focus lens washer/spacer

under the focusing lens there is a copper washer rectangular in shape is this just a washer/spacer or does it have some other purpose?

I have absolutely no idea of what you are talking about. Could you explain a bit more or post a picture of what you are looking at.

this^^

it was under the origional focus lens which ive replaced as it had a scratch..

thequeenscheese said:

View attachment 146720
this^^

it was under the origional focus lens which ive replaced as it had a scratch..

Click to expand...

Oh, this is the focusing screen spacer.
Now, depending on the thickness difference between the original focusing screen and the one you did use to replace the original, this spacer could very well change the focusing distance between the lens focal plane, making the use of manual focus to mis-focus.
This distance must be exactly the same between the lens focal center and the sensor and the focusing screen. The way to test it is to compare manual focusing to LiveView focusing and adjusting accordingly. The focusing screen replacement usually comes with instructions about using these different focusing screen spacers.

Under the viewfinder eyepiece???????

ETA: What Marcel said.

Eyelight said:

Under the viewfinder eyepiece???????

ETA: What Marcel said.

Click to expand...

Just above the focusing screen.

hard to say if its better with it or without it both reviewed on pc pics look the same, altho my eyes aint the best i dont think lol..

i dont have an auto focus lens yet tho only a manual (for a d3200 af-s) 28-100mm

I have not done this on a Nikon, so this is just a guess.... Are you the original owner? I ask because replacement parts like this screen normally have great instructions. Most companies want you to have success with their products. That said, if the instructions for this replacement screen did not warn you that you would find this copper piece, then I have to guess it is not Nikon original. Maybe the original owner replaced the screen and this copper piece was part of the replacement kit. If you are the original owner, I would call the maker of the replacement screen and ask them about the copper spacer because it should have been addressed in the instructions if it is Nikon original. Like Marcel says, test the focus in any case.

thequeenscheese said:

hard to say if its better with it or without it both reviewed on pc pics look the same, altho my eyes aint the best i dont think lol..

i dont have an auto focus lens yet tho only a manual (for a d3200 af-s) 28-100mm

Click to expand...

The way to check this is by putting the camera on a tripod, focus using your eyes as you would normally do, then, turn LiveView on and push the + button to zoom on the area you focused on. If it's in good focus, then you're OK, if not, then you will have to either put the spacer back in place and test some more until the focus you get in manual focusing is the same as you get when using LiveView. It does take a bit of time, but is well worth it.

no im not the origional owner its from a reputable supplier of second hand cameras, this is what id picked up:

New Original Genuine FOCUSING SCREEN for Nikon D3100 D3200 D5100 D5200 D5300 | eBay

the washer was in the camera when i got it, i was cleaning the inside as i saw dust and hairs etc in the viewfinder and the focus lens that came with the camera got scratched while it was out..

Marcel said:

The way to check this is by putting the camera on a tripod, focus using your eyes as you would normally do, then, turn LiveView on and push the + button to zoom on the area you focused on. If it's in good focus, then you're OK, if not, then you will have to either put the spacer back in place and test some more until the focus you get in manual focusing is the same as you get when using LiveView. It does take a bit of time, but is well worth it.

Click to expand...

is that what the focus dial is for near the viewfinder?, aswell as adjusting to everyones different eye sight?

also i think my dust issues are between the next lens and the eyepice lens how is that cleaned or is it a specialist job?

I just looked up Katzeye focus screen instructions for your camera. They do mention there might be a metal shim under the screen and that you should leave it in if you have one.
http://www.katzeyeoptics.com/files/install_13.pdf
Testing it seems like a good idea though. I'm interested in this as I have often thought of changing my screen.

if you look in pics top of 3200 forum, my last posts was yesterday without it in..

note tho with manual i find it difficult to focus in dim light but maybe thats my eyes?

ive put it back in now and tbh its hard to see the difference, but as suggested ill do some tests with the tripod

thequeenscheese said:

is that what the focus dial is for near the viewfinder?, aswell as adjusting to everyones different eye sight?

also i think my dust issues are between the next lens and the eyepice lens how is that cleaned or is it a specialist job?

Click to expand...

No, the focus dial you mention is a simply an diopter adjustment to correct for your eyesight. The spacer is to make certain that the distance between the focal plane of the lens is the same between the sensor and the focusing screen. Why did you remove it? Is your manual focus sharp when you manual focus? If it is, then maybe you're fine, but if you find you are not getting perfectly focused shots, then maybe put it back. It's your camera after all.

i thought it felt tight when putting the new lens in, but after redoing it i think the spacer got misaligned and incorrectly fitted it seems better this time around.