Nikon D80 - problems already? :( help re. shutter not firing.

Well.. I'm running into some problems - and if I'm honest, I *think* it's the lens at fault - as the other lenses seem fine. Basically, it all started about a day after I bought the camera, the kit lens would occasionally not register with the camera body - as in I got the f-- that you get on the screen when there's no lens attached. So I'd take the lens off and put it back on and that usually sorted it out.

it still does this occasionally, but now, I've noticed if I'm shooting for longer periods of time (say rat photoshoots for example) every three or four photos, the camera will focus and go *beepbeep* and then I press all the way down, and nothing happens, I have to turn it off and back on (sometimes repeatedly) for it to work again. It will often work if left alone for 30 seconds or so - by which time I've missed a few excellent shots it's now started doing it every other photo - so I'm not impressed :*(

It's under warranty - but I don't think I can face taking the camera back, when I've no good substitute any thoughts on what could be wrong?

xx

Laura, I think you should take it back, something is obviously very wrong

You haven't had it very long either, I am sure they will sort you out very quickly xxx

Does sound odd - the only thing I can think of is, you're not too close to the subject are you? As the camera won't autofocus if you are.

Aside from that I'd take it back and get them to look over it for you. Give Nikon a call they might have ore details in their knowledge base... and let us know how you get on!

bleh I would have to take it back to the shop... and they said they'd need to send itback to Nikon (USA I think rather than UK), they said they didn't know how long it would take, but it could be weeks. Also, instead of just taking the lens they want the whole kit back - so no camera :*(

xx

no - it's autofocussing fine - it does the beepbeep bit that indicates ready to fire :/ I just don't know what's causing it. I might ring nikon actually.

xx

Have you asked on a Nikon forum?

Bit of a long shot but have you spent some time cleaning up all the electrical and mechanical connections? Also made sure all the switches on the lens and the body are switched on and off a few times just in case of a bad connection.

how do i safely clean them?

and thanks JR - I'd not thought of that! will do so!

xx

http://www.flickr.com/groups/d80/dis...7605272263198/

Well very carefully, but maybe some lint free cloth, or cotton buds that don't shed hairs dipped in some pure alcohol, clean the contacts. It's the small chrome raised dots around the mount on the lens, and at the top of the mount on the camera body. Then if you have a Af/M switch on the lens switch it on and off a few times. You will have to be very careful not to get fibres, alcohol, dust etc. into the camera but your problem may just be a bad connection (probably on that lens). It's only an idea but might save you sending it back.

Anyway, if this is a brand new camera and lens haven't you got an option of a refund if it's not working? Don't let them talk you into a repair if it's a recent purchase.