Focusing problem in sub zero temperate

Surajit Chanda · Apr 9, 2018

My Nikon AF 20mm 2.8D is optically perfect. But it has a problem as I visit High Himalaya in sub zero temperate the lens lacks its corner sharpness. It becomes worse when I come back in Calcutta. ( It Cannot focus at all). The temperature varies -20C to +35C in couple of days. This has happened several times and local professional person fixed it.I have several Nikon MF and AF lenses bot only this lens has such problem. Inform me how can I fix the problem permanently.

Leonard Shepherd · Apr 9, 2018

Surajit Chanda said:
My Nikon AF 20mm 2.8D is optically perfect. But it has a problem as I visit High Himalaya in sub zero temperate the lens lacks its corner sharpness. It becomes worse when I come back in Calcutta. ( It Cannot focus at all). The temperature varies -20C to +35C in couple of days. (snipped) I have several Nikon MF and AF lenses bot only this lens has such problem. Inform me how can I fix the problem permanently.

Your gear list shows only the 20mm AF. Are your other lenses screwdriver AF or AF-S.

You are operating outside the temperature range of your Nikon equipment.

It is possible some water vapour is condensing or even freezing when you go to minus 20 C temperature.

Them maybe when you get back to Calcutta the moisture turns to water vapour leading to the electronics not being able to work.

When there are extreme temperature changes one solution that usually works is to seal the equipment in an air-tight bag for around 2 hours to allow cooling down or warming up to happen in airtight conditions.

As the lens is "screwdriver" AF it might be any condensation issue is in the camera body rather than the lens.

clickhiker · Apr 9, 2018

Leonard Shepherd said:
"You are operating outside the temperature range of your Nikon equipment..."

Leonard Shepherd · Apr 10, 2018

clickhiker said:
I have never had a Nikon fail due to temps as low as -28° F. Nice to have some wiggle room... High altitude usually means very dry atmospheric conditions. The humidity in Calcutta is probably quite high

Generally cameras work in much lower temperatures than in the specification with the exception battery capacity is reduced.

Spare batteries kept warm in an inside pocket help. Sudden large changes of temperature are best avoided by using a airtight bag for 1-2 hours.

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