How to change focus from manual to auto? Why can't I figure this out???

NitaAnn

New member
My daughter just purchased a Nikon d3200. She is using my old lens (Nikkor af 50mm 1:1.8d). She had been shooting in manual focus since she got the camera. Now we are trying to figure out how to change to auto. When I click on the i on the back I am unable to access the focus modes it just shows m. Looking at the menus I cannot see any way to change this setting. The lens doesn't have a button to change from auto to manual so this isn't the issue. Why is this happening? What am I missing to change this very basic setting? This is driving me insane. Please, somebody help!
 

Moab Man

Senior Member
You said that she is using your old lens. If that lens does not have a focus motor in it then it will not focus on her camera. Her camera body does not have a focus motor. Her camera can only focus lenses labelled AF-S (I believe that's the labelling - I will confirm).
 

John Thomson

Senior Member
I may be wrong but.....Autofocus is not supported by D40, D40x, D60, D3000, D3100, D3200, D3300, D5000, D5100, D5200, and D5300 cameras--lens may be used with manual focus only NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D, sounds like your lens is not compatible with the D3200
 

NitaAnn

New member
This explains so much. I was fixated on the settings I didn't even stop to consider the lens might not be compatible. Looks like she will be shooting in manual until she gets a new lens. Thanks for all the responses. I really appreciate it!
 

aroy

Senior Member
None of the "D" lenses with AF with D3xxx and D5xxx bodies. Even I have the 50mm F1.8 AF (pre D version) and have to use MF on my D3300.
 

paul04

Senior Member
You can look at it as a positive, your daughter can also learn about manual focus on the camera,
That's one thing I did like when I had the 50mm 1.8D on my D3200.
 

SteveH

Senior Member
I agree with @paul04 - If she is already manually focusing with the 50mm f1.8D, then encourage that because its a good skill to be proficient at, and the 50mm F1.8D is a great, very sharp lens.
 
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