Why does my Nikon D5100 sometimes stop autofocus and show r08/r24/r200?
Asked 4/2/2013
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2 answers
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My Nikon D5100 has started intermittently refusing to autofocus. It happens with more than one lens, including a 55mm and a 300mm. When it happens, I may have to wait 1–2 minutes before autofocus works again. I also tried switching the lens to manual focus, but the AF/M switch on the lens sometimes won’t move at that moment.
At the same time, the camera may show values like r08, r24, or r200 in the lower-right of the display. I read that these relate to the buffer, but the memory card was empty and the light was good. The camera was working fine for about a month before this started.
I already tried resetting the camera settings. Is this more likely to be a camera body issue, a lens/contact issue, or normal behavior related to focus conditions?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
1
Well, the fact that you have the same problem with two different lenses would seem to make it unlikely that it's a lens problem.
On the other hand, these will be AF-S lenses since you have a D5100, so the AF motor is in the lens, and you mention the problem where the M/A switch is stuck, which points to the lens(es).
Given you have the errors showing, sounds like a general electronics problem. Seems unlikely to have developed separate issues with AF on two lenses and also something wrong with the card/buffer.
The system reset was a good idea. I'd give the batteries a good charge, do another system reset, then remove the lens, wipe the contacts well, and reseat the lens until it clicks. If you still have problems, the camera is under warranty, have it checked out.
Originally by user4191. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user4191
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
The “r08/r24/r200” display is the remaining buffer count, not necessarily an error by itself. The more important issue is the intermittent AF failure.
Because it happens with multiple lenses, it’s less likely to be a single bad lens. First, rule out simple causes:
- Fully charge the battery
- Reset the camera again
- Remove the lens, gently clean the electrical contacts, and remount it securely
- Test with another lens if possible
Also consider shooting conditions: autofocus can struggle in low light, with low-contrast subjects, or with slower effective apertures (around f/8 or smaller).
If the problem still occurs across lenses in normal light and contrast, it points more toward a general camera/lens communication or electronics issue than a settings problem. Since the camera should still be under warranty, the safest next step is to have it checked by Nikon/service support.
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