D2x back-focus problem confirmed by Nikon tech

#1 03-09-2006, 03:56 PM

I purchased my D2x at the end of December and immediately noticed that the images weren't as sharp as I expected and would occasionally be clearly back-focused. I brought the camera to NPS where an adjustment was made to the mirror box. I made some quick tests and everything seemed OK. On my next assignment, however, I began noticing serious back-focusing, especially on wider shots. (It was a conference where I was doing lots of podium photos.) I switched to my other bodies which produced sharp images.

I burned some of the back focused images to a CD and brought then along with my camera and lenses back to Nikon. The area tech rep shot some images with my 70-200 VR using different AF areas as well as manual focus. After looking at those images along with the ones on the CD, the three of us agreed that the camera is back-focusing. The repair technician said he would check the camera height and insert shims to square the body if needed. He said that shims are more likely than not too be inserted at the factory, although some bodies will come off the line perfectly square. The camera should be ready next Tuesday, when I will know if he was able to successfully eliminate the back-focus problem. If not, I will try to get Nikon to give me a new body. I'll post with the results after I get the camera back.

Herman

Ira_Skurnick · #2 03-09-2006, 09:34 PM

Good luck - let us know how things turn out for you.

Ira Skurnick

Roger_Martin · #3 03-10-2006, 10:51 AM

Just curious.

Are the shims rounded on the end and about 16th the width of the CMOS? I had one come loose last year and it stuck across the sensor creating some wierd effects on the pictures.

Nikon fixed that and went through the entire body before returning it after only a few days.

PS We have owned about a dozen Nikon DSLs and never had a back focus problem that wasn't caused by user error.

HermanFarrer · #4 03-12-2006, 08:49 PM

I haven't seen the shims, but I'll try to find out what size & shape they are. As for the back-focus problem, I gaurantee you that it's not user error. I've been shooting for too long with too many cameras to have made so many out of foucs images at one time. Nearly everyone of the nearly 300 frames was at least soft. Many were just plain out of focus. I almost always focus on a person's eyes. When the subject's head was large in the frame, the sharpest point was often their ears or shoulders. On wider shots, the wall behind them was usually where the camera focused.

Herman

[ QUOTE ]
Just curious.

Are the shims rounded on the end and about 16th the width of the CMOS? es.

PS We have owned about a dozen Nikon DSLs and never had a back focus problem that wasn't caused by user error.

[/ QUOTE ]

joedmiles · #5 03-13-2006, 06:34 AM

Just to say-I've just had my camera back from NPS after the lens jammed onto it but I also had intermittent back focussing problem (which I thought was due to my technique on focussing e.g. which setting to have it on) but I've now realised that all along it was the camera that was at fault. Since I've had my camera back I haven't had one back focussed image-totally pin sharp. Can't tell you how relieved I am, firstly that it's fixed the cameras back focussing problem plus that it wasn't 'MY' user error in the first place!

HermanFarrer · #6 03-14-2006, 03:34 PM

I dropped into the NPS sevice center today to test the body before bringing back home. I was told that the body height was perfect (within 0.005), but the AF system needed adjustment. I took the camera out to the street for some quick test shots went back to the shop to view them on their computer. Still not consistently sharp! I went back outside several times, including once with a tripod, to make sure it wasn't me. Also used three different lenses. The camera is now being sent to Melville team for diagnosis. And yes, that is smoke you smell coming from my ears.

BTW, the shims are little brass disks.

I'll let the board know how the problem resolves.

Herman

david_berkwitz · #7 03-14-2006, 04:05 PM

Been having focusing problems with my d2x for a while now. shot a job last week with an NPS body and a 70-200 af vr lens. i was using strobes so @ f7 i should have been sharp across the face. it was focusing somewhere btwn the head and the wall behind the guy. It is just soft, not what i expected after all these years shooting nikon in the worst conditions.
I have tried 3 lenses, two bodies, even in manual focus its focusing behing the subject. i thought i was a bit crazy but i can hand hold at 125th of sec no problem. there seems to be a problem out there because many of my friends are reporting similar problems.