AF Fine Tune = A Band-Aid?

[DW_]

I was one of the
many people with focus problems and ended up returning my body for a new one.
And this new body certainly made a difference but I was still unable to get the
sharpness I was seeing with my D70s. The answer was as simple - I had to relearn
how to take photos with a real camera because the D7k is just that, a real
camera. The most important aspect to my learning experience is acknowledging the
unforgiving nature of a high resolution camera. I now understand why many
knowledgeable photographers claim the focus issues are more operator errors
rather than technical ones. I am now getting the most amazing high-quality
photos - crisp and clear with details far finer than anything my D70s was able
to achieve. The images I'm now getting make all the effort I went thru more than
worth while.

Granted, the first camera body did indeed have a problem
and I believe some cameras were allowed to market without the proper QC but
there is a steep and sharp learning curve with this camera and once you realize
this fact you're half way there to awesome photos. So keep fighting and don't
become discouraged. You WILL overcome this learning curve and you WILL achieve
amazing photos and that knot in your stomach will go away. Just have patience
and keep on keepin' on.

 

[icSlowMo]

I am one that also had a back focus issue w/ my D7000. I also have the 35 f1.8 and the 50 f1.4 and had them both at -20 also. Sent camera in and now the 50 is at -5 and 35 is at -16. So now I know it's the 35 f1.8 that is the issue. I also have the 24-70 f2.8 and before repair it was at -16 and after is at -6 and dead on ever time. So this tells me that back focus is in the camera bodies not always the user..... and not in just the "cheaper" lenses either... Hope this helps. Also I find the AF system to focus differently depending on close focus and normal ranges for focus. Also people tend to show different focus characteristics also.....

 

[ccoulson]

DWPHOTO

Thank you for what you wrote. I agree completely. My camera had to be repaired and when I got it back I was still un happy. I couldnt stand to be without the camera again, so I took to the books reading and learning and practicing. (and still fine tuning some lenses) and it seems to have clicked.....

This camera has a HUGE LEARNING CURVE.

Do your research and dont give up on it because its results can be amazing

 

[Jessabelle]

You WILL overcome this learning curve and you WILL achieve
amazing photos and that knot in your stomach will go away. Just have patience
and keep on keepin' on.

Oh good, so I'm not the only one with that knot!!

I rented the LensAlign, and will fine tune my lenses this weekend. I did notice that my focus problems were not as bad after my camera came back from repair, so I am cautiously optimistic that a little fine tuning will help a lot. I see a weekend of practicing and learning ahead!