@Geoff_K - For me, I have found it best to focus on the target in Liveview first (manual or using the contrast detect AF), take an image from Liveview and use that as a reference. Then use the AF fine tune to match the Liveview image using the viewfinder and phase detect AF. IMO if a liveview reference is not used, there is the risk of a focus difference between the target and the gauge creeping into your adjustment.
Nikon D4/D800 issues
(409 posts) (106 voices)-
Posted 8 months ago #
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OK all, here is how I tested 3 lenses ..
PLaced target on the floor
Taped string next to target and ran it to a lightstand
Used my 45 degree angle to get a line so that I could line up my camera at ~45 degrees
Used my sturdy tripod and once I lined things up in live view I locked it down so nothing would move.
I then took a live view shot, exited live view and moved the focus to the end so that auto focus had to kick it back. The center dot lit up shoing focus lock and taaadaaa, slight backfocusing across ALL 3 lenses
I have to put in -20 to get close. The line is in focus, just the numbers behind it are clearer slightly further back than in front.
I was at minumum focus distance on all lenses, except the macro which was at 18-24 inches.
My Nikons 70-200 VR1 - Nikon 28 AF-D - Sigma 50mm macro all show the same slight backfocusing with the -20 setting.
left-center-right are all spot on, with the backfocus issue.
I wonder if Nikon can tweak it so that it is NOT at the maximum setting. As my lenses and camera work in, I am worried I do not have any room for future shifts.
I am really thinking it may go back to the Nikon Store. I hate that the likelyhood of me getting one quickly is so low AND who's to say the next one wont do the same thing.
Anyone have an idea as to whether they can adjust so I do not have to do -20 correction ? I would be OK with as much as -15 IF it were spot on at that setting.
Posted 8 months ago # -
My (perhaps erroneous)understanding is that the focal distance from the lens elements to the AF sensor is subject to error associated with the stacking of tolerances during manufacturing. Apparently the camera can be in-spec and the lens can be in-spec but the combination is not. Although I don't know for certain, an adjustment of the AF sensor or something as simple as changing the lens mount may be all that is necessary. It might be worthwhile giving Nikon a call to see if it is an easy adjustment. It seems like it should be a fairly easy fix, just not one I want to try myself...
Posted 8 months ago # -
Eric said: or something as simple as changing the lens mount may be all that is necessary.
Now that sounds like something that could work. It only needs to be ever-so-slightly (how's that for a unit of measure) one way or the other to cause a problem. I wonder if I can get them to do that since all else seems to be working properly and that could work.
I am shooting a football game tomorrow and dying to see what the images look like. ;-)
You have added light to my darkness, thank you kind sir.
Posted 8 months ago # -
I don't see incorrect focusing.
If you study up on depth of focus I think you will find that the camera is focusing properly. Rule of thumb is about one third in front and two thirds to the rear.
If you are focusing on 21cm (on the ruler) and have a total depth of focus of 3cm the result is
21cm (perfect focus)
20cm (front acceptable focus limit)
23cm (rear acceptable focus limit)
This is normalThe right side scale is at a different distance or focal length to the others.
Posted 8 months ago # -
@Fred B - I think Geoff_K's images show that he does not have a left focus problem, but without the liveview image taken at the same target, I don't think we can tell whether his AF is okay. It sounds to me like he has his technique right, so I'm guessing he is seeing a back focus shift as compared to the liveview (or manual) focus.
Posted 8 months ago # -
Fred B - it took me setting -20 to get that close. no room for more as the lens and camera wear out.
Eric, I did take live view shots this last time as you suggested. - just nothing posted for it.
left-right-center seem AOK and I REALLY hate to give this one up, but cannot since I need -20 to get CLOSE to perfect alignment.
I called the Nikon Store today to ask for a solution. They are going to "research" one for me and get back with me. I am a little disappointed they would not give me an RMA TODAY, so that I could look for another one however I guess I am at their mercy.
I was a little confused when I mentioned the 14 day return and he said, oh they gave you that ? I was like it is on your website that I get 14 days to return it.
Posted 8 months ago # -
What a NIGHTMARE ! I decided I wanted to just return this camera to the Nikon Store. This is the second employee that had NO CLUE about an RMA number or even how to get one. He agreed -20 was way too much, but had no clue how to get me an RMA.
This rep told me he saw nothing in my account from my last phone call. One of the two reps lied to me. First one said he would be looking into it, so an entry in the system would have been entered (one would think). The second one said no entries found.
WHAT THE HECK !? ... do they even train their employees ?
He came back after a while and wanted to know where I bought my lenses. WHAT does that have to do with anything ??? Then back on hold. /facepalm
He wanted me to try and return my 3 lenses because he thought THAT was the problem. AHHHHH !!!!
Finally I got it through that ALL I wanted was a refund. They do not show as available at the Nikon Store, so no swap was possible. He put me back on hold.
He came back and said he had no clue hot to issue an RMA. He is researching it as I sit on hold. He began to read me what was on the Nikon Store page inre RMA. I know that as I already looked it up before I ordered and had the page up as I dialed them to ask for one.
