Auto Focus Problem. Urgent Help Needed Please!

[mickwhit]

Hi All,

I recently received my camera after a three month wait getting it repaired by Maxwell because my camera went to sleep one night and never woke up (ended up requiring the power PCB to be replaced). Today was the first real ‘day out’ with it and I have noticed that now my camera's Auto Focus is playing up.

When I half press the shutter button to acquire focus the camera goes through all the motions of Auto Focusing (AF) but the focus is slightly off and causes my pictures to be blurry. Now I can get around this with some of my lenses, like my 17-55mm for example because I can fine tune the focus manually after the camera has attempted its AF routine. However, this is a really big problem for my 85mm lens because I have to unlock the focus ring and set the ring from AF to M then fine tune and as I am sure you can appreciate that extra time can make all the difference.

Now I have tried almost everything I can think of to rectify the problem with no success, hence my appeal to you for ideas (as I don't want to sed it back to Maxwell for another three month turn around).

I have adjusted the following settings with no difference to the camera's slightly off focus when using AF.

AF/M switch on the camera body - AF no difference
AF/M switch on the lenses - AF no difference
Auto Focus AF(S) and AF (C) - No difference
AF area mode - all settings. No difference
AF assist (shouldn’t matter) but again - No difference
AE-L/ AF-L in AF - No Difference
Focus Area (On/Off) no Difference.

Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanking you in advance.

Mick.

[Onyx]

Have you confirmed the pics out of focus by viewing the image on a computer or are you using the camera's back panel LCD or the viewfinder? It could be a simple matter of correct diopter setting for the latter, to much more troublesome measures needed including unfortunately trip back to Maxwell for your D70.

[mickwhit]

Thanks Onyx,

I also forgot to mention in my list of things I tried adjusting the diopter and it made no difference either and to answer your other questions, Yes, the images age blurry on my computer as well. DOH!!!

Cheers, and thanks for the reply.......and more ideas????


Cheers,

Mick.

[Andyt]

I know its obvious, but, have you tried a "reset"? i.e. restored all settings to factory default. Also a close look/check of the lense to body contacts?..

Good Luck!

[mickwhit]

Thanks Andyt

Yep, did the factory reset and I even pressed the reset at the base of the camera and it made no difference.

I forgot to add that after I AF then do a manual fine tune to get a perfectly clear image (without moving the camera) I then press the shutter button down again to re-AF and the image goes from crystal clear to blurry.

I have no idea. But honestly if my D70 has to go back to Maxwell, it would have spent more time in repairs than me actually owning it.

Thanks again.

Mick.

[fozzie]

Mick,

I have read your post, but afraid I am unable to assist, sorry. Unless someone on the forum can help, looks like it is back to Maxwell's. Please remember what I said to you the morning, if you have any further problem/s .

[mickwhit]

Cheers mate.

I'll keep it in mind.

Just out of curiosity, does yours camera AF ok? So that you can take a picture straight away (without manual finetune). As I am certain that before my camera went to sleep forever and required repairing, my camera AF perfectly first time.

DOH!!! I'll be annoyed if it has to go away again.

Cheers,

Mick.

[redline]

what type of scene are you testing on btw? out doors, indoors?

[fozzie]

Mick,

My D70 is working 100% in 'AF' and 'M'. I was switching between the two most of all day.

[gstark]

Mick

Thanks Onyx,

I also forgot to mention in my list of things I tried adjusting the diopter and it made no difference either and to answer your other questions, Yes, the images age blurry on my computer as well. DOH!!!

With all due respect, Onyx's response was entirely appropriate, and your "DOH!" remark here is completely out of order.

You made no mention of the dioptre settings in your initial query, nor did you mention the fact that you had examined the emages on your computer. My thoughts on reading your query were exactly what Onyx said, and had you responded to me in a similar manner, I would have seriously considered your continued membership on the forum.

That sort of attitude is simply not what we're about, and you should consider yourself warned.

Getting back to your issue, it would seem that Maxwell's have not dealt with getting the camera fixed correctly for you, and sadly, it would seem that it needs further attention. I would be calling them and speaking with the service manager, pointing out that you have already been without the camera for three months, and that this is now the second warranty issue that you will be returning the camera for, and as such, clearly the camera is in need of replacement, rather than repair.

[NetMagi]

I could be wrong, and please don't strike me down for defending him if I am, but I think his usage of the word (sound?) 'DOH!' describes his level of frustration with the issue. I think possibly you interpreted it as 'DUH!', meaning 'of course it's not one of those things'.

