Can my D3100 be fixed? Not focusing after dropping it

chssvl

New member
Hi all. First post here

I have a d3100, which I had looked after with lots of care but the other day as I was taking something out of the wardrobe I accidentally dropped it :(

The outer window over the screen cracked, but the screen works. However, the really serious issue is that it is no longer auto-focusing when using the viewfinder. The lens just goes back and forth all the way but doesn’t focus. If I switch to manual focus, it does seem to take good pictures, albeit a bit over exposed (just need to adjust by a couple of stops and it is fine). However, if I use the LCD it seems to work just fine (both in terms of metering and auto focus).

I’ve tried resetting the camera and have also used a compressed air can to clean behind the mirror but no luck.

Is it the end of my camera?

thanks in advance
 

mikew_RIP

Senior Member
Welcome to the forum sorry your here for a sad reason,it doesnt sound too good,if your model is like others i think it could have knocked the focusing phase detect sensor out of line for viewfinder focusing, the rear LCD uses contrast so different parts control the focusing (as i say that is if it works the same as others)
If you could take it to a dealer and try another lens it may tell you more.

Not a good idea to use compressed air for cleaning inside the camera, it can cause moisture which is not good.
 

chssvl

New member
Thanks for the quick reply. Hmmm. That doesn’t sound good and I fear that any repair would probably be more expensive than the camera.

I guess that I could salvage the lens and try to get a replacement body. The servo for the focus seems to work as well as the zoom. Would there be any way to check it other than using another camera?

PS. Indeed on the compressed air. I read somewhere that it was worth a try but don’t think it was such a good idea
 

Fred Kingston

Senior Member
Take it to a local dealer... At the least, he'll be able to swap the lens with another one and determine whether the issue is with your camera body or the lens itself.
 

Bikerbrent

Senior Member
Welcome aboard. Enjoy the ride.
We look forward to seeing more posts and samples of your work.

Sorry about your problem, but the suggestion to take it to a dealer is a good one.
 

Danno

Senior Member
So sorry to hear about the mishap. That had to be tough to deal with. I think you are right about replacing the camera over having it repaired. The lens may be fine. Like others have said, a camera shop can test the lens for you on another body.

This just may be the right time to upgrade to gain a bit more functionality. Turn a bit of misfortune into an opportunity.
 

chssvl

New member
Thanks for the replies, everyone.

will go to the dealer and see if I can test the lens.

Indeed, maybe a good time to upgrade anyway. Maybe I can sell the old one for spares on ebay or something. It’s a shame though. Was my first SLR and it’s been with me through many trips

Thanks again!
 

chssvl

New member
Sorry to bring this up again. I managed to get hold of a d3400 without lens to test my lens and exact same problem! Not able to focus with the viewfinder but can focus with the lcd. Can’t be that both cameras have the exact same problem, right?

maybe it’s the lens that broke with the fall, but it’s odd that the lens seems to work in manual or lcd focus...

does that make sense? Thanks!
 

Marcel

Happily retired
Staff member
Super Mod
Could there be a switch on your lens to turn auto-focus off and on? Can you focus manually through the viewfinder? If not, maybe the diopter adjustment just moved with the fall... To make certain with one is broken, you have to check the body with another lens and your lens with another body. No other way around. Best of luck.
 
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