Now I have to be transferred to a supervisor to get the RMA. (after 30 minutes with this first rep)
I have to wait for the supervisor to call me back.
I am taking bets on them NOT giving me a refund. /sighs
Posted 8 months ago # -
PhotoKaz says
I confirmed that my D800 (early run) had a problem with the left side AF. Images were noticeably soft and test charts showed it was really out of whack. I dropped off the camera in Vancouver, and they shipped it to Mississauga, apparently the repair center here doesn't deal with pro bodies that much.
When I got it back, I tested again and see that the left side is working much better now. I need to fine tune the focus, but the consistency between left/center/right is much improved.
I have some test charts posted here in case anyone is interested: http://photokaz.com/2012/08/d800-autofocus-repair-testing/
MikePosted 8 months ago # -
Here is my Left AF test. This is as per Thom Hogan
I tested Live view AF and Viewfinder AF for the left centre and right positioned as indicated below. This is after a fine tune as per here http://regex.info/blog/photo-tech/focus-chart
I used the 24-70 @35mm f2.8 ,ISO100 1/25. Tripod mounted and levelled etc. Used 2 second delay for mirror up and a remote trigger. I racked to infinity before AF each shot.
So, what do you think? personally I cant see a great difference between Live view and viewfinder on each respective position. However looks to me like I have left AF issue?
Right AF does not look spot on to me either.
Posted 8 months ago # -
No, your cam looks fine OnTheRopes. Your LV and VF samples look basically the same, the minor difference between center and outer points are likely more to do with the off-center performance of the 24-70 wide open.
If you look at my test charts (http://photokaz.com/2012/07/nikon-d800-contrast-and-phase-detect-autofocus-testing/) you will see there is a very obvious problem. If your cam had it, you would see it right away.
Mike
Posted 8 months ago # -
@ Photokaz - I see what you mean and if you are correct then that is a big relief for me.
I initially downloaded th siemens charts off your site and tried using them initialy for a AF fine tune but I couldnt tell the difference between - 20 and + 20 which mayve says something about either my eyesight or my judgement. I then tried the chart and method here http://regex.info/blog/photo-tech/focus-chart and went for a -10 adjustment but do find it quite difficult to get right.
Eventually when back to left AF test I used the Thom Hogan charts above, I found the siemens chart sent me a little boz eyed looking at them for too long.
Anyway thanks for your input and I am hopeful that you are right.
Posted 8 months ago # -
Now then, I sent an email to Nikon UK support about my long exposure noise issue basically outlining my problem and that I didnt think that a landscape specific camera such as the D800 should have this problem and asked if Nikon were aware and were they trying to fix it.
Nikons reply was;
Thank you for your email.
I would like to confirm that we are aware of noise appearing in long exposures due to limitations of the sensor technology. It can be almost completely rectified by using the Long Exposure Noise Reduction function, however I have to admit that doubling the overall time of taking a photograph is not ideal in some situations.
In most cases it should not be impossible to remove the noise in post-processing even with the Long Exposure NR disabled. It is may be however that your camera is faulty in this regard would require a repair. Could you please provide an unedited sample RAW file so we could investigate it further?
To attach a file to this incident please follow the steps below.
1) Login to your Nikon account here https://nikoneurope-en.custhelp.com/app/utils/login_form
2) Click on "My Questions" on the navigation bar on the left of the page and select this incident (120824-000115) from the list of previous incidents.
3) Enter text in the box labelled 'Add additional information to your question.’ Entering text is a requirement.
4) To add an image click ‘Browse’ and choose the location of the file on your computer. Additional attachments can be added by clicking on ‘browse’ again and selecting another file from your computer.
5) When you have added your file(s) click 'Submit’ to send the incident back to us.Unfortunately, I am not able to comment on other camera's manufacturers technology and performance.
So, they are acknowledging a problem at least, but no indication that Nikon are working an a general fix in a firmware update. I shall send in an image but not holding my breath that there is a 'fix' for my camera
Posted 8 months ago # -
@ OnTheRopes
This from Nikon is a very positive response. It suggests exactly that they have seen this. This issue, along with some things like oil on the sensor, left focus problems, I am inclined to believe are the result of trying desperately to get back up to speed by Nikon after the devastation in Japan and Thailand. And, the fact they actually responded and admitted a problem may exist seems to be a big pill for Nikon to swallow.
Posted 8 months ago # -
@ msmoto - Let's hope you are right, I shall send in an image as requested and and see where that takes me.
Posted 8 months ago # -
OnTheRopes, the Siemens Star is not intended as a good chart to do focus fine tune, for that you need a sloped ruler design like you found. If you shot the star, and it was out of focus, you wouldn't know if it was front or back focus and how to adjust.
The star is just a good pattern for your cam to focus on and shows you if you are in focus or not. That is all I needed to determine if I had the left AF issue. Now that my cam seems to be fixed, I'm going to use LensAlign to fine tune the foucs.
Mike
Posted 8 months ago # -
OnTheRopes said:</cite
Nikons reply was;Thank you for your email.
