factory reset on D7100 to fix auto focus problem

I just purchased a new d7100, and after experimenting with the various settings, the shutter button depression will no longer adjust the focus. I have made sure all the auto focus settings are correct but still no luck. Thus, I want to reset it to factory settings but cannot find out how to do so. Any suggestions???

might sound dumb but is auto focus on lol
also check you havent set it to back focus on one of the front or back auxillary buttons

auto focus is on. as for checking on front or back auxillary buttons you mentioned, don't know how to do that. i know i did not reprogram any buttons. if i press the AE-L/AF-L button, it will auto focus but not with the shutter button, so the auto focus does work at least, but i don't want to have to press that button every time.

ok the focus is assigned to that button you just need to change it

egosbar said:

ok the focus is assigned to that button you just need to change it

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It sounded like the camera was set to back button focus, but since I've never switched mine, I wasn't sure.

This has happened to me countless times... Make sure the focus lock switch is not in the "L" or "Locked" position; you want that switch aligned with the white dot like you see in the picture. This switch is ridiculously easy to flip accidentally.

While resetting fixes a lot of settings, it is best to learn to identify a problem and find the proper setting. As already mentioned above, if autofocus happens when you push the ae/af-l button, then that button WAS reassigned. Check menu f4 and set it to 'lock'. You will probably find it set to 'af on'.

I suggest downloading the pdf version of your manual. Keep it handy on your computer because it is easy to search a pdf for key words like 'reset'.
PDF Manual

Factory reset is hold the two green buttons (top and back - exposure comp & ISO) and turn the camera on.

egosbar and nickt,

thanx much for the guidance. i must have inadvertently changed the button setting. as nickt suggested, i changed it to "lock" in the f4 menu, and now it works!! thanx again.

I have a similar issue with my D7100 but there is no focusing happening with any of the buttons or the shutter. I have reset the camera, changed the lenses, and still no luck

jmadukayil said:

I have a similar issue with my D7100 but there is no focusing happening with any of the buttons or the shutter. I have reset the camera, changed the lenses, and still no luck

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Does it take the picture even though it does not focus? Is the camera body set to autofocus? (lever near lens mount).

Yes, it takes pictures alright. Yes, lever lens is set to AF. Lens switch is also to AF.

Since the camera takes the picture, it is 'happy' with this condition, so I think it must be a setting. If you have the pdf version of the manual, search it for 'reset'. there are actually several resets to reset different things. There is no master reset. I linked the manual above in post #8 if you need it.

I have used 'shooting reset', 'custom reset' and 'user 1' and 'user 2' settings reset. All these are in the user manual - I do not know if there are any else. And I am at a total loss now having purchased this camera off someone and that too without warranty.

There are two switches for AF. One on the lens and one on the camera body. Make sure both are set.
Also, which lenses are you using?

There's also the two-button reset if you haven't tried that.

A few thoughts/questions....

You are in view finder mode, not live view?
Have you tried the function button (fn) and Preview button (pv)? I think they also could be reassigned to auto focus like the ae/af button which would disable autofocus from the shutter button.
What are menu A1 and A2 set to? If they are set to 'release', I would be curious what happens if you set to 'focus'. It shouldn't fix your problem, but might give some clues.
What focus mode are you in? Af-A, Af-S, or Af-C?

Don -
The lens and the camera switches are at AF. There are two lenses. Nikkor 18-140 VR. and TAMRON 18-270 VC.

Nick- Thanks for taking the time.

Yes, in the view finder mode. Have tried live view but AutoFocus does not work in that too.
fn was not assigned. I assigned it to AF-ON but AF does not work. Reassigned Pv to AF-ON and same result. A1 and A2 are set to release.
Focus modes are unknown since I am not able to set.

jmadukayil said:

Focus modes are unknown since I am not able to set.

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Why can't you set the focus modes? That may be a big clue. What does your top lcd say regarding focus mode?

Try setting your A1 and A2 to focus priority. That will force your camera to require focus before the shutter will release. You probably won't be able to take a picture since the camera is not focusing, but maybe you will hear something or get an error. As A1 A2 are set now, the shutter will release regardless of focus. Also un-set the af -on for the pv, fn and ae/af lock. Get them back to normal to avoid confusion. Its probably not a shutter button problem since re-assinging those buttons did not help.