Nikon d40 autofocus (by 20 users)

Out of the box, I couldn't get a center focus shot. Out of desperation I reset the camera (push info and magnify buttons at the same time). That solved the problem.

Here's something very simple:

1) Go to the Custom Setting Menu (Pencil Icon) and press "reset". This should remedy the issue.

2) Reconfigure the settings you may have previously used on that menu.

3) Go on with your shooting!

Make sure the lens you are using is a "DX" series lens. I know of many instances where the camera has been either sold or used without the correct ("DX") type lens. Autofocus will not work, but most other functions will. Manual focus is possible with the non-"DX" lenses. This seems to be a little-known quirk of the D40/D40x models.

Only the middle focus bracket is a cross-hair on the D40, and the outer two are line.   Try focussing by turning the camera slightly to the left or right.   And, also ensure that you have the lens selector slide set to A for autofocus.   The D40, by the way, does not have it's own internal focussing motor, and only lenses with their own motors will autofocus, but manual focus is possible with all lenses.

What lighting conditions were you working in?

All camera autofocus systems are only able to operate down to a certain light level. The fact that the focus assist light came on suggests that the light level was low. However, the focus assist light only has limited range. It won't help with distant subjects.

However, to assist focusing (in poor light conditions especially) you should place the active focus area over a high contrast edge when you are focusing. You can keep the shutter button held half way down (which locks the focus in the default AF-S mode, not in AF-C, where this won't work) and recompose the picture when you've focused.

If your camera won't focus at all in good light, with an AF-S lens, with a high contrast subject, you may have a fault, and should speak to Nikon or your dealer.

Hope this helps!