D7000 Focus issues

[ramils]

Hi Ranie,

Yes it does say that AF should work in Live View Mode... I went through the manual again and tried all the AF settings... but still the same results... Sometimes it locks the focus and sometimes it does not...

I hope to get some guidance.. is it something I am doing or it is the camera itself.. I love this camera.. so many more features than Canon... Love it but this ma be a deal breaker

 

[Ranie]

Im sorry for your experience ramils.
I really dont use the video feature of my DSLR.
So its really not a big factor for me.

 

[ramils]

I have made a small video abt Auto Focus issues in Live View Mode to show the problem and get any feedback or ideas how to resolve this issue.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RvG2T99DBs

I do think that most of the time we do use the view finder only but since Nikon is selling a DSLR with Live View and Auto focus and they charge for it so we do have a right to expect it to work...specially from such a well known and loved brand

 

[gqtuazon]

I have made a small video abt Auto Focus issues in Live View Mode to show the problem and get any feedback or ideas how to resolve this issue.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RvG2T99DBs

I do think that most of the time we do use the view finder only but since Nikon is selling a DSLR with Live View and Auto focus and they charge for it so we do have a right to expect it to work...specially from such a well known and loved brand

Hi Ramil. Thank you for sharing the video. The test area appears to be too dark especially for that particular lens. Can you try the same set-up if you are outdoor with good light to see if it's going to do the same thing? I'm not a video guy but I can try it with my other lenses to see if it's going to demonstrate the same issue that you are experiencing.

 

[gqtuazon]

I just did a similar test based on the youtube video link but I didn't experience the problem. What was the ISO level that you were using? Is the Auto ISO on or off? Try using a different scene with more color or contrast. Were you using matrix metering or spot metering? While I was on live view, it focused the subject, used built-in flash and the image was perfectly exposed using my camera and lens.

 

[ramils]

Hey Glen,

thanks for your response. I used Auto mode for my test and video. It does the same thing for other scenes also. I used the door knob just to show. It sometimes is able to focus and then sometimes keeps on hunting for exactly same setup.


regards
ramil

 

[gqtuazon]

This might not help but download the latest firmware for your D7000. Also, create an account with Nikon and explain the problem that you are experiencing. They might need to check it out and the fee could be waived if it's under warranty.

 

[simonhodge]

I am very keen to get a D7000 but reading this thread is making me think twice. From what i can read it is a brilliant camera but only when it works correctly. For those with the focusing issues, does it occur when all the time or only in live mode? I much prefer using the view finder anyway. Also has anyone noticed if the latest firmware update cures the problem or not?

Thanks

Simon

 

[amonamarth]

I enjoyed the flash cube tv advertisement very much ;-)

 

[icSlowMo]

I am very keen to get a D7000 but reading this thread is making me think twice. From what i can read it is a brilliant camera but only when it works correctly. For those with the focusing issues, does it occur when all the time or only in live mode? I much prefer using the view finder anyway. Also has anyone noticed if the latest firmware update cures the problem or not?

Thanks

Simon

Focus issues seem to be all the time from what I gather... Also Firmware did not effect my back focus issue...

I have had my D7000 for a couple of months now (4200+ pics on it) and right off noticed it was back focusing with my AF-S 35mm F1.8G lens. So I tested with my other lenses and found all lenses needed to be adjusted with AF Fine tune to at least -15 or more. My 35mm F1.8 is set to -20(MAX correction) and still could use a little more. Contacted Nikon through E-mail support and they requested pics with all lenses. Did so and they confirmed focus issue with my camera body only. Asked if I needed to send in any of my lenses and they responded only if I was having issues with lenses. I will send camera in after Christmas to have "repaired" and will report back. I have noticed that after setting all AF-S lenses to -15 - -20, all pics taken have been very sharp for what the lenses can produce. I will be recieving the AF-S 24-70mm F2.8 lens tomorow and will be using it over the holiday. I'll see if a Pro lens acts the same as "cheaper" lenses.

D7000 w/ 18-105mm VR Kit lens, 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 VR, 35mm F1.8G, AF-S 50mm F1.4G, Also tested 18-55mm VR. Soon to have 24-70mm F2.8

 

[ccoulson]

Focus issues seem to be all the time from what I gather... Also Firmware did not effect my back focus issue...

