D7000 Auto Focus Problem with Internal Focus Motor Lenses

[jfelpel]

Hello everyone. I have been checking out this site for a while now but have not had a reason to post until now...

I have been having an issue with my d7000 and auto focus. When I use a lens that has an internal focus motor, it will occasionally stop working. Sometimes I can just switch the auto focus to manual and back to auto and that will get it to work. Sometimes I have to power cycle the camera a few times to get it to work.

The first time a noticed it was about a year ago when I got my Tamron 90mm macro. But, since it was a third party lens, I blamed it on the lens. I just got a Nikon 50mm 1.4G and noticed the same issue. With the Nikon, it seems all I have to do is swap to manual and then back. With the Tamron I had to power cycle the camera.

Also, most of my lenses are older primes that use the camera motor to focus. These all work great and do not experience the auto focus dropout that the newer lenses do.

I do have the latest camera firmware installed. Is there any info that would help in diagnosing my issue? Also, should I just call Nikon about this problem?

Thank you,
-Jeremy

 

[TOR8472]

I believe I have the same core issue, but it can occur with any lens. I believe it is related to the tightness of the mount / contact with lens contacts. Mine appears to lose its connection, but not report an issue to me (it will take a shot even if not in focus and in focus priority mode when it loses contact). My fix is to give the lens a tightening twist and it will always wake back up and start focusing again. I don't have to toggle focus switches or the power switch.

It is highly annoying and reportedly can be associated with a light touch of the lens release button (I've seen a few reports of the D3S having the same issue). In my case, it is so sporadic that I don't don't dare send to Nikon because I can't routinely reproduce the error when I try. If yours is worse (easy to reproduce), I expect you could get Nikon to fix yours. I'd be interested to know if a "tigthening twist" works on your issues in addition to your power/focus switch cycling. Good luck.

 

[Fjrjacko]

That has happened a few times with my D90 and Tamron 90mm , push the release button and give the lens a bit of a wiggle and all is good , only ever happened with my Tamron ,