Nikon Z50 Autofocus Not Working: Causes and How to Fix It

The Nikon Z50 is a highly regarded mirrorless camera, celebrated for its superior image quality, rapid autofocus system, and user-friendly operation. It’s an ideal choice for capturing everyday moments and is equally adept at both photography and videography. However, even with its impressive performance, users might occasionally face challenges, such as autofocus not working properly. This article is here to assist if you’re experiencing this issue with your Nikon Z50.

We will explore the various reasons why the autofocus might malfunction and offer practical solutions to resolve these problems. By identifying the root causes and applying the recommended fixes, you can restore the full functionality of your Nikon Z50’s autofocus system and continue enjoying a smooth photography or videography experience. Let’s delve into troubleshooting the autofocus issues of the Nikon Z50.

Table of Contents

Nikon Z50 Autofocus Not Working: Causes and How to Fix It

1. Incorrect Focus Mode

One of the possible causes of autofocus not working on your Nikon Z50 is that you have selected an incorrect focus mode. The focus mode determines how the camera focuses on the subject, and there are four options: AF-A, AF-S, AF-C, and MF¹. AF-A is the auto-servo mode, which automatically switches between AF-S and AF-C depending on the subject movement. AF-S is the single-servo mode, which locks focus when you half-press the shutter button. AF-C is the continuous-servo mode, which continuously tracks the subject and adjusts focus. MF is the manual focus mode, which lets you adjust focus manually using the lens ring.

If you have selected the wrong focus mode for your shooting situation, you may experience autofocus problems. For example, if you are shooting a stationary subject and you have selected AF-C, the camera may hunt for focus and fail to lock on the subject. Or if you are shooting a moving subject and you have selected AF-S, the camera may lock focus on the wrong point and miss the subject. Or if you have selected MF, the camera will not autofocus at all and you have to rely on your eyesight and the focus indicators.

To fix this problem, you need to select the appropriate focus mode for your subject and scene. You can do this by pressing the i button on the back of the camera and selecting the focus mode icon on the screen. Alternatively, you can assign the video recording button to change focus modes by customizing it in the menu. This way, you can quickly toggle between the different focus modes without taking your eye off the viewfinder. You should also familiarize yourself with the characteristics and advantages of each focus mode and practice using them in different scenarios. This will help you improve your autofocus performance and accuracy.

2. Manual Focus Mode Activated

Another possible cause of autofocus not working on your Nikon Z50 is that you have accidentally activated the manual focus mode. This mode allows you to adjust the focus manually using the lens ring, but it disables the autofocus system completely. You may have switched to manual focus mode by mistake, or you may have forgotten to switch back to autofocus mode after using manual focus for a specific purpose.

To fix this problem, you need to check the focus mode setting on your camera and make sure it is not set to MF (manual focus). You can do this by pressing the FN2 button on the front of the camera near the lens mount and using the rear command dial to scroll through the focus modes. Alternatively, you can press the i button on the back of the camera and select the focus mode icon on the screen. You should select either AF-S (single-servo autofocus) or AF-C (continuous-servo autofocus) depending on your subject and scene. AF-S is suitable for stationary subjects, while AF-C is suitable for moving subjects.

You should also familiarize yourself with the manual focus mode and how to use it effectively. Manual focus can be useful in situations where autofocus may struggle, such as low light, low contrast, or complex scenes. You can use the focus peaking feature to assist you with manual focus. This feature highlights the edges of the in-focus area in a selected color, making it easier to see where the focus is. You can activate focus peaking by pressing the DISP button on the back of the camera and selecting the peaking level and color. You can also use the magnify button to zoom in on the subject and fine-tune the focus.

3. Autofocus Lock Engaged

Another possible cause of autofocus not working on your Nikon Z50 is that you have engaged the autofocus lock feature. This feature allows you to lock the focus on a specific subject or area, and prevent the camera from refocusing when you recompose or press the shutter button. This can be useful when you want to keep the focus on a certain point, or when the autofocus system is having trouble finding the correct focus.

However, if you forget to disengage the autofocus lock, or if you accidentally press the button that activates it, you may end up with out-of-focus images. The autofocus lock feature can be assigned to different buttons on the camera, such as the AE-L/AF-L button, the Fn1 button, or the Fn2 button. You can check which button is assigned to the autofocus lock feature by going to the menu and selecting Custom Setting Menu > Controls > Custom control assignment.

To fix this problem, you need to make sure that you are not pressing the button that engages the autofocus lock feature, or that you release it after locking the focus. You can also change the button assignment to a different function, or disable the autofocus lock feature altogether, if you don’t use it often. You should also familiarize yourself with the autofocus lock feature and how to use it effectively. Autofocus lock can be helpful in situations where you want to focus and recompose, or where the autofocus system is confused by multiple subjects or moving objects.

