D5300 Viewfinder "Shift" - what to do?

Yoram

New member
Hello All,

I am an occasional hobbyist photographer but pretty new to this forum, so thanks in advance for your patience...
Recently I posted my first question in another new thread re which 70-300mm lens for my D5300, and am very grateful for the number and quality of replies.

I now have another question pertaining to my particular D5300 body:
Whenever I press and release the shutter button, the view in the optical viewfinder shifts position a bit right upon coming up and then stays there. Seems as if the mirror is shifting a bit as it settles back into its viewfinder position.
This has been going on for I can't remember how long, does not seem to get worse over time nor affect the picture quality or anything else I am aware of, so considering my infrequent use I just lived with it.
Now, as we are planning a major safari trip next summer and hence the 70-300mm lens, I am having second thoughts, mostly because I don't want the camera to outright fail during the trip. So, with the premise of getting the 70-300mm lens (~$400 used on MPB) and staying with a compact DX body, I am coming up with the following options:
A. Do nothing -- keep my D5300 as is; test it with the 70-300mm lens, and if all seems well continue to live with the viewfinder shift - $0 (hopefully).
B. Get the camera repaired by Nikon Service (~$230 quoted)
C. Get a low shutter count used D5300 from MPB (~$350)
D. Get a low shutter count used D5600 from MPB (~$400). Main reason for this option is longer battery life with virtually same optics and size; secondary benefits are touchscreen and bluetooth.

So I guess I have two questions:
1. Anyone else experienced this viewfinder shift issue and if so what did you do?
2. Which option of the above, or any other ones, would you recommend and why?

Thank you for entertaining this conundrum! 🤔

-Yoram
 

Clovishound

Senior Member
No idea on the shift, other than an issue with the mirror, as you said.

I wouldn't want to go on an expensive photo trip without a backup camera, especially since you have an issue with your current camera. Between the two you listed, I would definitely go for the D5600, especially with only $50 difference. It is several years newer, and incorporates a number of upgrades.

Unfortunately, if you want to play the photography game, you have to spend some of your hard earned cash. You don't have to go crazy with the top of the line pro gear. Even entry level gear can produce beautiful images, if you do your part right. To get the most out of your trip, I would recommend learning as much as you can between now and then. Become familiar with your equipment, and how to deal with situations, and lighting as best you can. The nice thing is after your trip, you will still have those skills to use in your local area.
 

Yoram

New member
No idea on the shift, other than an issue with the mirror, as you said.

I wouldn't want to go on an expensive photo trip without a backup camera, especially since you have an issue with your current camera. Between the two you listed, I would definitely go for the D5600, especially with only $50 difference. It is several years newer, and incorporates a number of upgrades.

Unfortunately, if you want to play the photography game, you have to spend some of your hard earned cash. You don't have to go crazy with the top of the line pro gear. Even entry level gear can produce beautiful images, if you do your part right. To get the most out of your trip, I would recommend learning as much as you can between now and then. Become familiar with your equipment, and how to deal with situations, and lighting as best you can. The nice thing is after your trip, you will still have those skills to use in your local area.

Thank you again, @Clovishound . All you said makes perfect sense to me.
You would not entertain having mine repaired for $200 + shipping, huh? I am a bit apprehensive of a repair vs. a factory original unit. Of course mine was factory original until it broke... 😱
Yes, I fully agree that one needs to pay to play, even not as a pro. Especially in the context of an expensive, "once in a lifetime" trip.
Thanks once again!
 

Clovishound

Senior Member
You would not entertain having mine repaired for $200 + shipping, huh?

It's certainly a viable option. My thinking is that, if you can afford the 5600, it would give you an upgraded primary camera, and the 5300 would be a viable backup as long as it still works.

It all depends on how much it will hurt you to lay out the extra $200. That would be a no brainer for me, in my current situation. 20 years ago, I would have had to think carefully about it.
 

Needa

Senior Member
Challenge Team
Have you tried any trouble shooting? Another lens for a test? If it is a VR lens try turning off VR to see if the issue changes.

There are no guarantees, you could get an camera that seems fine and have an issue with it, even a new camera. One way to minimize the loss of photographic capability from a non-working camera is to take two, two cameras and two lens.
 