I would like to confirm that we are aware of noise appearing in long exposures due to limitations of the sensor technology. It can be almost completely rectified by using the Long Exposure Noise Reduction function, however I have to admit that doubling the overall time of taking a photograph is not ideal in some situations.
In most cases it should not be impossible to remove the noise in post-processing even with the Long Exposure NR disabled. It is may be however that your camera is faulty in this regard would require a repair. Could you please provide an unedited sample RAW file so we could investigate it further?
To attach a file to this incident please follow the steps below.
1) Login to your Nikon account here https://nikoneurope-en.custhelp.com/app/utils/login_form
2) Click on "My Questions" on the navigation bar on the left of the page and select this incident (120824-000115) from the list of previous incidents.
3) Enter text in the box labelled 'Add additional information to your question.’ Entering text is a requirement.
4) To add an image click ‘Browse’ and choose the location of the file on your computer. Additional attachments can be added by clicking on ‘browse’ again and selecting another file from your computer.
5) When you have added your file(s) click 'Submit’ to send the incident back to us.Unfortunately, I am not able to comment on other camera's manufacturers technology and performance.
So, they are acknowledging a problem at least, but no indication that Nikon are working an a general fix in a firmware update. I shall send in an image but not holding my breath that there is a 'fix' for my camera
This seems like a lot of hoops to jump thru just to get your new camera's focus calibrated.
I just got my D7000 back from Melville NY a couple of weeks ago. All I had to tell them in the paperwork was that the body had a "severe back focus issue" using 35/1.8G lens, 50/1.4G and 85/1.4G.
My camera has less than 2,000 shutter snaps
The Service Report states:
ADJ MIRROR ANGLE
ADJ AF UNIT
ADJ AUTO FOCUS OPERATION
CKD COMMUNICATION
CLN CCD
FIRMWARE UPGRADE
GENERAL CHECK & CLEANAnd there were no questions asked by Nikon Service.
I think focus tests for mirror and AF operation should be done with prime lenses - not zooms.
And I'm looking forward to owning a D800e in the next year or so...
Posted 8 months ago # -
@ Photokaz - I tried a method for AF fine tune that suggested using the Siemens star and adjusting by the following method.
Take a shot at -20 adjust and then 8 more shots at +5 every time until you reach + 20.
Then look at images 1:1 until you find the best and micro adjust from here.
As it seemd the simplest method I thought i would give it a try.
I found it very difficult to distinguish so gave up on that method.@ jaysb3 - The email that you quote was with regards Long Exposure Noise and not AF
Posted 8 months ago # -
-
Hi everyone
I tried to connect my d800 to a hdmi output yesterday,. and when i press liveview button. the mirror turn up and down. I need to press the Lv button a few times in order to make the external monitor to work ,
is it normal , or am I missing anything in the manual , ?
need help ,
thanks
nofaiPosted 8 months ago # -
nofai said:
Hi everyone
I tried to connect my d800 to a hdmi output yesterday,. and when i press liveview button. the mirror turn up and down. I need to press the Lv button a few times in order to make the external monitor to work ,
is it normal , or am I missing anything in the manual , ?
need help ,
thanks
nofaiI will try it tonight to see what happens on mine, unless someone has an answer before then.
Posted 8 months ago # -
@ dyckim
Check the focus before purchase if you are getting it in a bricks and mortar store. Take a lens/tripod in and do a little test. If you search the web you will find some procedures for doing this and the particular left focus point which are in error. It is my understanding the latest versions do not have this problem. It may be Nikon has a serial number which does not have the focus error.
Also, you might discuss this with the online retailer is this is your source. And, have a written agreement that should they deliver one which is not correct you can return it at their expense.
Try a PM to one of the folks who has just received a new D800, and if they do not have the problem, get the serial number so you can always get one manufactured after one which is correct. Serial numbers are not allowed in the open forum.
Posted 8 months ago # -
I suggest you guys buy from adorama, I purchased it this week. I called a sales representative who told me that the d800 were the new production batches and that it is supposed to be free of this epidemic of left focusing/tint issues.
Posted 8 months ago # -
UPDATE on D4: At 12,000 clicks....noted on a macro series I am trying, f/11 on a reversed 20mm f/2.8 Nikkor (not the one to use as it is way too close) that my D4 sensor now has about 70 oil spots which appear as dark, soft, round spots,some with a slightly lighter center. Also, one bright (hot) pixel area. Exposure was from SB-800 at 1/4 power, and the image was about a stop under exposed.
So, what i am going to do, is just sit tight, when I shoot something with a plain area and it shows the oil spots, take them out in PP, and after Photokina, when I know whether the D400 is fact or fiction, and can get a second pro body, I will do so and then contact Nikon as to the sensor issue. It would seem that a hot pixel is a defective sensor and should be replaced under warranty.
Oh gosh, what an excuse to get a D800 as back up.... This is kinda like owning a Ferrari in the 1980's and 1990's. Maintenance was in the hundreds of dollars each month for some.....oh well....
Posted 8 months ago #
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