-Rich

[dooda]

I read it similar to Rich,

When I read "DOH" I interpret that as mimicking Homer Simpson's sound when he's particularly frustrated about something (as in, he saw the pic on the monitor screen and the the sound "DOH!" just comes out.) I don't think he was returning a sharp retort at Onyx (if you read the second "DOH" in his latter post I think it puts it in better context), but I of course could be wrong as well. Amazing how one little letter can change the entire meaning of a post.

FWIW, I thought it was a dioptre problem when first reading his post as well, as this happened to me twice. (And no I didn't learn the first time).

[NetMagi]

Homer Simpson's sound

exactly what I was thinking

[gstark]

I'm not happy to have this comment even being able to be interpreted as I have. Perhaps I'm wrong, but the juxtaposition of the "Doh", immediately adjacent to his response to Onyx's suggestion, seems to me to be a part of his direct response to Onyx.

It's unqualified too - not even a smiley with it.

Putting this another way, I don't permit flaming of any kind here, and if what someone is saying might be interpreted as flaming, then it's not acceptable, and in this case, perhaps we should consider whether or not the word in question adds anything of value to the post. Given its location, I suggest it does not, and that's how I see it.

Let's now keep the thread on-topic and see if we can find a solution to his problem.

[mickwhit]

Mick

Thanks Onyx,

I also forgot to mention in my list of things I tried adjusting the diopter and it made no difference either and to answer your other questions, Yes, the images age blurry on my computer as well. DOH!!!

With all due respect, Onyx's response was entirely appropriate, and your "DOH!" remark here is completely out of order.

You made no mention of the dioptre settings in your initial query, nor did you mention the fact that you had examined the emages on your computer. My thoughts on reading your query were exactly what Onyx said, and had you responded to me in a similar manner, I would have seriously considered your continued membership on the forum.

That sort of attitude is simply not what we're about, and you should consider yourself warned.

Getting back to your issue, it would seem that Maxwell's have not dealt with getting the camera fixed correctly for you, and sadly, it would seem that it needs further attention. I would be calling them and speaking with the service manager, pointing out that you have already been without the camera for three months, and that this is now the second warranty issue that you will be returning the camera for, and as such, clearly the camera is in need of replacement, rather than repair.

Hi gstark,

You have got it all wrong and you have completely misunderstood the context of my message. As both NetMagi and dooda have bought to your attention I was indeed mimicking the sound of Homer Simpson's frustration due to my continued camera problems.

If you read my reply again you will note that I am polite and appreciative of Onyx's rapid reply. I was by no means being direct, dry, unappreciative or derogatory towards him.

As like Onyx's reply I appreciate your feedback WRT what I should do with my camera. However, I would have greatly appreciated if you had of contacted me via pm rather than coming down all heavy as the site administrator and warning me and threatening if I was replying to you, you would consider removing my membership to this forum . I respect your position and appreciate everything you do for this forum but in this instance, you read my reply all wrong and I honestly believe that your reply is the 'one that is completely out of order' because I feel utterly disappointed and feel as though I have been personally attacked by you, in front of all to read.

I appreciate that it was late on Monday evening and that could explain how you misinterpreted my reply to Onyx and sometimes people cannot always gauge the tone in a written conversation. However, I feel that an apology should be forthcoming from you to rectify the unnecessary tension. Furthermore, I am not being unappreciative or disrespectful towards you, however this situation definitely requires an apology.

Thank-you again goes to Onyx, yourself and all the other members who are replied to the initial question seeking help WRT my camera. BTW I am not being attacking in my tone in this message, my tone is one of disappointment.

I lookforward to your reply.

Regards,

Mick.

[gstark]

Mick,

Let me put this very simply: you should not leave your statements open to misinterpretation.

The simple fact that I may have have misinterpreted what you said - and I'm not acknowledging that that I either have or have not) - means that your statement was ambiguous, and thus it was also open to others to misinterpret.

You have got it all wrong and you have completely misunderstood the context of my message. As both NetMagi and dooda have bought to your attention I was indeed mimicking the sound of Homer Simpson's frustration due to my continued camera problems.

And the point of that was ???

Perhaps I have, but why then even bother to add the comment, especially on exactly the same line, and immediately following your comment that you had already tried the actions that Onyx was suggesting?

If you read my reply again you will note that I am polite and appreciative of Onyx's rapid reply. I was by no means being direct, dry, unappreciative or derogatory towards him.

I noted your following paragraph when I initially read your message, but my observation remains valid - your placement of your comment was ambiguous and open to misinterpretation.

If you don't like that simple fact, then I'm sorry, but that's how it is.

However, I would have greatly appreciated if you had of contacted me via pm rather than coming down all heavy as the site administrator and warning me and threatening if I was replying to you, you would consider removing my membership to this forum .

