D40x Won't focus

[Creagerj]

I just purchased a D40x from Cameta Camera on Ebay, and a Nikon AFS 18-55mm G lens on KEH. For some reason the D40x and lens will not focus. It trys to focus but it never picks a point. It also won't take a picture. However if I am in manual mode everything works fine. Does this sound like a problem with the camera or the lens?

 

[Jamie Pillers]

The D40x will only auto-focus with one of the AF-S type lenses that have the focusing motor inside the lens body. The D40x body doesn't have a focusing motor. So, with the D40x you can use other non-AF-S lenses, but you have to focus them manually.

 

[pvdhaar]

Joe,

the camera/lens combination you mention should work (AFS on D40x).

My first guess would be that you're trying to focus on something without contrast. The AF sensor really needs that to focus. If that doesn't do the trick, then I'd suggest looking into the following..

From my experience with Nikon, there are some likely problems. First check that the lens sits correctly in the mount. If you're in the habit of pressing the lens release catch when mounting a lens, it is possible that you turn the lens too far in. Just turn it a little until the catch 'clicks'. Next check that the contacts on the lens and mount are clean. Some debris there may hinder proper communication between body and lens. Then, check that your batteries are completely charged. Nikons dslrs have a habit of starting to behave erratically when the battery symbol still shows full, but is on the brink of showing empty.

 

[gavinlg]

Also try pressing the "AF-ON" button on the back of the camera as a lot of people (including me) use that button for focussing, not the shutter half press. Also, Check the custom functions to see if it's set to AF priority - which would mean that it will not open/close the shutter until the AF has locked onto something. Change to "shutter priority"

 

[kshapero]

Isn't this a forum for rangefinders? I'd say we are a mighty fine group of people to tackle the "dark side". Kudos to us. LOL.

 

[1948nikon]

Dont use G series Lens on D40

Dont use G series Lens on D40

The D40x will only auto-focus with one of the AF-S type lenses that have the focusing motor inside the lens body. The D40x body doesn't have a focusing motor. So, with the D40x you can use other non-AF-S lenses, but you have to focus them manually.

Jamie was right on the money .

The G series will only focus on manual on the D40. The g series requires the motor in the camera body. Look at the rear mount of the lens and compare it with the body mount and you will find the difference.

The D40 D40x and D60 require the motor to be in the lens..

 

[Creagerj]

Jamie was right on the money .

The G series will only focus on manual on the D40. The g series requires the motor in the camera body. Look at the rear mount of the lens and compare it with the body mount and you will find the difference.

The D40 D40x and D60 require the motor to be in the lens..

That isn't the issue, according to the manual, this camera was designed for AF-S "G" series lenses. The lens DOES focus and function. The problem is that in auto mode, the camera does not seem to be able to find a point to focus on. It hunts even in good lighting, and rather than focusing, it will just move the lens in and out of focus.

 

[Creagerj]

I was tempted to go to the store and give some other lenses a try.

 

[Chris101]

I was tempted to go to the store and give some other lenses a try.

Yep, that's the thing to do.

As the lens is moving and trying to focus (I think I read that was the case) you know that neither the camera nor lens is accidently set to manual focus. Try another lens. If it still doesn't work, you've a problem with the body, if it does (duh) it's the lens.

I hesitate to send folks away from here for advice on dslr cameras, but you might wish to ask at the nikon cafe, where there should be less misinformation.

 

[HenryN]

Joe,

I have a D40x and had that problem off and on when I first got the camera. I solved it by unmounting and mounting the lens several times. I think the 18-55mm plastic lens mount may be the culprit. Guess it needs to be broken in....

 

[1948nikon]

Two types of G Lenses

Two types of G Lenses

Jamie was right on the money .

The G series will only focus on manual on the D40. The g series requires the motor in the camera body. Look at the rear mount of the lens and compare it with the body mount and you will find the difference.

The D40 D40x and D60 require the motor to be in the lens..

Lets clear this one up so there is no misinformation.

There are in fact two types of "G " lenses. The models without the motors that have the mini drive shaft are in fact known as the true "G" series the G coding is at the end of the lens coding for example
---Zoom Nikkor 70-300 f4-f5.6 G these models will only work on D40 D40x and D60 in manual focus mode.( note :G: is at the end of the code)

The models with "G" in the code prior to ED
AF-S DX Zoom -Nikkor 55-200 f4-f5.6 G-ED and also
AF-S DX Zoom -Nikkor 18-55 f3.5-5.6 G-ED do have internal motors, no drive shaft and work in manual or autofocus mode.

Nikon have in fact added to the confusion on page 97 of D40 instruction book where they state G and D lenses can be used. What they are referring to is the G code on the DX series lens.

To recap if you have any G lens with a drive shaft it has no motor and will only focus in manual mode on a D40,D40X and D60.

A word of advice to anyone contemplating a purchase of a body from a retailer and lens from another outlet, it usually works out a lot more expensive. Nikon usually gives an extra subsidy to retailers and outlets on a combined purchase (kits etc.)