AF Servicing?

[ocm8]

So, my camera was great combo'd with my 35mm 1.8 (all I ever used with it) but then I tried to fix my back focus problem that formed by myself (hex screws) and made my auto focus system worse, I can get sharpness and the right DOF manually but adjusting those screws really messed up my AF. YES I know it was dumb to do it myself and I do not need to be told how dumb it was I came for some advice for the hereafter, and with some of the black paint off the screws Nikon would obviously know what I did & the shop I bought it from....

So my question is for those who have Nikon service their cameras, do you think it would be very expensive to let them fix it for me? It would probably be a piece of cake for them and quick, but me using the HEX wrench on the mirror screws is just very frustrating, turn, put the lens back on, and test but then when I think I got it fixed for back focus I take a different picture is front focus is now a problem I can't get that in-between medium or even take sharp.

 

[Tami Jo]

Take it to your nearest Nikon repair center. Let them fix it for you. A lot of those parts can get over tweaked and additional damage can occur. It's best to take it in and let them correct if for you. They may be able to repair it while you wait.

 

[ocm8]

Thanks for the reply but the nearest Service Center is L.A. and I'm in Sacramento. I guess I was hoping someone familiar with sending them in would be able to tell me a rough guess of cost before I go camera-less for weeks.

 

[Robert Mitchell]

Nikon has a few 'tiers' of service. They do not evaluate every repair and charge for that repair. It falls into one of those tiers plus the cost of any parts needed. I believe the basic level is about $65 and it goes up from there. There's no way anyone could give you a rough estimate and Nikon will only give you an estimate if you leave it with them.

Even a simple 5 minute repair will fall into one of those tiers of service.

 

[Dave_W]

Also keep in mind there exists Nikon Service centers and Nikon authorized service providers. I've used my local authorized provider several times and they've been excellent for any services that they provide. They can also do warranty work. Provided that your lens under 5 yrs old, it will still be under warranty to some extent. Here is a link to service centers by area (HERE) I would suggest just taking the lens to them and telling them it's focusing strangely. Chances are good it will not be too expensive and quite possibly free.

 

[Robert Mitchell]

HI Dave,

I'm with you on using Nikon authorized service centers but I'm not sure why you're suggesting the repair would possibly be free. I highly doubt that and based on the type of repair needed and caused by the OP, I would venture a guess that it would absolutely not be free. That's a stretch if you ask me.

 

[Dave_W]

Robert, it's been my experience that repair centers do not care who is paying the bill, you or Nikon. And unless the problem is unmistakably caused by the user, more often than not they will simply repair under the service guarantee. Assuming that you say the lens is having trouble focusing (which is true) and not "I twisted a bunch of screws and now it's messed up, you have a fighting chance that Nikon will foot the bill.

 

[Robert Mitchell]

Hi Dave,

That would certainly be great if it went that way. The only reason why I don't think it will is because in most cases, those technicians are very aware and conscious of what can go wrong or break and when they see internal screws that either show some sign of tampering or have the incorrect torque, it's a red flag.

I'll play optimist and hope that isn't the case this time but I have my doubts. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

 

[Rick M]

I would just send it in and tell them it is still under warranty, play stupid and see what happens. Worst case they give you an estimate you don't like. I'm inclined to think they don't play detective unless it's obvious.

 

[Rick M]

Probably comes down to the tech. If he doesn't like his employer that day, everything is under warranty

 

[ocm8]

Thanks for all the replies! I think someone got confused that I was talking about a lens, it's actually the d5100 body and I was just saying my 35mm 1.8 was working fine with my d5100 but then all the sudden it was back focus issues, even with my other AF-S enabled lenses so I tried to fix it after seeing online that I could with a hex and the mirror adjustment screws, however, I screwed it up worse and spend days and hours trying to get it back working right. This is definitely the first time researching online as made something worse, for me at least.... but that is expected because DLSR's are a intricate piece of technology you wouldn't DIY.

 

[ocm8]

Luckily I can focus perfect in manual, even in video. I have a video gig tonight so I'll be fine because really and truly manual focus is better in video, the camera doesn't know what we would like in focus video wise, but it's pretty great with pictures.