Mifsuds and Nikon 200-400 Problem...

Hi,

I am in a bad mood as today I tried my Nikon 200-400 for the first "proper" time. However, I encountered a problem. When trying to focus on a subject, it would not lock on, but would hunt backwards and forwards over a short area similar to that of the subject. I solved it by zooming out to 200mm, focusing, then zooming in again. However, it occured twice and so I think it must be an internal fault. Does anyone know what might be wrong?

It was bought second hand from Mifsuds, which listed its condition as Excellent++, meaning it is optically clean, with maybe one or wo cosmetic blemishes on the body. However, I was not told about this fault. Do you think I should send it in to them to send it to Nikon, or should I get a refund and try to find a second hand one elsewhere.

Has anyone here used Mifsuds?

Thanks

Oscar

Hi just send it back ( they will pick it up from you ) & they will send it to nikon uk to get it fixed make sure you tel them what the fault is.

Phil.

Thanks Phil

Sorry - I forgot to mention that they also selling one for £3999 which is an insurance replacement which was never used. This would also come with the protective glass (mine did not). They also sell them new for £4199. My parents think that to get either of the latter two would be a better idea...

Oscar

Hi Oscar,
I've just bought one from Mifsuds about 2 weeks or so ago for £3999.00, it was in the "used" section yet listed as "unused", I phoned to enquire how come and was told it had only been used in-store, anyway, when it came it was clear that it had never been opened since it left the factory, the sticky tape wouldn't come off the plastic and foam wrapping without breaking them.

They said it had never been registered so came with the full Nikon warranty too.
I found them to be a very good company to deal with, the lens arrived the following day.

Anyway, what I want to say is that I have tried the lens out my hide for a few days and until today I couldn't get images as sharp as I was expecting and was beginning to think that my recently bought "used" D3 might be faulty, but it isn't

I had to set the camera's "AF fine tune" to the maximum of +20 to get the lens to focus where the focus point was, it took Paul Rosser and myself a good few hours to get it right, so maybe your camera needs adjusting also and may be out so much that it can't lock on and causes hunting?

Good luck,

Geoff.

Thanks Geoff - I spoke to a couple of photographers at the London Wetland Centre yesterday who both thought that it was an internal fault with the lens.

I I try to focus on something say, 10m away, it will hunt from about 10.5m to 9.5, and if I try to focus on something which is say, 5m away, it will hunt from 4.5 to 5.5m

Oscar

I would talk to Misfuds and see what they say. Certainly with a guarantee I would not hesitate to send it back if you have never had problems with other lenses. If you can focus with a Sigma then the 200-400 should be a doddle. That is alot oflens and alot of money for something not working. I have never used Misfuds myself, only MPB, but I hear they are reasonable people ;)

Forgot to add: I would not be happy without the protective element on the end of the lens. I know it works better without, over distance, but that is alot of lens to risk scratching.

Hi,

I am no expert here being a Canon user... is not the cover glass part of the optical design? Is it possible that could be a part of the problem?

Phil

The lens shouldn't hunt providing that there is sufficient light and contrast, but the focusing is controlled by the camera body not the lens. My advice would be to test the camera with another lens that you know is working fine so that you can confirm that the problem is not with the camera body. If you are then sure that it is the lens that is at fault (possibly some partial obstruction in the optical path) return it straight away either for a replacement (make a note of the serial number) or a refund.

The filter isn't part of the optical design and my advice would be to remove it. This lens is prone to flare when shooting into the light and the filter exacerbates that. I have also come across instances of slight condensation between the filter and the lens that causes focusing problems. There is virtually no risk of damaging the front lens element with the filter removed provided that you shoot with the lens hood on, which you should be doing at all times.

The light asn't great, but it was during the middle of the day. I spoke to a couple of people yesterday when it happened, who both thought it was a problem with the lens. My parents think that is we are paying so much money, it is better to get something which you are sure about. Therefore, they think it is best to buy one which is an insurance replacement which has never been opened and has a 12 month warranty.

Oscar

Oscar send it back and replace

I test all my lenses now. There are various focusing charts you can get so you can see how far lens are out of focus. I've had to correct two of mine so far on different bodies. I normally re-test the lenses after they have been calibrated too (by 3rd parties).

Ian

Oscar, don't listen to Jules - he's just an employment lawyer and is only good if you have lost your job. LOL. If you need a proper lawyer let me know and I will recommend one for you. Andrew (only joking Jules).

Jules, well I can't speak. I was a corporate finance lawyer - I don't think we ever did any law! Andrew

Hells teeth, all these lawyers. . . no wonder everyone on here can afford such expensive kit. I've had to pinch all my stuff . . .oooops, not the best place to say that, is it !

My Dad is a medical lawyer - did any of you see the Harlequins Bloodgate scandal?

No definitely not