The simple fact is that this is precisely how I would have treated your message, and I have no control over what you choose to write.

What I do have control of, however, is the etiquette on this forum, and within that context, one of the foremost and basic rules here is, as I have said once in this thread, flaming is not permitted.

I'm continually told that this is one reason why people enjoy themselves here, and if you're not capable of reading and perhaps editing out any ambiguities from your own words prior to pressing the send button, then I will warn you.

And sometimes that warning will be public.

I appreciate that it was late on Monday evening and that could explain how you misinterpreted my reply to Onyx and sometimes people cannot always gauge the tone in a written conversation.

And as I've already mentioned in this thread, that is where the use of smilies can, and should, be employed.

You chose to not employ a smiley.

You chose the juxtaposition of the words that you chose to write.

It was you who left your message open to misinterpretation.

I felt that I needed to make it very clear that flaming - or even the mere appearance of flaming - will not be tolerated.

I've already said that we should now keep this thread on topic, and so I would appreciate everybodies' cooperation in helping you achieve a resolution to your problem.

[leek]

I'm sorry to say so Gary, but I think you've gone off on a complete tangent here...
There was no malice or flaming contained in any of mickwhite's messages and I am at a complete loss to understand how you or anyone else could interpret them in that way... The general tone of his messages was very friendly.

DOH!! is a very commonly used phrase and in no way needs qualification with a smiley (in fact it is very similar to a smiley in itself)...

Now while this is your forum and you have the right to do run it the way that you will - I too am very disappointed in your harsh reaction and would hate to think that we'll all be walking on eggshells every time we make a post for fear that you will take it the wrong way...

I do value the friendly atmosphere here, and I think that the moderators need to put together a simple protocol for dealing with suspected flaming. If there is a consensus among 2 or 3 moderators that a post is unnacceptable, then it certainly needs to be stamped on...

Back on topic:
Mick: Sorry I don't have clue what the focus problem could be... But yes, you have the right to expect that AF should work fine for the majority of cases and should result in a sharp image, both in the viewfinder and on your computer screen. Sounds like a trip to Maxwell's will be necessary.

[mickwhit]

gstark,

Thanks for the reply,

Thank-you for your apology.........


My previous messages stand.

I too have enjoyed this forum and enjoy the good nature of the members with it.

It's a shame that you are the only person who is having difficulty interpreting the context of my messages.

I am not continuing the argument for the sake of it nor am I being argumentative or antagonistic, I will however stand up defend myself and correct you or others if they have obviously misinterpreted my comments and then reply with a blatantly aggressive public reply. I was offended by what you wrote and as such I qualified my comments.

This will be my last post on this topic as I'm a little annoyed that you obviously cannot or will not appreciate the context in which my post was written and we seem to be going round in circles butting heads. I honestly believe that you are being too harsh on me regarding this matter.

Thanks to you all the other replies and suggestions and I will be sending my camera back to Maxwell for further repairs.

Kind regards to all,

Mick.

[genji]

i know its fustrating...but here's my 2c
1. have u tried on all the different focus points? to narrow down which point or all the points is the culprit.
2. which focus area mode? happens to me alot! forget to change to desired focus mode

[Glen]

Mickwhit, I know you said you already tried this but the first thing I would adjust is CSM (custom settings menu) NO. 3, Af mode. There are three modes, single, dynamic and closest subject. I would set it to single. I would then adjust CSM NO18, which is AF illumination to on. This will allow you to tell what foucus point you are using. Now confirm by focussing on something that the centre cross hair is being used as it is a cross hair type (the best), it should light up in red. When we are sure press the AF lock to L, it is under the multifunction switch.

Now try focussing on something with the centre point. Is it in focus? If yes, then good. If no, try the other sensors after turning af lock off, change sensor, then lock again. Are they in focus? If nothing is in focus, try another lens. If again nothing works, my guess is a trip to Maxwells. Let us know your results.

[mickwhit]

Hi Genji and Glen (sorry to reply to both of you at once)

I appreciate your suggestions and I hope this clarifies things a little better.

I checked to make sure all my camera settings were correct since my camera's three month holiday at Maxwells and everything seemed to be in order.

I have tried using the other AF area mode selections (Single Area, Dynamic Area and Closest subject) with no difference what so ever in any mode - my AF is still out of focus and so are the resultant images. I also tried all the other focusing points (as recommended by both of you) to narrow it down as well but again that seemed to make no difference. (Nice idea though - thanks). I tried using all my other lenses and it was the same AF out of focus problem for all of them. Unfortunately I think my camera doesn't love me and it's going back on another holiday (TIC)

UPDATE: I just popped into town to see the Adelaide representative for Maxwell (Adelaide Technical Camera Services). The repairman tried several tests (all similar to mine) and he agrees the camera focus is out of alignment in both AF and MAN. He will sent it back to Maxwell (today) with an URGENT priority to have it repaired under warranty, so hopefully the wait this time wont be as significant.

