Ikelite / D70 Autofocus Issue

I recently bought a D70 and an Ikelite housing. I've had it down twice. I'm having problems with getting the lens to focus via autofocus. I used the Nikon 18-70 DX and the Nikon 105 Micro lenses. Both lenses failed to focus when set to autofocus (AFS / single area). When I depressed the shutter the lens would not focus and the shutter would not fire. When I set the camera to MF (manual focus) I was able to shoot.

The port for the 105 Micro has a focus knob so I was able to get some decent shots by focusing manually. With the 18-70, I could control the zoom with the controls on the housing but I could not fine tune the focus.

I had the camera set to manual with AFS (auto focus single servo) and single area focus. I tried changing to AFS with dynamic area focus. That didn't work. I also tried AFC (auto focus continuous) this only worked when I set the focus area to closest subject.

I don't have any problems using AFS with single area when shooting on land.

I used a Nikon CoolPix 5000 in an Ikelite housing for the last 3yrs and did not have any of the problems I'm having now.

Does anyone have any experience / recommendations?

Thanks! D70 newbee

Does the lens hunt for focus?

How do you have the AE/AF Lock button configured?

If it's set to AF On.....you'll have to push it to activate AF before pushing the shutter....

The 105 can be hard to get focus if you are in dim light....but it should hunt

Karl

18-70 must have a +4 diopter close-up lens to operate behind a dome port underwater............

I did not have the AE/AF Lock set to lock. The 105 did hunt as you mention. I did not have a 4X diopter on the 18-70 so that may solve my problem. I did read the requirement for the diopter on the Ikelite website. I also have a 12-24 that I have not used yet. I have the port for it and will be using it on my next trip.

The nexst trip is to Wakitobi at the end of Aug. so you comments are very much appreciated. I want to have it all dialed in for the trip.

Thanks!!

You will not need a diopter with the 12-24 but as Ike says the 18-70 will not focus without the +4 diopter. You may want to get a focus light for your rig to help with the 105.

Tony

Have fun in Wakatobi.....here's a little preview for you

www.kdietz.com/galleries/underwater/wakatobi_2004/wakatobi_2004_001.htm

Karl

If it's set to AF Lock only.....you'll have to push it to activate AF before pushing the shutter....

 

Karl

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Correct me if I am wrong, I don't have my D70 in reach right now, but AF only keeps locked when you hold the button, when you depress the button, AF is working again when pushing the shutter.

Kees

Correct me if I am wrong, I don't have my D70 in reach right now, but AF only keeps locked when you hold the button, when you depress the button, AF is working again when pushing the shutter.

 

Kees

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Kees.....you are correct.....I corrected my post to say AF On.........I use AF-C with the AE-L/AF-l button set to AF On.....I press the AE-L/AF-L button to start AF and hit the shutter when I want the shot

Karl

I do what Karl does use the rear button for autofocus so I don't rely on tactile sensation for AF. My daughter doesn't like it and use the half press on shutter release. She gets great shots so different strokes....

Tony

Karl,

Thanks for the Wakatobi gallery. Awesome images! You have definitely given me something to strive for.

When you are set to AFC what focus area are you using ... single area, dynamic or closest subject?

I have never tried using the AF/AL button to lock and then trigger the shutter when the shot looks good. I'll give it a try. Thanks for the suggestion!

Tony,

Your post says I'll need a diopter with the 12-24. I checked the Ikelite website they say .... (?*) This zoom lens will focus close enough that adding a + diopter close-up to the lens is NOT required.

What power diopter are you using with the 12-24?

Also, I'm used to using the half shutter press to focus ... something I developed using the CoolPix 5000. I'm glad to hear your daughter has success with that method. Are you setting your autofocus mode to AFS or AFC? What focus area do you use ... single, dynamic or closest subject?

Thanks again for all of your help!

John

John, I believe you misread Tony's post - a diopter is not required with the 12-24, as correct on the Ike website.

John, I have always used single area focus, but after getting the newest firmware update I will try out dynamic mode on my next trip..

I have always used AF-S, but on my last trip I went to AF-C with the AF-L/AF-E button to AF ON and really got good results with moving objects....sharks....as soon as I see a potential subject, I'll hit the AF On button with my thumb and start tracking the subject...the AF is working as long as I hold the button.....when I see the shot I want....I hit the shutter....the half depress is too sensitive in some diving conditions.....that's the advantage of the AF ON button IMHO

Karl

John, I have always used single area focus, but after getting the newest firmware update I will try out dynamic mode on my next trip..

 

I have always used AF-S, but on my last trip I went to AF-C with the AF-L/AF-E button to AF ON and really got good results with moving objects....sharks....as soon as I see a potential subject, I'll hit the AF On button and start tracking the subject...the AF is working as long as I hold the button.....when I see the shot I want....I hit the shutter....the half depress is too sensitive in some diving conditions.....that's the advantage of the AF ON button IMHO

 

Karl

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This really makes sence Karl. I will certainly give it a good try.

Anyone suggest a good place to get a +4 diopter for a reasonable price

What brand do you recommend, Hoya ?

Adorama

B+W close up lens +4.....considered by most as the best

Karl