Nikon 18-55mm struggles to Auto-focus after a tumble

[Yarde]

A couple of weeks back, when my camera (Nikon D40) was ontop of my old tripod (el cheapo thing), one thing lead to another and my camera ended up hitting the deck. Luckily, nothing appeared to be broken, all the glass and screens were intact. However, ever since, the autofocus in the lens has struggled. You can hear the lens trying to focus, but it never moves the front focusing element thingy. As I say, up until about 2 weeks ago, it worked almost all of the time. However, now, it almost never focuses. Occasionally it does Auto focus, however, its really became a problem. Is this a terminal problem? Or would I be able to get it repaired?

Thanks in advance...

Michael

EDIT: I've just thought about some more info I can add. It doesn't appear to be anything on the camera end, as my 55-200 VR focuses find everytime.

Also, I caught a glimpse of the screen when the 18-55mm was struggling to focus and it said "No Lens Attached". Hope that helps any

 

[timmygcsc2308]

hi mike guess who

umm..yea its borked lol sorry, you could phone nikon and ask how much a repair is but tbh...I'd sell it for spares on ebay and get a new one on here (I paid £45) or use the opportunity for a Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8

 

[Flash In The Pan]

I doubt you'd get anyone to repair it for less than it's worth, as Timmy says chuck it up on Ebay and buy another.

 

[Yarde]

hi mike guess who

umm..yea its borked lol sorry, you could phone nikon and ask how much a repair is but tbh...I'd sell it for spares on ebay and get a new one on here (I paid £45) or use the opportunity for a Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8

I doubt you'd get anyone to repair it for less than it's worth, as Timmy says chuck it up on Ebay and buy another.

Ok! Dam...just when money was tight enough as it was! I guess I'll need to keep an eye out on the classifieds on here. I wish I could afford to upgrade to something better, but I really can't

 

[Dman]

I agree with the above, these lenses are only about £50 second hand, maybe take it as an opportunity to upgrade.

 

[Yarde]

I agree with the above, these lenses are only about £50 second hand, maybe take it as an opportunity to upgrade.

I'd love to upgrade, but I really can't afford it atm, I just need a wide(ish) lens ASAP!

 

[Dave Pickett]

I had a bad spell when I thought the lens hood y=twisted off and forced the lens which resulted in a similar situation that you describe. I gripped the barrell and twisted it and it made pretty horrible noises, but the gearing re engaged and it has been fine since, since yours is knackered, you have nothing to lose.......have a twist and pull about with it and see if it starts working again.....

 

[Yarde]

I had a bad spell when I thought the lens hood y=twisted off and forced the lens which resulted in a similar situation that you describe. I gripped the barrell and twisted it and it made pretty horrible noises, but the gearing re engaged and it has been fine since, since yours is knackered, you have nothing to lose.......have a twist and pull about with it and see if it starts working again.....

So do I twist the focusing barrell against the way it would normally go?

 

[Les Key]

Mike I have sent you a pm.

 

[Yarde]

I had a bad spell when I thought the lens hood y=twisted off and forced the lens which resulted in a similar situation that you describe. I gripped the barrell and twisted it and it made pretty horrible noises, but the gearing re engaged and it has been fine since, since yours is knackered, you have nothing to lose.......have a twist and pull about with it and see if it starts working again.....

Sir, prepare to be man hugged!

*man hug*

This agressive twisting seems to have worked! My lens easily focuses from one extreme to another! Weird! So, I need to give it a field test!

 

[Arkady]

Same thing happened with my 70-200 last year when i whacked it against a wall I was climbing over.
The lens sounded like it was 'hunting' but couldn't focus.
Still worked in manual-focus mode though.

Had to go back and be repaired.
No idea what it cost as I was given a replacement lens from stores.

 

[dinorock]

Mike I have sent you a pm.

sorry to spoil this thread but lesley you dont put pm,s in some ones post only found it by mistake its ok everyone shes new i have replied to your pm its at the top of your page under your user name

while im here glad you got your lens sorted