New Nikon D80 won't auto focus..?

JohnCJohnC Registered Users Posts: 222 Major grins
edited February 7, 2007 in Cameras
Hey all, I just got a new Nikon D80 with AF-S Nikkor 18-135mm lens. I set the lens, to auto, body to auto, and dial to auto, and the settings are at default, but the camera will not auto focus.

I also noticed that the camera sound is set to beep, but I haven't heard it beep once all day.

Is there a setting I need to change, or is this thing a lemon? :(
Nikon D300 l Nikon SB-600 l Nikon MC-30 Remote l Nikon AF-S 24-85mm 1:3.5-4.5G IF-ED l Nikon 50mm f/1.8 AF-D l Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM l Quantaray Pro U-100 backpack by Naneu Pro l Quantaray QSX 9500 Tripod by Sunpak
Canon AE-1 Program l FD 28mm 1:2.8 l FD 50mm 1:1.8 l Sunpak Auto 821 Dedicated

Comments

  • PhyxiusPhyxius Registered Users Posts: 1,396 Major grins
    edited February 6, 2007
    Is this the first time you've used it? (The lens and camera?) Are you inside? Is there enough light? Is the AF assist lamp on? What program mode are you in?

    When you said the dial was on auto I'm assuming you mean the program mode is auto, like shutter priority, aperature priority, manual, sports, landscape, etc. Right?

    Then, in front of the camera body there is a switch that says "AF - M", you have that one switched to auto too, right?

    I'm not familiar with the lens, but from the what I can see of it online it doesn't have a A-M switch?

    Then, within the menus you've choosen auto-focus, but which mode? Are all modes not working? You have AF-A, AF-S, and AF-C. Then, within that closest subject, single area, and dynamic. Try different combos of these.

    But, if there is not enough light the camera won't be able to focus. The auto assist lamp MAY help, but it might not be bright enough either. Also, make sure you're focusing on something within your lens' range. The minimum focus range is 1.5ft for that lens so I'm pretty sure you're okay there.

    If all that doesn't work try turning off the camera, taking the battery out, wait a few minutes, put the battery back in a try again.
    Christina Dale
    SmugMug Support Specialist - www.help.smugmug.com

    http://www.phyxiusphotos.com
    Equine Photography in Maryland - Dressage, Eventing, Hunters, Jumpers
  • SeymoreSeymore Banned Posts: 1,539 Major grins
    edited February 6, 2007
    Are you also doing the 1/2 press on the shutter? ...or do you have the AF-ON activated?
  • PhotogPhotog Registered Users Posts: 37 Big grins
    edited February 6, 2007
    Have you tried the CSM?

    I ran into a similar problem with my D100 and had to go into the custom settings menu to actually get the AF to work, regardless of what I had chosen with the settings on the body.

    There's more info on that page as well.
    Sony DSR500WSL, Nikon D100, no apparent skills
  • JohnCJohnC Registered Users Posts: 222 Major grins
    edited February 7, 2007
    It was a stupid n00b mistake. I had put the lens on and turned it, but it wasn't on all the way so it wasn't communicating with the D80. I just so happened to try one more time by taking the lens and reinstalling it and that's when it "clicked" which it didn't do before. After that, AF worked fine.

    Sorry for the false alarm, guys. At least you all tried to help. I went on several forums and this was the only one I got replies on. I really appreciate that! thumb.gifbowdown.gif

    I'm going to post two of my first shots (night skyline in nashville) ASAP!
    Nikon D300 l Nikon SB-600 l Nikon MC-30 Remote l Nikon AF-S 24-85mm 1:3.5-4.5G IF-ED l Nikon 50mm f/1.8 AF-D l Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM l Quantaray Pro U-100 backpack by Naneu Pro l Quantaray QSX 9500 Tripod by Sunpak
    Canon AE-1 Program l FD 28mm 1:2.8 l FD 50mm 1:1.8 l Sunpak Auto 821 Dedicated
  • JohnCJohnC Registered Users Posts: 222 Major grins
    edited February 7, 2007
    I posted pics here: http://www.digitalgrin.com/showthread.php?p=479302#post479302

    :D
    Nikon D300 l Nikon SB-600 l Nikon MC-30 Remote l Nikon AF-S 24-85mm 1:3.5-4.5G IF-ED l Nikon 50mm f/1.8 AF-D l Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM l Quantaray Pro U-100 backpack by Naneu Pro l Quantaray QSX 9500 Tripod by Sunpak
    Canon AE-1 Program l FD 28mm 1:2.8 l FD 50mm 1:1.8 l Sunpak Auto 821 Dedicated
  • PhyxiusPhyxius Registered Users Posts: 1,396 Major grins
    edited February 7, 2007
    JohnC wrote:
    Sorry for the false alarm, guys. At least you all tried to help. I went on several forums and this was the only one I got replies on. I really appreciate that! thumb.gifbowdown.gif

    Hey, we've all done "Doh" things before. No big deal! I'm glad you got everything sorted. thumb.gif

    Welcome to dGrin. I'm still fairly new here myself, but I gotta say these people are great. cheerleader.gif
    Christina Dale
    SmugMug Support Specialist - www.help.smugmug.com

    http://www.phyxiusphotos.com
    Equine Photography in Maryland - Dressage, Eventing, Hunters, Jumpers
  • SeymoreSeymore Banned Posts: 1,539 Major grins
    edited February 7, 2007

    thumb.gif
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