Thanks again to all for your help, suggestions and support.

I'll keep you updated.

Kind Regards,

Mick.

[Glen]

Mick, very frustrating, hope you get a speedy resolution






ps Mick, while your camera is having a holiday in Sydney, don't forget the lenses, let them have one too! Send your 85 1.4 and 17-55 2.8 up to me for a holiday

[mickwhit]

 LOL,

Glen, I'd love to send up my lenses for a holiday however the nice repairman in Adelaide was kind enough to lend me the stores very own D100 to get me by in the interim given my ongoing problems and continued dissatisfaction.

I'll keep you in mind in the future

Cheers,

Mick.

[gstark]

Mick,

Glen, I'd love to send up my lenses for a holiday however the nice repairman in Adelaide was kind enough to lend me the stores very own D100 to get me by in the interim given my ongoing problems and continued dissatisfaction.

That's at least some consolation for the issues you're facing.

And full kudos to the store concerned for accepting that you're being inconvenienced far more than is reasonable, and providing you with this level of service.

Let's hope that your camera is returned to you in proper working order without too long a delay.

[mickwhit]

Thank-you gstark,

I agree the Adelaide repair store has done far more than is expected of them WRT customer satisfaction. Touché! Kudos to them. I certainly hope that Maxwell can follow suit to ensure I'll have my D70 back in a jiff and operating as advertised.

Cheers,

Mick.

[mickwhit]

Hi All,

I am writing to close out this thread and inform you all that I picked up my D70 on Monday and by all accounts it appears to be operating 'as advertised'. Woo-Hoo! (Best Said in Homer Simpson's voice). I was pleasantly surprised with the two week turn around to adjust my focus problem. It's a shame it had to go back so soon after its initial repair and fingers crossed it won't have to in future.

In the interim I was looking around dpreview the other day and came across a disturbing fact. Over 25% of Nikon D70 cameras have, or are likely to come down with the dreaded 'Blinky' fault (which is what my camera had to start with). For no reason what so ever the camera just goes to sleep forever and the only sign of life is the blinking CF card light. Nikon are aware of the problem but are not recalling cameras. Apparently the fault is related to a dodgy flexible ribbon cable inside the D70 which shorts out and then requires the main power printed circuit board to be replaced. Check it out at http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read. ... e=13079285 and http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read. ... e=10646260

Just out of curiosity, as I am interested to know, is there anyone else in Australia or on this forum for that matter that has experienced the dreaded 'Blinky' Camera will not wake up fault?

Cheers and happy shooting.

Mick.

[gstark]

Mick,

Great news, and a great result.

Thanx for keeping us informed of this.

Regarding your question, I know that a few have had their units sent back to Maxwell for varying items of warranty work, but I cannot recall if any were for the Blinky effect you're describing.

As a sidebar to this, we currently have around 750 members, and my recollection would be that maybe we've seen about 10 units returned for various warrantable reasons. That's around 1.5% of the membership, and to my mind, that's not too bad a ratio for faults found.

Certainly, I think you'd be hard pressed to find any new car manufacturer (for instance) with numbers that low ....

Just a random thought, and again, your news is certainly good news, and I'm looking forward to seeing some of your results posted.

[birddog114]

Mick,
Great to hear your problem is now solved, and hope it lasts.

[fozzie]

Mick,

Excellent news, just in time for our next meet, although place/date to be

determined:

http://www.d70users.com/viewtopic.php?t=5498


Have a great day,

[BBJ]

Hi Mick good to hear all fixed mate, can i ask where you had it fixed or sent to in Adelaide, as i took mine for a clean at Adelaide technical centre in Haifax street, he is the SA agent for Maxwells.
Cheers
John
BBJ

[mickwhit]

G'day BBJ,

Yep! Adelaide Technical Camera Services. The technician is a short little chineese man, he's very hard to understand but a nice chap though.

He forwards almost everything to Maxwells as he is unable to repair onsite.

Cheers,

Mick.

[birddog114]

G'day BBJ,

Yep! Adelaide Technical Camera Services. The technician is a short little chineese man, he's very hard to understand but a nice chap though.

He forwards almost everything to Maxwells as he is unable to repair onsite.

Cheers,

Mick.

Perhaps he's a Jap! disguised as a Chineese