Testing D800 for left focus issue

the_local_jacko

the_local_jacko

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Martin
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I have purchased a D800 second hand online and although the shop assured me it had been tested, I would like to do it myself while I am in the 7 day grace period. I don't want to add too many clicks to the shutter however so I was wondering whether it would be obvious if there is an issue and the best way of testing it is?
 
Take a photo with center point, sharp, move af point to left extreme, take shot, soft? Dud, almost as sharp as center? Winner
 
tripod, fastest lens you have, centre shot , de-focus, centre shot using live view and compare
left point de-focus, and same with live view
if difference is huge then you have a problem
 
I didn't need to compare against live view, you'll notice if either aren't sharp esp with 36mp, it's easy to tell if its out compared to center point as looks a lot worse.
 
Ok thanks for that so I'm getting the impression that doing those tests it will be pretty obvious if there's an issue. I'm just a little tetchy given its a second hand body and reading the issues others have had.
 
From the images I've seen of body's affected you'll easily notice it, much softer. Expect it to be a bit softer though as you'll be shooting the edges of the frame and lenses aren't as good at the edges as in the center.
 
twist said:
From the images I've seen of body's affected you'll easily notice it, much softer. Expect it to be a bit softer though as you'll be shooting the edges of the frame and lenses aren't as good at the edges as in the center.
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If there's any doubt I will post them up and get second opinion from the good old TP community. :-)
 
Good idea, like Baltic said, don't forget to refocus between switching points.
 
Thanks. It looks pretty obvious there. I don't have any of the stated lenses in that video so the 24-70 at f2.8 is the best that I can do.
 
That's fine, as long as you aren't using a slow kit lens the test should be fine, a faster lens just cancels out dof complications.
 
the_local_jacko said:
I have purchased a D800 second hand online and although the shop assured me it had been tested, I would like to do it myself while I am in the 7 day grace period. I don't want to add too many clicks to the shutter however so I was wondering whether it would be obvious if there is an issue and the best way of testing it is?
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Can I please ask where did you buy it from? Thanks
 
twist said:
Good idea, like Baltic said, don't forget to refocus between switching points.
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Who????


BASTIC!!!!!!


:)
 
architectfadi said:
I was also looking at their website as they currently have few second hand ones, very tempting
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If you do then just make sure they include the charger with yours. :-) Mine arrived yesterday and to be fair the body itself is in even better condition than was described. It was listed as excellent++ but its more like mint to me. The only issue is they forgot to put the charger etc in the box and the body was switched to 'on' when it arrived so battery completely dead. I called them and the charger, strap, av lead etc were straight in the post to arrive early next week and they were very apologetic. It was quite disappointing however especially as I have a family portrait shoot this morning which I was hoping to give it a run out on. I can't even fire a few test shots or test the left focus point with a completely dead battery. :-(
 
Well it seems my worst fears have been realised and the evidence is pretty conclusive. :-(

Focus using the left focus point


Left Focus with Focus Point by the_local_jacko, on Flickr

Focus using live view.


Left Focus With Live View by the_local_jacko, on Flickr

I am really gutted about this whole thing especially as I rang up MBP before purchasing to specifically to check whether it had the issue. Then I have had to wait to receive the charger that they forgot to send and now it looks like its going back. To be honest I probably would never use the left focus point that often but I don't want to be stuck lumbered with faulty goods. I am not even sure if its worth bothering again with another D800 given the amount of people with these issues. I have had my heart set on a D800 for some time but im tempted to try to get a refund and go for a D600.
 
twist said:
Lol, stupid auto correction on iPad.
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I have had this issue too only for me it brings up [PLEASE DON'T TRY TO BYPASS THE SWEAR FILTER] haha. Anytime I had type bastics name lol
 
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Also my D800 didn't exhibit the left focus issue however it did require some hefty AF adjust when I tested using the dot tune method for AF testing. I wish I didn't actually test the camera with such OCD fashion. I just hope when it comes back its working as should! I love the D800 and would hate to send it back for a refund as my other half bought me the camera. That and it would mean I'd be moving systems to a 5D MK3
 
the_local_jacko said:
Well it seems my worst fears have been realised and the evidence is pretty conclusive. :-(

