inconsistent, but I can always count on something going wrong at the most inconvenient time.</p>

[robert_k1]

<p><em>...I can usually get the autofocus to work if I go through and make sure every setting is correct. The problem is that this is a complicated camera...</em><br>

I also came to the same conclusion. There are way too many variables to get the desired AF settings: knobs and switches on the body, and several menu entries. After months of frustration, I settled with using AF-ON for my purpose.<br>

<a href="http://www.photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00Upbn">http://www.photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00Upbn</a></p>

[sushil]

<p>My D200 has autofocus problem too. It does not focus screw-driven lenses like AFD series where it goes to infinity and keeps trying to go beyond infinity. It works fine with AFS lenses. I sent it twice to Nikon Service and the problem is not solved. What should I do? Any help is appreciated. <a href="http://www.photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00UGH0">http://www.photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00UGH0</a></p>

[ShunCheung]

<p>Sushil, if Nikon Service cannot repair your D200, I am not sure what we can help here. What was Nikon's diagnostics?</p>

<p>If looks like your camera is in India, so I am afraid that some of the good alternative repair places I am familiar with in North America will not help much.</p>

[sushil]

<p>Thank you for the prompt reply. I got serviced at Nikon USA itself. Service report states that; Service repair Rank B2; Repair SC 201759; Repair SC 200273; rest CKD focus etc.</p>

[ShunCheung]

<p>If your D200 has been serviced by Nikon USA twice but the problem persists, I would give Nikon USA repair a call and request to speak with a manager. Perhaps they can try for a third time. It is also possible that your D200 is beyond repair. Did you pay for the repair or your camera was under (extended) warranty?</p>

<p>Since the D200 has been discontinued, I don't think Nikon can exchange a new one with you. If Nikon cannot repair it, maybe you can negotiate with them so that they can give you a deal on, e.g., a D300 or D300S or something.</p>

[sushil]

<p>No I did not pay. Camera was bought this April. Bought 2 year extended warranty too.</p>