18-200 VR focus failure

[darklightphotography]

My 18-200 has unfortunately stopped focusing, 3 weeks before I leave for Africa, and 1 month out of warranty. Damn. At least my lens choice has become simpler.

My question is has anyone else here suffered the same problem? If there have been a few then I might have a chance to convince Nikon to fix it for free, or at least cheaper. A net search show lots of SWM failures, but some more local info would be a help.

Thanks

[Matt. K]

Even though your lens is just out of warranty it is not good enough that the focus has failed. Make a stink and suggest that they compromise on the cost of repairs.