Anyone know anything about repairing DSLR's?

[Guest TankerHC]

So I am buying another D series, higher end. Wanted to sell the D3100, at least the body but possibly all accessories and lenses and begin new.

 

Here's the problem and from looking around the web seems to be a very common problem. 

 

The auto-focus points, focus indicator and subject grid lights will not come on and the camera will no longer auto-focus. 

 

Looking around the web this appears to be a common problem. Nikon, on their Forums have made suggestions for a fix, but like others, none of those fixes have worked.

 

Batteries replaced

Lenses removed and all hardware cleaned spotless

Set back to factory settings

Firmware reloaded

 

Anyone know if there is anything else to try? I am somewhat techincally inclined and haved used SLR's for a long time and DSLR's for about 3 years but have very little tech knowledge on the camera hardware other than what I have learned trying to make this one work again.

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated. 

[peejman]

Does it try to focus but can't or doesn't try at all? 

[Guest TankerHC]

Doesn't try at all. Pressing the shutter button does nothing except allow a shot after manually focusing. . Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2

[tnguy]

I'll normally jump in on most things but I'd be hesitant on cracking the case on a DSLR as it's a precision instrument and it seems like there's plenty of ways for things to go wrong. I'd probably just send it somewhere professional for repair.

 

My bet would be on some kind of connector failure. Maybe a crack in one of those ribbon connectors. I have actually had one become completely unplugged on a GPS.

[peejman]

Are you sure it's the body and not the lens?

 

I'd also be hesitant to crack open the case.  Could be a bad or broken contact/connector in the shutter button.  But even if you find it, it's probably so small that you'd need specialized tools to fix it.  Does Nikon offer repair/refurbishment services?

[Guest TankerHC]

Are you sure it's the body and not the lens?

 

I'd also be hesitant to crack open the case.  Could be a bad or broken contact/connector in the shutter button.  But even if you find it, it's probably so small that you'd need specialized tools to fix it.  Does Nikon offer repair/refurbishment services?

 

Yep, it was the lens. I know I read it 2 years ago or so but had completely forgot the AF-S, autofocus. The AF-S lens is bad. Swapped them out and it focuses fine with the other lens. Works perfect, fortunately this was an Extra deal and the lens was normally 200 or so, but buying the Camera got a 100 dollar off certificate for a lens. Unfortunately I have to replace it if I decide to continue to use the Camera. 

 

EDIT (And Note to self): Before your lens will auto focus the lens focus switch must be in the A position. The A is the position directly to the left of the "M".

Edited December 18, 2013 by TankerHC

[peejman]

That pesky A/M gets everyone from time to time.  :)   You might be able to get the lens repaired as well.  Thought it may or may not be worth it, depending on the value of the lens. 

[Guest TankerHC]

That pesky A/M gets everyone from time to time.  :)   You might be able to get the lens repaired as well.  Thought it may or may not be worth it, depending on the value of the lens. 

 

Doesnt need repaired, after you said lens I went searching. Came across the same bunch of people having the same problem then came across the Pro Photo Forum on Adnan (sp ?) with someone with the same problem. A reply "I know this is a stupid question, but is your lens switched to Auto?" The response was "Of course!" Then the thread ended. I looked at mine then gave myself a big headslap. 

[GlockSpock]

Doesnt need repaired, after you said lens I went searching. Came across the same bunch of people having the same problem then came across the Pro Photo Forum on Adnan (sp ?) with someone with the same problem. A reply "I know this is a stupid question, but is your lens switched to Auto?" The response was "Of course!" Then the thread ended. I looked at mine then gave myself a big headslap. 

 

So...in conclusion...nothing needs repairing except for the "I-D-Ten-T" error you were receiving?

[Guest TankerHC]

So...in conclusion...nothing needs repairing except for the "I-D-Ten-T" error you were receiving?

 

Yea, thats pretty much the size of it. "Operator headspace and timing".

[peejman]

So...in conclusion...nothing needs repairing except for the "I-D-Ten-T" error you were receiving?

Either that or a DAU error. ;)