Nikon D200 refuses to auto focus with any lens it just doesn't do anything.

Maybe there is something wrong with your batteries? Replace them. I had the same experience with my D200 and a Nikon 18-200 lens, later with my Nikon 10.5, Sigmaa 135-400. After replacing the battery everything worked as ever.

I'm assuming this lens worked on another Nikon camera before and that the lens mount is for Nikon cameras. Make sure the aperture ring is set to "A". Clean the contacts on the lens and camera body where they meet with a cotton swab lightly dampened with rubbing alcohol.

Hard to pinpoint the exact problem...
What lens do you have attached? Does it have a switch for M/A and M (auto focus/manual focus)? If it does ensure the switch is in the M/A or Auto Focus position.

On the left side of the camera on the face there are 3 positions, C, S, and M. Ensure it is not on "M" for manual.

Do you have your camera setup to only allow the shutter to operate when it is in focus?

lets start with the basics, try hard reseting it and try again, if that doesnt work then
try upgrading your firmware (if possible on your camera) and if that doesnt work then it may be the lens, but dont forget to spend a few hours trying to find a option for it in the meny

Maje sure you lens it not set to manual focus and that the lens is mounted correctly. Also - FWIW - shoot with a fast shutter speed (1/250 or better) to avoid blur.

We tried the same lens on another Nikon (D90) and auto focus did not work.
We mounted a new set of lens on the original D40x, and it worked.
Turns out the 2 year Nikon lens (18mm-135mm) was bad. Nikon lens have a 5 year warrantee. The lens will be sent back to Nikon with no service or shipping charge.

Thanks,
K

Andy, have you tried other lens??

It seems to be a problem with the internal working of the camera its self. I have requested a replacement fro my seller. Thank You Samuel

If it's any consolation, I have the same setup and the same problem. I'm now at the point where I'm probably going to have to return the lens as faulty, but there are a few things it could be on yours which you might want to check.

Have you got the D200 set to auto-focus? The selector (on the front of the camera, on the lower left) should be in the S position (as opposed to C or M).

Have you got the lens set to auto-focus? It should be in the M/A position, rather than M.

Have you tried cleaning the contacts? Pop the lens off and give the contacts a clean with the appropriate equipment. Dust on the contacts could be causing a problem.

Failing that, have you tried turning the camera on and off a few times?

I've obviously tried all the above on mine, and now suspect I've got a faulty lens that needs fixing ... which really sucks! Good luck with it, let me know if you get it working.

Dan

My first question would be what lens are you using - some lenses have auto stability features - please post lens make, type, model number and when you purchased it.