| Author | Thread |
|
|
03/17/2010 12:57:05 PM · #1 |
Long story short (as I should be working and not thinking about cameras), I’ve got a consistent backfocus issue on my D200 using both my Nikon 105mm VR as well as with the 50mm f1.4. It seems to focus fine with the 17-55 f2.8.
In order to spare the details of the exact problem, let’s just say that if I focus with the 105, then take a step backwards and shoot with the original focus (as done by the autofocus), things are tack sharp. If this is not done, perfect focus seems to be around a foot passed the subject.
This issue has been confirmed by Nikon, who want $300 (!!!) to fix it. They claim they need to open up the camera, clean the ccd…. Blah blah blah. Needless to say, I’m not convinced as I’ve done some research and from what I understand the autofocus adjustments are done with two screws which are accessible once the mirror is popped up.
Anyone have any experience with this???
I don’t want my 17-55 not to focus properly anymore after an adjustment for the other two lenses (Nikon claims that they do the test on the camera itself, and not using any lenses).
Any advice is appreciated!
I’ll provide more details if the need arises.
Here’s a screengrab of the repair bill… (link below) it’s in French, so if anyone wants any translation, just let me know.
ETA: //www.dpchallenge.com/image.php?IMAGE_ID=861414 (sorry, can't use scripted windows at work)
Thanks!
Message edited by author 2010-03-17 12:59:13. |
|
|
|
03/17/2010 02:41:17 PM · #2 |
| everyone's d200s working flawlessly? |
|
|
|
03/17/2010 02:43:03 PM · #3 |
Shoulda got a Canon...
sorry, I had to. |
|
|
|
03/17/2010 02:49:43 PM · #4 |
Dudski, I did the exchange rate, unnecessarily. I can't believe roughly 300 Canadian equals 300 USD. Times have changed!
That's a lot of money, I agree, but you have to get it fixed, unless you think you'd rather put that money towards a new camera. But speaking personally, I'd always let the professionals handle it. |
|
|
|
03/17/2010 07:56:09 PM · #5 |
i think it's time for an upgrade!
You're worth more than a D200 :p
Message edited by author 2010-03-17 19:56:31. |
|
|
|
03/17/2010 09:08:24 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by labuda:
i think it's time for an upgrade!
You're worth more than a D200 :p |
Maybe....but there's something *SO* right about kickin' @$$ with a five year old brick!!......8>)
|
|
|
|
03/17/2010 10:36:40 PM · #7 |
Did this problem always happen ever since you got the lens/camera? or did it suddenly happen ?
in the first scenario there is probably some miscommunication between the lens and the body in other words the lens sees something while the body detects something else. a possible solution could be upgrading the firmware, Which i did easily on my D70 using software from the nikon website.
in the second scenario there is something definetly wrong and probably should be looked at by the professionals. and in this case i guess you gotta way in 300$ with a "maybe" fix to the solution, or add a few hundred $$ and get a new brick as NikonJeb said ;P |
|
|
|
03/17/2010 10:53:23 PM · #8 |
If I were you, I'd take that D200, sell it on ebay in AS-IS shape and state the problem with it in the auction listing and start the bidding at $0.01 and cross your fingers... then take the money and go out and put it towards a Used D300 as you can get a GREAT deal on them now and the D90/D300/D300s are all amazing cameras (all the same sensor pretty much)
It's always tempting to get things fixed... I dropped my Nikon 18-200mm VR lens in my car trunk last year... it didn't show any wear, but the AF was messed up at infinity past 135mm...
Nikon quoted me about $300 o fix it... so I put it on ebay with a big explanation of exactly what was wrong with it showing sample pics of the problem, and sold it As-Is....
it sold in three days for $475 US, and the buyer was very pleased with his purchase because he said that he never used it at 200mm anways... at the time, with the conversion that came to about $550 cdn...
So, I took that $550 Cdn, added on $200 and BAM! brand new lens!!! sooo for $100 less than the repair cost, I replaced my messed up one with a new one =)
good luck!, Just be sure to explain VERY specifically EXACTLY what is wrong with it when you list it on ebay... if you are 100% honest, people will trust you =)
Message edited by author 2010-03-17 22:54:02. |
|
|
|
03/18/2010 07:38:41 PM · #9 |
| According to Amazon a used D200 goes for around 600ish. So, I'd bet you could get between 300-400 for it on eBay -which would help going toward getting a refurbished D300 - which runs around 900ish |
|
|
|
03/26/2010 08:18:00 AM · #10 |
Thanks for the replies, everyone. To finish the story, I finally went with the following advice:
Originally posted by citymars:
That's a lot of money, I agree, but you have to get it fixed, unless you think you'd rather put that money towards a new camera. But speaking personally, I'd always let the professionals handle it. |
Got the camera back yesterday, finally focus at 1.4 (using the 50mm) is exactly where I want it! My 105mm is also finally usable for non-macro applications.
And, they even changed all my grips, dials, cleaned the sensor and all the insides.. all for "free"!
At least this will add to the resale value a little bit.
|
|
Home -
Challenges -
Community -
League -
Photos -
Cameras -
Lenses -
Learn -
Prints! -
Help -
Terms of Use -
Privacy -
Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2024 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 04/20/2024 12:51:24 AM EDT.
