5300 not focusing

Tugman

Senior Member
Has anyone had the problem of the 5300 not focusing. When the shutter release is pressed there is no response, i.e. the focus square doesn't light up and there is no confirmation beep. I rang Wilkinsons Camera, who were excellent by the way, they suggested changing the memory card amongst other things. this seemed to cure it and I took about 1000 shots while we were on holiday. But towards the end of the trip this problem reappeared. I've discovered that I can reliably get it working by switching the lens (18-200mm) to manual focus and back to auto. This usually gets it working again. I don't think it is the lens as I had the same problem with another lens, unfortunately I don't have this lens now so I cant 100% rule out the lens.
I just wondered if anyone else had experienced this annoying bug. The camera is still under warranty so I can send it back, I'm just exhausting all possibilities before I send it back.

Tugman
 

RocketCowboy

Senior Member
Can't say that I've seen that problem. From what you're described, it almost sounds like the AF/MF switch was getting jarred just slightly out of the AF position and causing the camera body to think it couldn't autofocus. I wouldn't rule out the lens just yet. You might try doing a factory reset on the D5300 to reset all settings and rule out any software switch within the camera itself.
 

Bikerbrent

Senior Member
Even though you joined back in 2013, welcome aboard. Enjoy the ride.

If the camera is acting up and still under warranty, I would send it back. Why keep fooling around with it until the warranty runs out! :sorrow:
 

cwgrizz

Senior Member
Challenge Team
Welcome to the forum. Do you have more than one lens? If so does it do it with all lenses or just one? Also, be sure that the contacts for the lens to camera connection are clean. If you remove the lens and then put it back on, does the problem go away?

Personally, I am leaning more toward the lens or mating of the lens to the camera, but that is just wild guesses.
 

Tugman

Senior Member
I've tried a factory reset at the suggestion of Wilkinsons Cameras, that didn't sort it. The new memory card appeared to work and I thought the problem was solved.
 

Tugman

Senior Member
I did have another lens to try on it and the problem still remained which made me think it wasn't the lens. unfortunately i don't have the spare lens now.
 

cwgrizz

Senior Member
Challenge Team
I did have another lens to try on it and the problem still remained which made me think it wasn't the lens. unfortunately i don't have the spare lens now.

Sounds like it is time to send the camera in for warranty repair. Contact Nikon service center.
They may have an idea or two.
 

spb_stan

Senior Member
When sending a unit back, it really helps them if you can be as specific as possible on how to recreate the problem. If it only happens every 500-1000 shots, a complaint of "AF" intermittent is probably never going to be randomly seen by the technician. If it can't be predictably reproduced, it might never be resolved.
The common cause of focus failing to initiate is lens connection issues, and removing and remounting the lens usually resolves it. It could be oxide buildup on the contacts or even in the shutter release. If you put the lens in manual when it is not work, will it still release the shutter? If there is a shutter release problem, it is usually the button itself or the release setting in the menu set to "Focus". Which means it will not take a photo until focus is locked. "Release" setting means the shutter is released as soon as the button is pressed even if not focused.
If no "Err 0" is seen, I suspect it is not the lens mounting, that error indicates the camera does not recognize the camera as fully mounted.
If it is as simple as the shutter release button being intermittent, it can still be triggered by using the accessory connector with a remote control.
Does it ever start working on its own or will it stay inoperative until you do something to clear it?
 

Tugman

Senior Member
Thanks spb_stan,
What you say makes sense, Intermittent problems are always the worst kind, I used to work in IT and called an engineer out to a printer that refused to work, he'd turn up switch it on and it would work perfectly, happened many times.
The problem is truly random and will sometimes focus and sometimes not. I haven't noticed anything that causes it and it can happen on all settings.
I'vw spoken to the store that supplied it and they are going to give it a thorough check with some different lenses otherwise its goes back to Nikon.

Thanks
 
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