Need help with a lens problem

[Grandpaw]

A friend of mine has a Nikon D80 with a AF-S Nikkor 18-135mm 3.5-5.6G ED DX lens. The problem is that it will focus just fine several times then it will not focus and the camera will not take a picture. Then it will start focusing again and start this all over again.

She has two lenses and it only happens using this lens. I have tried it on my Nikon D80 with the same results. I tried it in a well lite area and it is not due to low light keeping the AF from working. I wiped off the contacts of the lens also. I have run out of things to try so if any of my fellow members have any ideas please let me know. Thanks for any help or ideas you may have to offer, Jeff

[gryphonslair99]

Sounds like a trip to Nikon repair is in order or a new lens, which ever is cheapest since it is happening on more than one body. That smacks to me of an internal issue with the lens. I had a 24-70 do something similar, except it would stutter when trying to focus. Turned out to be a broken focus motor mount ring. $175 later and the lens was better than new as they cleaned and re-calibrated it.

[Grandpaw]

Sounds like a trip to Nikon repair is in order or a new lens, which ever is cheapest since it is happening on more than one body. That smacks to me of an internal issue with the lens. I had a 24-70 do something similar, except it would stutter when trying to focus. Turned out to be a broken focus motor mount ring. $175 later and the lens was better than new as they cleaned and re-calibrated it.

Thanks for the information. I called Nikon repair for her and they told me that the lens has a five year warranty but it had not been registered. If she can find a receipt and it is within the five years that they will cover it. If it ends up not being fixed under warranty that the cost will be anywhere from $60.00 to a maximum of $100.00, so it will be worth getting it repaired even if she has to pay for it. Thanks again for your help, Jeff

[freygr]

Thanks for the information. I called Nikon repair for her and they told me that the lens has a five year warranty but it had not been registered. If she can find a receipt and it is within the five years that they will cover it. If it ends up not being fixed under warranty that the cost will be anywhere from $60.00 to a maximum of $100.00, so it will be worth getting it repaired even if she has to pay for it. Thanks again for your help, Jeff

If it had been purchased with a credit card, you in most cases look it up on-line, but that may not be available if it's older than a couple years.

I've have used the Nikon repair service (warranty) and the service is fast.

[Don Schaeffer]

I have a similar problem with my Sigma 18-200. I just turn the camera off and it starts working again.

[Grandpaw]

I have a similar problem with my Sigma 18-200. I just turn the camera off and it starts working again.

Thanks Don, I will let her know that, Jeff