<snip>

I am really gutted about this whole thing especially as I rang up MBP before purchasing to specifically to check whether it had the issue. Then I have had to wait to receive the charger that they forgot to send and now it looks like its going back. To be honest I probably would never use the left focus point that often but I don't want to be stuck lumbered with faulty goods. I am not even sure if its worth bothering again with another D800 given the amount of people with these issues. I have had my heart set on a D800 for some time but im tempted to try to get a refund and go for a D600.
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Nikon must surely have sorted this pronto. It's only a manufacturing calibration issue. D800 is a great camera :)
 
HoppyUK said:
Nikon must surely have sorted this pronto. It's only a manufacturing calibration issue. D800 is a great camera :)
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Yes they probably have but given the fact the camera has only been available for a year it means most of the D800 on the second hand market are probably from the early batches. I am concerned that another second hand camera has a high chance of having the same issue. I can't afford a new one unfortunately.
 
the_local_jacko said:
Yes they probably have but given the fact the camera has only been available for a year it means most of the D800 on the second hand market are probably from the early batches. I am concerned that another second hand camera has a high chance of having the same issue. I can't afford a new one unfortunately.
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Then get Nikon to fix it and enjoy now :)
 
HoppyUK said:
Then get Nikon to fix it and enjoy now :)
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One option I am considering. Not sure whether that's a possibility however as I assume the warranty is registered with the original owner and no idea if it transfers. I only have 7 days to return it to MPB so theres risk Nikon may say no after the 7 days has passed.
 
the_local_jacko said:
One option I am considering. Not sure whether that's a possibility however as I assume the warranty is registered with the original owner and no idea if it transfers. I only have 7 days to return it to MPB so theres risk Nikon may say no after the 7 days has passed.
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Then phone them and clarify. I'd have thought they'd want to fix it, quickly and with a smile, with a fault obviously from new. It's disappointing for sure, but I can't think of any recent high-end DSLR that has been 100% from launch.

architectfadi said:
Dont you get a 6month warranty from MPB?
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Yes :)
 
architectfadi said:
Dont you get a 6month warranty from MPB?
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You get a 6 month warranty but 7 days to check and return for refund if your not happy with it. If I go beyond the 7 days it becomes more of a grey area. When I queried initially as to whether it had the issue they said to check it and get it back to them in 7 days if I'm not happy. I'm gonna ring them tomorrow and discuss the options but if there's any doubts I'd rather get the cash back in the bank and look at options.
 
They have another D800 in stock, phone them up and make it clear to them that youre unhappy with the service as a whole and would like to either have the camera repaired by Nikon at their cost (get it in writing) or a TESTED replacement sent out with postage both ways paid by themselves. Id be pretty annoyed if I were in your shoes especially after your specific requests.
 
the_local_jacko said:
One option I am considering. Not sure whether that's a possibility however as I assume the warranty is registered with the original owner and no idea if it transfers. I only have 7 days to return it to MPB so theres risk Nikon may say no after the 7 days has passed.
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HoppyUK said:
Then phone them and clarify. I'd have thought they'd want to fix it, quickly and with a smile, with a fault obviously from new. It's disappointing for sure, but I can't think of any recent high-end DSLR that has been 100% from launch.
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All of the instances of people having this issue with 2nd hand bodies I'm aware of Nikon have recalibrated focus with a smile and as a gesture of goodwill.

I've also not heard of any bodies bought new after about Sept. last year with the issue
 
I have called them this morning. They have asked me to return it to to them and they will reimburse me on postage and said I can either have a refund, a replacement as they have another D800 in stock or they can send it to Nikon to have it repaired on my behalf. I am waiting for more info but I think I will go for option 2 although the one they have in stock doesn't have a charger so ill have to purchase one additionally but it does have less clicks.

I must say that although I've had issues with the order the customer service team has been excellent and they have acted very quickly and bent over backwards each time. It's just been disappointing how its all panned out.
 
Good to hear youre getting it resolved. I guess it depends on if you want to wait, a used charger is £30, perhaps ask them if they can include the charger you have for a discounted price or gesture of goodwill for the TESTED replacement body.
 
twist said:
Good to hear youre getting it resolved. I guess it depends on if you want to wait, a used charger is £30, perhaps ask them if they can include the charger you have for a discounted price or gesture of goodwill for the TESTED replacement body.
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Cheers. Yes I'm hoping I can agree something on the charger but we will see.

Thanks for everyone's advice.
 
What happened to the pics on Flickr Martin? Just found this thread. Would've liked to have seen them.
 
Yes sorry, I took them down last night forgetting they were used in here but when I get home ill stick them back on later this evening.
 
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