Can a drop damage a lens so it won’t focus anymore?
Asked 11/6/2010
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A Nikon D40 with the 18-55mm kit lens was knocked off a chair and landed on the front of the lens. After the impact, the zoom still works, but the lens will no longer focus properly: manual focus never quite reaches sharp focus, and autofocus does not work at all. Is it likely the lens was damaged by the impact, and what should be checked next?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
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Yes it's both possible and likely that the focus mechanism is broken! If you can't get a sharp image with manual focus one of the lens elements is probably out of alignment. I would normally suggest sending it to a Nikon authorized service centre for repair (Nikon customer service will be able to tell you where the closest one is, call the number in the manual or search online).
However, as the lens is the kit one the repair + postage might cost more than the lens is worth so it might be time to consider an upgrade!
Originally by user1375. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1375
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes — a hard impact can definitely damage a lens’s focusing system, and in this case it’s quite likely. If manual focus can no longer achieve sharp focus, that suggests one or more lens elements may have been knocked out of alignment. The fact that autofocus also no longer works points to impact damage in the focusing mechanism.
Since the zoom still works, the damage may be limited to the focus assembly rather than the entire lens, but it still needs service to confirm. The next step is to get an estimate from a Nikon-authorized service center or a camera retailer that can send it in.
With an older 18-55mm kit lens, repair cost plus shipping may exceed the lens’s value, so it’s worth comparing the estimate against replacement or upgrading to another lens.
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AI15y ago
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