How bad is squeaky auto focus in a Nikon lens?

PerfectPoms said:

So I just bought a Nikon 500mm f/4 E FL used from my fave local camera store. The lens is in good shape, BUT - when I first used it after bringing it home, the Auto Focus was squeaky, and slow at first, and wouldn't even AF all that well at times.

I've heard about this being a bad sign; about it portending imminent failure of AF in the lens - and it's generally very bad news in a lens.

I talked to the Nikon repair depot, and they said it sounds like dried out grease in a lens that's been sitting for a long, long time. (I've seen the lens sitting - lonely - unwanted, on the shelf of my camera store FOREVER).

So I know I should send it back to be repaired. I just don't want to part with it

I guess I'm asking the lens experts: this means it will get worse, with time, right?

Absolutely send it back?

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PerfectPoms said:

They are absolutely great about it, and eagerly say bring it in for service. Absolutely no problem getting a refund. And I think I'd like to buy it again after it's been serviced. I just hate to then be without it for a while - BUT - I'm also tempted to get a refund on it and put that money towards a 600mm f/4.

And even then, when I can afford it, after buying the 600mm, I think I'd like to buy the 500 back again too. I'm a lens hog.

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PerfectPoms said:

So I know I should send it back to be repaired. I just don't want to part with it Absolutely send it back?

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PerfectPoms said:

So I just bought a Nikon 500mm f/4 E FL used from my fave local camera store. The lens is in good shape, BUT - when I first used it after bringing it home, the Auto Focus was squeaky, and slow at first, and wouldn't even AF all that well at times.

I've heard about this being a bad sign; about it portending imminent failure of AF in the lens - and it's generally very bad news in a lens.

I talked to the Nikon repair depot, and they said it sounds like dried out grease in a lens that's been sitting for a long, long time. (I've seen the lens sitting - lonely - unwanted, on the shelf of my camera store FOREVER).

So I know I should send it back to be repaired. I just don't want to part with it

I guess I'm asking the lens experts: this means it will get worse, with time, right?

Absolutely send it back?

Click to expand...

PerfectPoms said:

It was a very good price - much better than I could find anywhere else.

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PerfectPoms said:

So I just bought a Nikon 500mm f/4 E FL used from my fave local camera store. The lens is in good shape, BUT - when I first used it after bringing it home, the Auto Focus was squeaky, and slow at first, and wouldn't even AF all that well at times.

I've heard about this being a bad sign; about it portending imminent failure of AF in the lens - and it's generally very bad news in a lens.

I talked to the Nikon repair depot, and they said it sounds like dried out grease in a lens that's been sitting for a long, long time. (I've seen the lens sitting - lonely - unwanted, on the shelf of my camera store FOREVER).

So I know I should send it back to be repaired. I just don't want to part with it

I guess I'm asking the lens experts: this means it will get worse, with time, right?

Absolutely send it back?

Click to expand...

Pinnacle Photo said:

PerfectPoms said:

So I just bought a Nikon 500mm f/4 E FL used from my fave local camera store. The lens is in good shape, BUT - when I first used it after bringing it home, the Auto Focus was squeaky, and slow at first, and wouldn't even AF all that well at times.

I've heard about this being a bad sign; about it portending imminent failure of AF in the lens - and it's generally very bad news in a lens.

I talked to the Nikon repair depot, and they said it sounds like dried out grease in a lens that's been sitting for a long, long time. (I've seen the lens sitting - lonely - unwanted, on the shelf of my camera store FOREVER).

So I know I should send it back to be repaired. I just don't want to part with it

I guess I'm asking the lens experts: this means it will get worse, with time, right?

Absolutely send it back?

Click to expand...

Essentially they sold you a bad lens. I would talk to the store and see of you can at least get a discount. They may be happy to do that over getting a lens returned that has been sitting on their shelf "forever"...

It will be hundreds of dollars to get that fixed.

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PerfectPoms said:

So I just bought a Nikon 500mm f/4 E FL used from my fave local camera store. The lens is in good shape, BUT - when I first used it after bringing it home, the Auto Focus was squeaky, and slow at first, and wouldn't even AF all that well at times.

I've heard about this being a bad sign; about it portending imminent failure of AF in the lens - and it's generally very bad news in a lens.

I talked to the Nikon repair depot, and they said it sounds like dried out grease in a lens that's been sitting for a long, long time. (I've seen the lens sitting - lonely - unwanted, on the shelf of my camera store FOREVER).

So I know I should send it back to be repaired. I just don't want to part with it

I guess I'm asking the lens experts: this means it will get worse, with time, right?

Absolutely send it back?

Click to expand...

N Deacon said:

PerfectPoms said:

So I just bought a Nikon 500mm f/4 E FL used from my fave local camera store. The lens is in good shape, BUT - when I first used it after bringing it home, the Auto Focus was squeaky, and slow at first, and wouldn't even AF all that well at times.

I've heard about this being a bad sign; about it portending imminent failure of AF in the lens - and it's generally very bad news in a lens.

I talked to the Nikon repair depot, and they said it sounds like dried out grease in a lens that's been sitting for a long, long time. (I've seen the lens sitting - lonely - unwanted, on the shelf of my camera store FOREVER).

So I know I should send it back to be repaired. I just don't want to part with it

I guess I'm asking the lens experts: this means it will get worse, with time, right?

Absolutely send it back?

Click to expand...

I have owned that lens from new. During this total lockdown I did not use it for several months and when I picked it up again it squeaked. Yikes! I am happy to say, though, that after racking it through the full focus range several times the squeak vanished and it's back to normal now. It seems like the motors these lenses can squeak for a little while if they are not used for long periods, so given the reassurance of your dealer I would be inclined to give it a proper trial. If the squeak persists or returns, by all means get it serviced.

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davescliches said:

N Deacon said:

I have owned that lens from new. During this total lockdown I did not use it for several months and when I picked it up again it squeaked. Yikes! I am happy to say, though, that after racking it through the full focus range several times the squeak vanished and it's back to normal now. It seems like the motors these lenses can squeak for a little while if they are not used for long periods, so given the reassurance of your dealer I would be inclined to give it a proper trial. If the squeak persists or returns, by all means get it serviced.

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To prevent any further squeaking keep the lens in a very dry place ......

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PerfectPoms said:

So I just bought a Nikon 500mm f/4 E FL used from my fave local camera store. The lens is in good shape, BUT - when I first used it after bringing it home, the Auto Focus was squeaky, and slow at first, and wouldn't even AF all that well at times.

I've heard about this being a bad sign; about it portending imminent failure of

Click to expand...

kbrkr said:

I would, in a heartbeat; depending on price. These Big primes are amazing and somewhat of an investment. Even knowing it is damaged, i would still buy it and send it in for reconditioning. I've had Lenses returned from repair BETTER THAN NEW!!!

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