Well i think theirs something wrong with either my 300mm AFS f/4 lens or my D200. When i'am using the combo regardless of where (lighting/location) the lens just steps in to it's minimum focus distance and stays there without moving. It refuses to AF. Other times it's totally fine. The effect is totally random and VERY annoying. Whets wrong?? I initially thought it was the lens but it focuses fine on my D70. The D200 focuses my 85mm 1.4 and 12-24mm lenses perfectly. No issues. I'am wondering if this is a AFS issue (since my other AF lenses are screw driven).
What should i do?? Send the camera to melville? or the lens?? Both are out of warranty (i anyway bought the camera here on FM). Just to note that i've never dropped the camera but the lens was in for repair 4 years ago for a drop. The combo has functionsed perfectly up untill this time.
First things first... clean the contacts on your lens, and the ones on your body. It could be a simple bit of dirt on the contacts preventing proper lens/body communication.
^ Exactly how I'd do it. A little spritz of Deoxit on a foam q-tip and a little firm rubbing. make sure you dry it off thoroughly and let it sit for a while before putting electricity across the contacts!
If you don't have that available, wrap a little wad of cotton from an old shirt or something around the end of your finger and give the contacts a little GENTLE firm pressure while rubbing.
