Checklist for Autofocus problems

Checklist for Autofocus problems

There are different factors that could contribute to a camera's AF system not functioning correctly, we would recommend checking the following before returning the camera to Service for inspection.

The Subject
Cameras AF systems require a difference in contrast to achieve focus. Plain subjects or subjects without much detail or a pattern may mean that the camera is unable to focus accurately. If the camera is being asked to focus on a subject which has a low amount of contrast or detail (such as a plain wall or sky) it will be difficult for the camera to correctly focus.
If this happens, try adjusting the cameras selectable focusing point to focus on a different part of the subject. Try to focus on a different object at the same distance to the main subject and then whilst holding down the AF button, recompose the image. For detailed information please refer to the "Getting Good Results with Autofocus" section in your camera's manual.

Camera or Lens set to M/F
Ensure that the cameras AF switch has not accidentally been set to Manual Focus mode. Some lenses also have an AF/MF switch on the lens itself, also ensure this has not been accidentally set to M/F. If set to M/F on the camera body or the lens, the camera will not attempt to focus.

Holding the camera
When holding the camera, ensure that the lens release button is not accidentally pressed. The camera grip should be held with the right hand and the left hand used to support the lens. Ensure that your fingers do not rest on the cameras lens release button whilst being held.
If lens release button is accidentally pressed then the lenses connection to the camera may need to be reset. If this happens the lens should be removed and reattached to the camera's body.



How to hold the camera in a Landscape orientation


How to hold the camera in a Portrait orientation

AF-ON is activated in the Custom Settings Menu
Some cameras have a custom function AF-ON. When AF-ON is activated the shutter release button cannot be used to focus. This could give the impression that the camera's autofocus is not working. To ensure AF-ON has not been set, select Reset in the Custom Setting Menu and then test your autofocus again with the shutter release button.

Lens Connection
The lens communicates with the camera body through a series of contacts. If these contacts are not correctly connected with the camera body then autofocus may not initiate or become erratic, therefore lens connections to the camera body should be checked.

To check this ensure that the lens has fully rotated when connecting it to the camera body. When connecting the lens it should be fully rotated until it clicks into place. This ensures the lens is correctly seated and connected to the camera. If you continue to experience problems then remove and refit the lens to reset the connection.

Clean Lens / Camera contacts
There are a total of 8 lens contact points on the camera body. These are located at the top of the lens mount underneath the pentaprism (see the image below) the lens has a contact block on the rear of the lens mount which attaches to these camera contacts to communicate. To enable the camera to communicate with the lens successfully these contacts should be kept clean and free from dirt.

If you can see that these contacts (either camera or lens) are dirty then we would recommend returning the camera and lens to a service centre to be cleaned. Dirty contacts will lead to a poor connection and possibly intermittent focusing from the camera.

Another possible problem could be that the prongs on the lens contacts are dirty and not making good contact with the camera connections. The lenses contacts are spring loaded so they make a solid contact with the camera connections. If the lens contact prongs are dirty or not moving then this could be a reason for the camera not activating focus. If this is the case then please send your lens to a Nikon Service Centre for cleaning.


Image showing the position of the camera contact block inside the lens mount (circled in red)


Image showing the lens contact block (circled in red)