4. Low Light or Low Contrast Scenes

Another possible cause of autofocus not working on your Nikon Z50 is that you are shooting in low light or low contrast scenes. The autofocus system relies on detecting contrast between different parts of the image to determine the focus distance. However, in dim or flat lighting conditions, the contrast may be too low for the autofocus system to work properly. This may result in the camera hunting for focus, failing to lock focus, or focusing on the wrong point.

To fix this problem, you need to increase the contrast in the scene or help the camera find the contrast. You can do this by using a speedlight or a commander on your camera’s hot shoe, which can emit a red light to assist the autofocus system. You can also use the AF assist light feature, which can be activated in the custom menu under autofocus and A11.

This feature will illuminate the subject with a white light from the camera’s built-in flash when you half-press the shutter button or the AF-ON button. Another option is to use the low light autofocus function, which can be activated in the same menu under A12. This function will extend the autofocus range and sensitivity in low light situations, but it may also slow down the autofocus speed.

You should also familiarize yourself with the different autofocus modes and areas, and choose the ones that suit your shooting situation. For example, you can use AF-S (single-servo autofocus) and single-point AF for stationary subjects, or AF-C (continuous-servo autofocus) and dynamic-area AF or wide-area AF for moving subjects.

You can also use the manual focus mode and the focus peaking feature to adjust the focus manually using the lens ring. You can activate focus peaking by pressing the DISP button on the back of the camera and selecting the peaking level and color. You can also use the magnify button to zoom in on the subject and fine-tune the focus.

5. Lens Compatibility Issues

Another possible cause of autofocus not working on your Nikon Z50 is that you are using a lens that is not fully compatible with the camera. The Nikon Z50 uses the Z mount, which is a new lens mount system introduced by Nikon for its mirrorless cameras. The Z mount has a larger diameter and a shorter flange distance than the F mount, which is the lens mount system used by Nikon DSLRs. This means that not all F mount lenses can be used on the Z50 without an adapter.

The Nikon FTZ adapter is a device that allows you to attach F mount lenses to the Z50 and retain autofocus and other functions. However, not all F mount lenses are compatible with the FTZ adapter. According to Nikon, only AF-S, AF-P, and AF-I type lenses can be used with the FTZ adapter, while AF, AF-D, and other older lenses cannot. Even among the compatible lenses, some may have reduced performance or functionality when used with the FTZ adapter.

To fix this problem, you need to check the compatibility of your lens with the Z50 and the FTZ adapter. You can do this by referring to the official Nikon website or the user manuals of your camera and lens. You can also use the web search tool to find more information about the lens compatibility issues.

If your lens is not compatible, you may need to switch to a different lens that is compatible, or use the manual focus mode instead of the autofocus mode. You should also familiarize yourself with the Z mount lenses, which are designed specifically for the Z50 and other Z series cameras. These lenses offer the best performance and compatibility with the Z50, and have features such as a control ring, a stepping motor, and a retractable mechanism.

6. Dirty or Damaged Lens Contacts

Another possible cause of autofocus not working on your Nikon Z50 is that the lens contacts are dirty or damaged. The lens contacts are the metal pins on the back of the lens and the corresponding contacts on the camera body. They allow the lens and the camera to communicate and exchange information, such as aperture, focal length, and focus distance. If the lens contacts are dirty, they may interfere with the communication and cause the autofocus system to malfunction. If the lens contacts are damaged, they may prevent the communication altogether and render the autofocus system inoperable.

To fix this problem, you need to clean the lens contacts and check for any damage. You can do this by following these steps:

Turn off the camera and remove the lens.
Inspect the lens contacts and the camera contacts for any dirt, dust, grease, or corrosion. If you see any, use a soft, dry cloth or a cotton swab to gently wipe them off. Do not use any liquids or solvents, as they may damage the contacts or the electronics.
Inspect the lens contacts and the camera contacts for any scratches, dents, or bends. If you see any, do not try to fix them yourself, as you may cause more damage. Take the lens and the camera to a Nikon service center for repair.
Reattach the lens to the camera and turn on the camera. Check if the autofocus system is working properly.

7. Camera Firmware Outdated

Another possible cause of autofocus not working on your Nikon Z50 is that the camera firmware is outdated. The firmware is the software that controls the camera’s functions and performance. Nikon may release firmware updates from time to time to fix bugs, improve features, or add new functions. If your camera firmware is not up to date, you may experience autofocus problems or other issues.

To fix this problem, you need to check the firmware version of your camera and compare it with the latest version available on the Nikon website. You can check the firmware version by going to the menu and selecting Setup Menu > Firmware Version. If your firmware version is lower than the latest version, you need to download the firmware update file and follow the instructions to install it on your camera. You should use a fully charged battery or an AC adapter when updating the firmware, and do not turn off the camera or remove the memory card during the process.

You should also familiarize yourself with the firmware update procedure and the benefits of updating the firmware. Firmware updates can enhance the performance and functionality of your camera, such as adding eye-detection AF for video capture, which was introduced in firmware version 2.40.