Clear photos only when using the viewfinder

flipperzoom

Senior Member
Hello!

I got this problem with my camera. Long story short, I bought a Nikkor 35mm 1:1:8G

For the mother of lord, I cannot take clean photos. I've tried everything. It will simply not focus wherever I want to or take clear photos.


On the other hand, when switching to viewfinder everything is crystal clear. Does this make sense?

Thanks!
 

Marcel

Happily retired
Staff member
Super Mod
Are you saying that whenever you use LiveView the camera will not focus and when you use the viewfinder it will? Which camera model do you have?
 

flipperzoom

Senior Member
Thanks for the prompt reply. Yes. The camera is D5200. Sometimes it will focus correctly using the liveview but most of the times it won't no matter of the settings. I've even tried manual focus but didn't have much luck. It focuses wherever it wants.

I dropped the camera long time ago and took it to Nikon and they told me that only the lens was damaged (The stock 35-55mm one). I've replaced it with a new and was sort of OK. Then I bought the 35mm 1.8 but kinda the same issue.

I'll try posting photos with both modes.
 

Bikerbrent

Senior Member
The D5200 does NOT have an in-body focus motor so it will not autofocus your Nikkor 35mm 1:1:8G. Do a google search for "nikon lens compatibility chart"
 

mikew_RIP

Senior Member
Have you tried just the single center focus point setting, if you have multi point selected it could choose the wrong point for you.
 

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
The D5200 does NOT have an in-body focus motor so it will not autofocus your Nikkor 35mm 1:1:8G. Do a google search for "nikon lens compatibility chart"

I'm not so sure about that, Brent. The OP listed it as a 'G' lens. That means it doesn't have an aperture ring so should be compatible with that body. If it was an AF-D (with an aperture ring), then it wouldn't AF.
 

Bikerbrent

Senior Member
I'm not so sure about that, Brent. The OP listed it as a 'G' lens. That means it doesn't have an aperture ring so should be compatible with that body. If it was an AF-D (with an aperture ring), then it wouldn't AF.

If I am reading this chart (https://www.nikonimgsupport.com/ni/NI_article?articleNo=000003297&configured=1&lang=en_US) then neither the type G or D AF Nikkor will autofocus with the D5200. Nikon recommends you use AF-S or AF-I lenses to get the most from your camera. If the lens is an AF-S lens, then yes it should autofocus on the D7200.
 
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Marcel

Happily retired
Staff member
Super Mod
Dropping your camera might very much have unset the focus assembly inside the mirror box. It might been OK for a while but the fall could have damaged it more than it showed earlier. I had the 35 1.8 on my D7000 and it focused flawlessly.
 

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
If I am reading this chart (https://www.nikonimgsupport.com/ni/NI_article?articleNo=000003297&configured=1&lang=en_US) then neither the type G or D AF Nikkor will autofocus with the D5200. Nikon recommends you use AF-S or AF-I lenses to get the most from your camera. If the lens is an AF-S lens, then yes it should autofocus on the D7200.

Brent, for some reason I'm getting an error with the link. I'm guessing it is this lens which is an AF-S:

https://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/product/camera-lenses/af-s-dx-nikkor-35mm-f%2f1.8g.html
 

Bikerbrent

Senior Member
The link quit working for me as well now, but it was working when I posted. If the lens is an AF-S, it should work, so you might have a camera issue.
 
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