What should I do if my camera is still not focusing properly after a service?
I got a Nikon d7000 for Christmas and noticed it wasn't focusing properly. It's all over the place. I use single point focus and put it right on the subject and it is not even close to sharp. I've reset the camera, sent it in to be looked at, tried adjustments on the lens (can't think of the term right now). I previously had a d5000 and never once had a problem. At what point will Nikon just give me another new camera? If they couldn't fix it the first time i don't feel that they will this time. It's very noticeable to me. Can anyone shed some light please?
Quite often, when there's a bona-fide focus problem, you need to send in both the camera and lens so they can align them properly… Assuming it is a Nikon lens. If it is a 3rd party lens, then Nikon will not help you.
The D7000 has a fine tune focus adjust. Have you tried that? That might fix your problem without any further action required.
Was this lens used on the D5000 or is it a new lens?
If it is a fast telephoto lens, your problem could be as simple as insufficient DoF for the photo situation at hand.
Did Nikon repair your camera or did some other service?
Contact Nikon and tell them about the problem you are having with the auto-focus.
It may be that part of the problem is with the lens. Does this happen with other Nikkor lenses?
I recently sent my old Nikon D300 into Nikon for a focusing problem that appeared after I was hammered by a football player when I was shooting from the sidelines. They replaced the auto-focus motor as well as the auto-focus sensing electronics.
They sent a memo that told me exactly what they replaced. If Nikon did the repair, you should have a similar list.
They probably will not replace your camera. Sometimes you have to be explicit when you turn in a camera for repair. Show that the D7000 is out of focus when your D5000 is in focus using the same lens, on the same subject with the same light.
I'm not convinced it's a fault either, i'd need to see an example of your images and that might not help either because the problem could be related to your technique…
Don't get upset… I'm not criticising you… I'm just highlighting how difficult it is being a service/repair technician… Only one or two have crystal balls and the last time I heard there were only 4 psychic technicians left… So bet patient…
I actually use the D7000 and it's the best camera i've ever worked with… I used Nikon UK to repair a D7100 and they were absolutely great, very professional… Cameras are sophisticated instruments and sometimes things go wrong, i'ts not much fun when you can't nail a problem… Not much fun for Nikon and not much fun for the customer… Keep a cool head and try to work with them, you'll experience a much higher level of customer service.
Nikon calibrate equipment to the manufacturers specifications when servicing… And that calibration is checked before the equipment is returned… They don't always get it right… It's unusual though for them to get things wrong.
Just a quick edit… I only shoot in manual mode and I focus manually too… Depending on what you are doing you might get better results by choosing single point AF (see page 95 of your manual)… And it is possible that you might need to fine tune the cameras focus - this You Tube clip shows you how:
Go back and have it reserviced! Service has warranty. IF the issue has not been resolved, you're not supposed to pay any more until it gets fixed. Parts on the other hand are another matter.