About 4 months ago I was shooting something with my 17-35 f2.8 on my D3. Everything was working fine on both the camera and lens. I set the camera down (not dropped, smashed, etc) for 30 seconds to put a helmet on and when I picked the camera back up the 17-35 wouldn't zoom in or out anymore. It was just locked up. The zoom ring spins but nothing happens
Everything else on the lens works fine. It still takes tack sharp images and AF/ MF works fine, it just wont zoom in and out.
Has anyone had this problem before? If so did you just send it to Nikon to get repaired or somewhere else and about how much did it cost to get repaired?
RKD Photographic
Posts: 2,989
Iserlohn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Mine developed a focus 'squeak' when I was in Iraq in 2007 and I took it to a Nikon dealer and he told me to wait til it actually failed to get it seen to as the repair to the AF is 'not cheap' in his words...
It still works fine although the squeak (which usually only happens on first use) is bloody annoying.
If it's completely dead, i.e. the zoom-ring has become disengaged somehow, then the only option is repair - though if it's out of warranty, try a Nikon-'authorised' dealer as they may use an independent repairer who may be cheaper (my local one in Dortmund uses a chap who visits once a fortnight and who presumably tours other camera shops in the area).
As general rule wide angle zooms are more sensitive to any impacts compared to long zooms. I have put more of them into the shop both Nikon and Canon working for various papers. Rough guess for repair costs $175-$250.
I have used this company for repair while shooting for newspapers, they are fast and low cost.
Mark and Keith are the best. They've fixed bashed up Nikon lenses and gotten rid of "focus squeek" for me. Hell, over the years they've fixed almost everything from a broken tripod (just got it back yesterday) to shutters, etc.
The Nikkor 17-35 is notorious for it's ratty AF system (ratty as in prone to failure). It is very common for the lens to exhibit a chirp or "squeak" for a while (the amount of time between initial squeak and failure depends on the lens, lens usage, etc.) before the AF ultimately fails.
Mine failed years ago (after squeaking for over a year), and I haven't bothered repairing it as I have been successfully using it as a manual focus lens. My lens' AF will occasionally work, but I definitely do not rely on its AF anymore... MF is working just fine.
As far as I know the only fix is to send it for repair; if anyone finds out a solution other than that please PM me so I can apply it to my lens and help spread the word.
RKD Photographic
Posts: 2,989
Iserlohn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Russell Tracy Photo wrote: Just to clarify, I am not having an issue with the autofocus system on the lens. It works fine with no squeaks.
Yeah, that was probably my fault for bringing it up in the first place (as it's a known issue with these lenses now that they're a bit older than most) and then everyone else not reading the whole thread properly...lol
As I said, if the zoom-ring has somehow disconnected itself then it needs professional repair - the choice as to whether you go to Nikon or an independent is if it's still under warranty or not.
Teila K Day Photography wrote: I hope you get the zoom fixed at a price that doesn't make you cringe. If you find a great shop, please let everyone know.
Thank you very much, I will bookmark them for future ref. Nothing's better than having a competent independent shop that can be relied on. Thanks again!
Midwest Camera in Detroit also does good work if you are looking for another spot. Personally I prefer primes vs. zoom which also solves the issue, but that is just me. good luck
Mark and Keith are the best. They've fixed bashed up Nikon lenses and gotten rid of "focus squeek" for me. Hell, over the years they've fixed almost everything from a broken tripod (just got it back yesterday) to shutters, etc.
There is no better repair shop.
They have helped me a few times now. I just sent them my 70/200 that had a bad mount they got it on Tuesday AM, they fixed it and it was shipped back to me the same day and for a lot less than what Nikon would have charged.
good luck
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