Woodyg3

Senior Member
Contributor
Could this be the type of movement associated with image stabilization in the lens? Just a thought.

Edit: Need beat me to it. Yes, try with VR turned off if you haven't already thought of that.
 

BF Hammer

Senior Member
I personally am suspecting the prism screen is loose. I don't believe you would see through the lens if the mirror did not fully drop down.

I like the plan to upgrade to a D5600 best of the options. +$50 over a D5300 replacement is a no-brainer for that kind of upgrade in kit. That repair quote is not a guaranteed thing either, it could go higher depending on the problem. But they certainly won't charge lower when they reseat a loose prism with 40 minutes effort either.
 

Yoram

New member
It's certainly a viable option. My thinking is that, if you can afford the 5600, it would give you an upgraded primary camera, and the 5300 would be a viable backup as long as it still works.

It all depends on how much it will hurt you to lay out the extra $200. That would be a no brainer for me, in my current situation. 20 years ago, I would have had to think carefully about it.
I tend to agree with your thinking, @Clovishound . I can afford the $200, just trying to act fiscally responsible... 🤪
Have a few other expensive hobbies and need to prioritize... but I guess in light of the big trip should not act penny wise and pound foolish, huh. Thank you!
 
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Yoram

New member
Have you tried any trouble shooting? Another lens for a test? If it is a VR lens try turning off VR to see if the issue changes.

There are no guarantees, you could get an camera that seems fine and have an issue with it, even a new camera. One way to minimize the loss of photographic capability from a non-working camera is to take two, two cameras and two lens.
No, I haven't tried disabling VR or changing lenses (my 18-140mm kit lens is the only one I currently have). Will certainly test with the 70-300mm lens once I get it and report here. (Have yet to order it; leaning towards a used AF-P FX based on excellent feedback on the other thread.)
The way the thing behaves it feels more like a body rather than a lens issue but will test and report.

Edit: @Needa , been warming up to your idea of taking two kits... (y)

@Woodyg3 , copy that!
 
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Yoram

New member
I personally am suspecting the prism screen is loose. I don't believe you would see through the lens if the mirror did not fully drop down.

I like the plan to upgrade to a D5600 best of the options. +$50 over a D5300 replacement is a no-brainer for that kind of upgrade in kit. That repair quote is not a guaranteed thing either, it could go higher depending on the problem. But they certainly won't charge lower when they reseat a loose prism with 40 minutes effort either.
Thanks, @BF Hammer . I think the stars are getting aligned for a combined order from MPB...
 

Yoram

New member
Order for a D5600 and a 70-300mm AF-P FX placed on MPB. Both designated as excellent condition, the D5600 includes the manual, the lens the Nikon hood and original packaging.

Many thanks for everyone's wisdom and counsel !
 

Needa

Senior Member
Challenge Team
Edit: @Needa , been warming up to your idea of taking two kits... (y)
You second camera could be your phone if that would be satisfactory to you if something did happen to your camera. Maybe even a few snaps of the people you are with will be all you care about. Only you can to decide what the most important elements of the trip are for you.
 

Yoram

New member
You second camera could be your phone if that would be satisfactory to you if something did happen to your camera. Maybe even a few snaps of the people you are with will be all you care about. Only you can to decide what the most important elements of the trip are for you.
Yup... thanks, see my other reply in my lens thread. 🙏
 

nikonpup

Senior Member
NO LOCAL CAMERA SHOPS? CAMERA BODIES: I WOULD SHOP FOR D7000 TO D7500 --- THIS SERIES IS THE TOP OF THE LINE IN THE DX FORMAT. I HAVE 2 D7100, ONE
IS IN MY CAR AT ALL TIMES WITH A 18-140MM LENS.
 

Yoram

New member
NO LOCAL CAMERA SHOPS? CAMERA BODIES: I WOULD SHOP FOR D7000 TO D7500 --- THIS SERIES IS THE TOP OF THE LINE IN THE DX FORMAT. I HAVE 2 D7100, ONE
IS IN MY CAR AT ALL TIMES WITH A 18-140MM LENS.