I have had my D7000 for a couple of months now (4200+ pics on it) and right off noticed it was back focusing with my AF-S 35mm F1.8G lens. So I tested with my other lenses and found all lenses needed to be adjusted with AF Fine tune to at least -15 or more. My 35mm F1.8 is set to -20(MAX correction) and still could use a little more. Contacted Nikon through E-mail support and they requested pics with all lenses. Did so and they confirmed focus issue with my camera body only. Asked if I needed to send in any of my lenses and they responded only if I was having issues with lenses. I will send camera in after Christmas to have "repaired" and will report back. I have noticed that after setting all AF-S lenses to -15 - -20, all pics taken have been very sharp for what the lenses can produce. I will be recieving the AF-S 24-70mm F2.8 lens tomorow and will be using it over the holiday. I'll see if a Pro lens acts the same as "cheaper" lenses.

D7000 w/ 18-105mm VR Kit lens, 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 VR, 35mm F1.8G, AF-S 50mm F1.4G, Also tested 18-55mm VR. Soon to have 24-70mm F2.8

OH WOW!!!

This is my exact story!!!! I mean same lens with the main issue.. the 35mm It makes me sad because I love my camera so much. I will be sending mine in after the holidays as well.... I'm kind of upset that they aren't paying for the shipping, since the product is under warranty, and it is an issue that they know about. Please let me know more about this!!! I'm really hoping that they can fix my camera and calibrate the lens to work properly.

 

[Obir]

Focus issues seem to be all the time from what I gather... Also Firmware did not effect my back focus issue...

I have had my D7000 for a couple of months now (4200+ pics on it) and right off noticed it was back focusing with my AF-S 35mm F1.8G lens. So I tested with my other lenses and found all lenses needed to be adjusted with AF Fine tune to at least -15 or more. My 35mm F1.8 is set to -20(MAX correction) and still could use a little more. Contacted Nikon through E-mail support and they requested pics with all lenses. Did so and they confirmed focus issue with my camera body only. Asked if I needed to send in any of my lenses and they responded only if I was having issues with lenses. I will send camera in after Christmas to have "repaired" and will report back. I have noticed that after setting all AF-S lenses to -15 - -20, all pics taken have been very sharp for what the lenses can produce. I will be recieving the AF-S 24-70mm F2.8 lens tomorow and will be using it over the holiday. I'll see if a Pro lens acts the same as "cheaper" lenses.

D7000 w/ 18-105mm VR Kit lens, 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 VR, 35mm F1.8G, AF-S 50mm F1.4G, Also tested 18-55mm VR. Soon to have 24-70mm F2.8

Same here.
I have mine set to -18 for my 1.8 35mm and it's spot on now.
Have not had the chance to fiddle with the 18-105mm yet.

 

[icSlowMo]

Update got my 24-70mm F2.8 and found it needed only about -5 AF fine tunning. Also my 70-300vr only needs about -3 for most anything.. only needs more correction when using max close focus... I love have fast the 24-70mm F2.8 is to focus and does seem to be right on target af points... I will report back after Christmas after I send in the camera body only...

 

[icSlowMo]

After playing with the 24-70 f2.8, I had to set af fine tune to -20 also for now... will need to send camera in to get af fixed....

 

[Bobsd69]

I am also havein AF issues with my new D7000. From what I am gathering and experimenting with, it may be focus confusion, I will call it. I was trying to take a picture of a thin close object on AF-A and 39 focus points. will not take. Set the camera on a single focus point, still could not shoot. Set to AF-C, single and multiple focus point, i could take the shot. So maybe it is not necessarily the camera, but am not letting that one go. Maybe it is how to properly set the camera for particular shots. I am getting the view that this is not a simple point and shoot camera, and this is not why I bought it.

 

[ccoulson]

Hey Guys,

So, I had to call about my D7000 and sent in photos in which NIKON CONFIRMED the back focusing issue. They have my camera right now, there at Nikon. And have sent them a copy of my reciept because they tried to charge me 170 dollars to repair a factory defect on 4 month old camera that I am still making payments on... ugh...

