My Nikon D40 Isn't focusing properly?

I have the 18-55mm Nikkor Lens, I shoot on Manual with my SB 600 and I only use Auto Focus when shooting at a Party/Club. And the problem is… Instead of Focusing on the "Closest Subject" It focuses on the Subj behind the Closest Subj. Lol Sounds funny… What Can I do to fix that? My AF-Area mode is on "Closest Subject" And my Metering is on "Matrix"… Note: It randomly chooses when it wants to focus on the closest subj rather than what's behind it.

Use single point autofocus. Move the focus bracket over the area you want to be in focus, and there you go. Another way is to just leave the focus bracket fixed in the middle, focus first, hit the ae/af lock button (if your camera has it), then recompose.

Calibrate diopter first then set to focus at the center only. You can always hold the shutter button halfway to focus then reframe without losing focus. Consult the manual for the settings if you don't know how to do it.

Hm, either the len s needs calibrating, something you can easily check by doing some tests in a well lit enviroment, or you are struggling with the not all that bright d40 viewfinder in tricky circumstances.

I use spot metering & single point focus. Far more accurate.