VR Stopped Working 200-500mm

Woodyg3

Senior Member
Contributor
Just a bit of a rant, here. I was getting random ERR messages on the camera the last couple of times out. If I pressed the shutter things would snap back into action. The, today the ERR messages went away, but the VR went away, too. I tried the lens on there different bodies, and no VR on any of them. My other VR lenses all work on the three bodies. So, I guess I'm gonna' have to ship this sucker off for repairs. It's out of warranty, so I'm on the hook.

I had also noticed that the VR was acting kind of strange once in a while, and objects moved quite a ways down in the frame with VR at random times. I suspect some little electronic gremlin has taken up residence inside my lens.

Before someone mentions it, I did clean the contacts to make sure that wasn't the problem.

ARGH!
 

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
I had also noticed that the VR was acting kind of strange once in a while, and objects moved quite a ways down in the frame with VR at random times. I suspect some little electronic gremlin has taken up residence inside my lens.

That is the issue I'm having with my 300mm f/4 PF VR lens. The image jumps inside the viewfinder after every shutter actuation. Does the lens have Sport VR (or Active VR)? If so, try the other VR mode and see if there is a difference. My VR issue only affects ONE of the VR modes. But the lens is also having an AF problem regardless of whether or not VR is used.

Have you tried the lens with the VR turned off? Surprisingly my other non-VR 300mm f/4 lens is stellar despite not having any VR. But because my 300mm f/4 PF has the AF problem, even when turning off the VR, my images are still out of focus.

Good luck! If you proceed with getting the lens repaired, I imagine Nikon will still do a great job.:encouragement:
 

Woodyg3

Senior Member
Contributor
That is the issue I'm having with my 300mm f/4 PF VR lens. The image jumps inside the viewfinder after every shutter actuation. Does the lens have Sport VR (or Active VR)? If so, try the other VR mode and see if there is a difference. My VR issue only affects ONE of the VR modes. But the lens is also having an AF problem regardless of whether or not VR is used.

Have you tried the lens with the VR turned off? Surprisingly my other non-VR 300mm f/4 lens is stellar despite not having any VR. But because my 300mm f/4 PF has the AF problem, even when turning off the VR, my images are still out of focus.

Good luck! If you proceed with getting the lens repaired, I imagine Nikon will still do a great job.:encouragement:

The VR doesn't work at all at this point. I can still use the lens, but I do rely on the VR in certain situations. Yes, the lens works fine with VR off. Actually, it works fine with VR on, except that the VR is not active. I think there's something wrong that has been brewing for a few weeks.

I have considered sending the lens to APS, which is still an authorized Nikon repair center. The back log at the Nikon facility in NY has to be pretty big right now with the CA facility closed due to COVID, and I'm wondering if things would go faster at APS.
 

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
The VR doesn't work at all at this point. I can still use the lens, but I do rely on the VR in certain situations. Yes, the lens works fine with VR off. Actually, it works fine with VR on, except that the VR is not active. I think there's something wrong that has been brewing for a few weeks.

I have considered sending the lens to APS, which is still an authorized Nikon repair center. The back log at the Nikon facility in NY has to be pretty big right now with the CA facility closed due to COVID, and I'm wondering if things would go faster at APS.

Have you tried flipping this switch to the other VR mode? I've used both. Both cause problems on my 300mm f/4 PF. One makes the image jump. The other doesn't always lock on. Consider giving it a try to see if you can squeeze out a little more time with the lens. It just might work better than you'd expect. If you've never used the Sport Mode, consider seeing if it helps even though everyone says not to use it. ;)

Nikon lens.png
 

Woodyg3

Senior Member
Contributor
Have you tried flipping this switch to the other VR mode? I've used both. Both cause problems on my 300mm f/4 PF. One makes the image jump. The other doesn't always lock on. Consider giving it a try to see if you can squeeze out a little more time with the lens. It just might work better than you'd expect. If you've never used the Sport Mode, consider seeing if it helps even though everyone says not to use it. ;)

View attachment 345738

The VR simply doesn't work at all, no matter what mode. I think APS is out of business, as well. But I just sent an email form to Midwest Camera Repair for an estimate. I might wind up having to send it to Nikon, but we'll see.
 

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
The VR simply doesn't work at all, no matter what mode. I think APS is out of business, as well. But I just sent an email form to Midwest Camera Repair for an estimate. I might wind up having to send it to Nikon, but we'll see.

Ugh - sorry to hear about the VR not working at all as well as the possibility of APS being out of business. Authorized Camera Repair in Willow Grove, PA is what an Allen's Camera employee mentioned is good. It might be where they send repairs that aren't covered by warranties or manufacturers. Only mentioning it in case your other option doesn't pan out.

Authorized Camera Repair
 

Woodyg3

Senior Member
Contributor
NIKON CAME THROUGH BIG TIME! Ten days from the day I sent the lens off to Nikon in NY, I got it back. They replaced a ring and the VR unit, then cleaned and recalibrated. I was expecting this to be a little bit expensive, but they called it "minimal service" and didn't change me a dime! I did a quick test around the house and it seems to be functioning well. I'll get it out for a real test soon.
 

Robin W

Senior Member
Darn, sorry to hear this. And it just being out of warranty. Wish I had some magic words for you that would fix it, but I don't.
Good Luck.
 

Whiskeyman

Senior Member
NIKON CAME THROUGH BIG TIME! Ten days from the day I sent the lens off to Nikon in NY, I got it back. They replaced a ring and the VR unit, then cleaned and recalibrated. I was expecting this to be a little bit expensive, but they called it "minimal service" and didn't change me a dime! I did a quick test around the house and it seems to be functioning well. I'll get it out for a real test soon.

Taht's really good news, Woody; I'm pleased for you!

WM
 
Top