80-200 2.8 Dual ring - focus probs ?

I've noticed a weird problem here - with the 80-200 dual f2.8 on a D2x and using AF & MF. Both modes see the green dot Focus Confirm light up at completely the wrong point.

The focus is so obviously way out, yet the green dot lights up. This wasn't just a tad out, but way out. Can be seen in the VF even before the shot was taken. And the contrast on each photo looks completely different - no other settings were changed. They were taken only seconds apart, just long enough for me to switch from AF to MF

Converted from NEF to JPG, no processing, and 100% centre crop on both. Sign is quite big, maybe 16" top to bottom and distance was around 40ft

AF with 5 shot burst, middle shot shown



And switching to MF on lens, leaving in AF-S mode, green dot lights again at completely the wrong point, so ignoring the GD light, I manually focus and green dot disappears altogether, not even flicking in and out like it was just on the border of correct focus. I get correct focus according to my eye and take 3 burst shot.

MF with 3 burst shot, middle shot shown



I'm not clever enough to know whether this is a lens or camera problem ..something is amiss. I feel my wallet draining as i type

Decided to try my 50 1.8 AF-D ...its even worse, maybe due to much closer focusing ? About 1.5 metres in these shots, both 100% crops, no processing

AF



MF

Looks like your MF isn't working too good either.

I see you're southern UK! Whereabouts, as I have the same lens and could get together and swap kit around to compare!

fotojack said:

Looks like your MF isn't working too good either.

Click to expand...

That could just be user error Although bear in mind these are 100% crops Jack, no resiszing

markD90 said:

I see you're southern UK! Whereabouts, as I have the same lens and could get together and swap kit around to compare!

Click to expand...

Oxfordshire Mark - just a bit too far unless you have reason to be up here.

well i near newbury! so not that far actually!

Hey - that makes half way seem pretty reasonable. I'd be happy to hook up if we can sort it out

well im off all next week...... im busy monday morning but the rest of week im free! how about you?
perhaps meet near milton ...... or didcot power station if any good for you?

if its happening with more than one lens, it seems like its your body thats at fault more than the lens! have you tried cleaning the contacts on the body mount?

I havent cleaned the contacts no, but i have fitted a new genuine Nikon Focus screen - maybe thats got something to do with the problems, though i did recheck it was sitting ok, and it appears to be fine. But it does sounds like a body problem as you say.

As for Milton / Didcot, sounds good. There's a large Services point there at Milton Heights - maybe its a McDonalds or something.

Send us a PM Mark, we can exchange mobile numbers and meet up lunchtime - ish ?

have pm'd you

Got it - sent you a reply and number

Well - i think I got a result. 2 x 100% crops on AF

MFD shot with 50mm, @ f1.8, auto focus



Plus one from the 80-200 on 80mm, @ f3.2, auto focus