AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm focus issues with my D3100

lfinley6

My lens has been acting up. Sometimes I can use the viewfinder and it will autofocus for me, but other times it just makes a clicking noise and won't focus. It won't focus in manual either. I can change the setting to live view and it will auto focus no problem, but I like to look through the viewfinder.

Still learning all I can with this camera, and my favorite setting is A, but I hope to get into using M more. I can't if my lens won't work right though. I have an AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm lens and it works fine.

I'm bummed, because I don't want to spend money to get it fixed. I'd rather spend money to get more lenses. ;) Any help would be great.

Moose

@Lfinley6 - Here's the thing...the D3100 doesn't come equipped with a focus motor, so it relies on the focus system built into the lens. That's why only AF-S and AF-I lenses work with the D3100.

It sounds like the focusing mechanism inside your 18-55mm has died, but before you give up hope try cleaning the contacts on the lens with a q-tip and some rubbing alcohol. Since your 70-300mm works fine, the contacts inside your D3100 shouldn't need to be cleaned. Re-attach your 18-55mm lens and cross your fingers.

If it still won't focus and you're outside the 1 year warranty period that Nikon provides, then you're only option will be to replace the lens. KEH (keh.com) is a great place to buy used lenses. They test each lens and then grade them on their condition. I just checked their site and they have some used 18-55mm Nikkors for under $100 bucks.

Hope that helps! :)