I was just wondering, of all the people on this thread.. have you received your 7000s back from repair, and has it fixed the problem???????

Im missing my camera terribly, and everyone at Nikon has been extremely nice to me. Just want to know if the issue was fixed with their repairs.

Also, how long did it take???

The waiting is killing me

 

[gqtuazon]

For warranty work, anytime you send your camera to Nikon for service, the warranty card and a copy of the sales receipt are required. These are not required if your Nikon equipment is out of warranty or if there is evidence that you dropped your camera or lenses (impact damage) which is not covered under warranty.

Nikon takes 10 business days to have your camera checked, repaired, calibrated, sensor cleaned and shipped back to you.

Yes, mine was check and verified that it didn't have any focussing issue and was all done within the warranty period. You can check the status of your camera by going to their website and enter your last name and the service order number.

 

[Obir]

Hey Guys,

So, I had to call about my D7000 and sent in photos in which NIKON CONFIRMED the back focusing issue. They have my camera right now, there at Nikon. And have sent them a copy of my reciept because they tried to charge me 170 dollars to repair a factory defect on 4 month old camera that I am still making payments on... ugh...

I was just wondering, of all the people on this thread.. have you received your 7000s back from repair, and has it fixed the problem???????

Im missing my camera terribly, and everyone at Nikon has been extremely nice to me. Just want to know if the issue was fixed with their repairs.

Also, how long did it take???

The waiting is killing me

Did they give you any specifics on what they repaired or replaced on the camera?
Or did they just do some "adjustments".

Just curious.

 

[Tome]

Do not buy this camera. I had two cameras one was refurbished one brand new and they both have problems with the focus or back focusing issue. Nikon has ack'd the problem but after two repairs they were not able to fix the problem. All my lenses are original Nikon DX. Lots of people are not aware of this problem that exists. The problem is very noticeable once you start cropping the image. I think they have problem with the entire D7000 batch but they do not want to admit that because it's going to be very costly to repair each camera that is currently on the market. I shot in AF-C, AF-S and AF-A mode and the images were not clear and the camera is inconsistent. I never had a problem with my D70, D60, D200 & D300. I think their customer service and repair department is incompetent to handle this kind of problems and since our last conversation they are not responding to my emails or phone calls. I shot approx 3000 images @ 5 different events and 2000 of them are out of focus. Nikon does not want to justify or deny my claims based on the samples provided to them.
Again, do not buy this camera. The web is flooded with complaints of this nature.

 

[bluenoser]

Do not buy this camera. I had two cameras one was refurbished one brand new and they both have problems with the focus or back focusing issue. Nikon has ack'd the problem but after two repairs they were not able to fix the problem. All my lenses are original Nikon DX. Lots of people are not aware of this problem that exists. The problem is very noticeable once you start cropping the image. I think they have problem with the entire D7000 batch but they do not want to admit that because it's going to be very costly to repair each camera that is currently on the market. I shot in AF-C, AF-S and AF-A mode and the images were not clear and the camera is inconsistent. I never had a problem with my D70, D60, D200 & D300. I think their customer service and repair department is incompetent to handle this kind of problems and since our last conversation they are not responding to my emails or phone calls. I shot approx 3000 images @ 5 different events and 2000 of them are out of focus. Nikon does not want to justify or deny my claims based on the samples provided to them.
Again, do not buy this camera. The web is flooded with complaints of this nature.

Well this is a wonderful way to introduce yourself to the site. Welcome to Nikonites. Perhaps you might want to take a moment and wander over to the new member introductions area and let us know more about you (I'm sure you didn't just join our site to complain about the D7000 did you?)

There are many very happy and satisfied users of the D7000 - I am one of them. You can look up almost any camera or electronic product and find people who have had a poor experience with the product or the customer service or both. People that have complaints are far more likely to voice them on the internet than those that are satisfied which leads many to assume that the problem is larger than it actually is.

I'm not saying you don't have a legitimate problem or that there hasn't been problems with earlier batches of the D7000 - I believe you. However to tell everyone not to buy the D7000 based on your experience and your opinions is patently absurd and frankly irresponsible.

I hope you find another (Nikon) camera that suits your needs.

Once again, welcome to Nikonites.