To answer your points:
- No good local used camera shops in upstate SC. Don't know of a better used source than MPB.
- I looked at the D7x00 series and decided against it because the relatively small edge in performance it offers over the D5600 for my needs does not justify the significantly larger size and weight (and cost for the D7300 & D7500), and the loss of one of my favorite D5300 (and D5600) features - the fully articulating LCD screen, which essentially provides "periscope" functionality that I came to love.
Thanks!
 

Yoram

New member
Update:
Received the AF-P 70-300mm FX lens and the D5600 body from MPB. Both in beautiful shape, the lens in its original box with the soft bag, and the camera with the manual, Nikon battery and charger etc.
Performed a little test matrix of shutter releases:
- each body with each lens (D5300 and D5600 x my 18-140mm and "new" 70-300mm).
- each lens with VR on and off (new one Sport, Normal and off)
- each lens at min and max zoom
Did not look at captured images, just listening and watching the viewfinder.

Conclusions: @Needa and @Woodyg3 , you guys nailed it !
It's my 18-140 lens: with VR off there is no viewfinder image shift!
With VR on there is also a slight "tick" sound in both lenses, about 2-3 seconds after shutter release, coinciding with the image shift in the 18-140mm lens.
With VR off there no sound (and no shift) in either lens. This behavior is the same with either camera.

I have a 14 day window to return the D5600 for full refund (over $400). I can also send them my D5300 instead for $190.
I will spend another day or two exploring the D5600 to decide. So far I played a bit with the touchscreen and am not convinced it is a huge benefit over the "multi selector" (that's still there as in the D5300) -- too easy to fat-finger on the touchscreen.
Will next check out the D5600 bluetooth as it may be handy for backup to my iPhone. I like the claimed longer battery life on the D5600.

Overall, the cameras are very similar. Optical specs are identical (except for max ISO), which is what matters to me most. So far I am not convinced I need to "upgrade".
There is also the sentimental value... the D5300 has traveled with us the world over for more than 10 years and gave us thousands of great photos to reminisce...

Will post what I decide. Thanks to all of you who chimed in!
 
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Yoram

New member
Connectivity:
Tried to set up bluetooth connection between the D5600 and my iPhone. First had to update the firmware from 1.1 to 1.2 and get the SnapBridge app. Then, after several tries bluetooth connection had been established. I then tried to copy several photos to my iPhone but the app said that I need to use wifi. Frankly, my only interest in bluetooth was to easily copy photos to my iPhone. I tried next to set up the wifi connection but it would not hold. I also tried it on the D5300 (with latest firmware) and it would not work either.
I may be missing something but to be honest it is not worth my time. The D5600 does not offer me any connectivity advantage over the D5300 (to me both are bricks in that regard).
So tomorrow and the next day I will take some back-to-back photos with both cameras and lenses, copy them to my iMac with the USB SD adapter, and see if I can recognize a ~$250 advantage in operation or image quality over my D5300. At this point the only clear advantage seems to be a claimed 30-40% increase in battery life, which would be a factor.

...to be continued....

P.S., I recognize that this comparison digresses from the thread title, but I believe I will be done with this detour in one or two more posts, so thanks for your patience... 🥺
 
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Yoram

New member
Took some pics off my rear deck with both cameras with the 70-300mm lens. Some back to back shots of the same difficult object (a distant house far away between a narrow gap between much closer tree trunks). Used max zoom, P mode, manual focus (AF failed to pick up the house between the trunks), VR in sport mode, hand held with no support. Captured images in both NEF and Fine.
Enclosing a reduced size jpeg off the D5300 just to give y'all an idea of the object. The house is over 1000 ft away, maybe 1/4 mile, and the trunks are about 100 ft away.
I cannot tell the differences in NEF images between the cameras. Will play some more with different objects but am not expecting surprises.
Not sure I have the time and energy to test and compare battery life. Another original Nikon EN-EL14a battery from Camera Wholesalers for about $40 will bridge any gap in battery life...
I am 95% decided to ship the D5600 back.
 

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Yoram

New member
Sent the D5600 back to MPB and received full refund. Great source.
From my end this concludes this thread (unless of course anyone has anything to add).
Thanks again for all the good inputs!
 
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