Probably a stupid question...

[SGirl]

Okay, so I'm a few days into D70S ownership now, and so far I've managed not to go asking stupid questions on here.

But now I have one that I can't find the answer to anywhere. It concerns the 70-300mm lens.

When it's set to Auto mode, the camera focuses automatically as it's supposed to. That's okay. But then when it's set to Manual and I move the focusing ring, I can hear the sound of the motor being turned. This can't be very good for it, is it?

So the question is - what am I doing wrong? Why can't I focus manually? Or am I just being overcautious and it's perfectly okay to do what I'm doing?

Sorry for asking such a basic question. I told you I was a numpty.

[CVP]

Not a numpty question at all. When you say turned to manual focus have you switched the little rotating switch on the camera? I think it's located on the front left of the camera just under the lens mount and is mounted parallel to the side of the camera. This should have two positions AF and MF. If you click this to MF it should mean you can then turn the lens manually with little resistance and the motor in the camera body won't turn. You will hear a little noise as you focus but only a little noise and the focussing ring should move quite freely.

Just remember to flick it back to AF when you've finished otherwise next time you turn the camera on you immediately assume you're in AF mode and then wonder why you can't AF on anything - yep been there myself a few times before catching it.

HTH

Chris

[SGirl]

Thanks Chris! That's sorted it.

[CVP]

No worries, glad to be of help.

Chris