Camera lenses are very precise pieces of photographic equipment. They cost a lot of money to purchase, and they cost money to fix, unless you can do it yourself. Some aspects of each Nikon lens can be fixed by the user, although the manufacturer discourages this. Here are some tips for getting started.
Instructions
1. Figure out what exactly is wrong with your Nikon digital lens. Does the focus not work properly? Does the aperture cause under- or overexposures? Does the image you see through the viewfinder differ greatly from what appears in the final print? Does the lens attach to the camera correctly? Are there spots on the images?
2. Check for specks and chips on the lens first, if there are spots in the images. Take the lens off the camera and look through it at a low-level light source. If there is dust or lint, clean the external elements according to Nikon's recommendations. Look through the lens again. If there still are spots, there may be dust on the internal elements. You will need to take the lens apart to clean each lens element. Taking the lens apart is a delicate procedure. Use Phillips-head screwdrivers or the Japanese crosshatch type. Lay out the lens and screwdrivers on a soft, lint-free cloth, and place each part of the lens in the correct order so that you can remember replace them. Clean each element with soft lens tissue or cloth or use a manufacturer-specific kit, such as the Nikon Lens Cleaning Kit 8176.
3. Clean the electronic contacts on both the lens and the camera lens mount with a soft, lint-free cloth. With Nikon, the contacts usually are silver. If they are really dirty, use a tiny drop of alcohol. Clean them thoroughly so the lens and camera can communicate. This often can solve problems such as incorrect aperture opening, incorrect exposure and failure to focus properly.
4. Check the aperture opening by again holding the lens up to the light and turning the aperture ring. It should stop down at even intervals. If the lens doesn't have an aperture ring, keep it on the camera, set the correct aperture and use the preview button to stop it down. If it does not stop down properly, the leaves of the aperture may be stuck. You can take apart the lens to adjust these or lubricate them with a little WD-40 or other fine-equipment lubricant.
5. Check that the lens locks into place correctly when attaching it to the camera. This can be a problem. If it doesn't lock properly, the lens won't work correctly with the camera. Clean the lens mounts on both the lens and the camera. If it still won't work, look for an obstruction with a magnifying glass. If this doesn't work, you may need to go to a lens repair facility.
Tags: lens camera, stop down, aperture opening, aperture ring, both lens