focus issues...help?

dxqcanada · Feb 19, 2011

Do the rectangular focus points in the viewfinder look sharp (in focus) ?

Jarmo · Feb 19, 2011

RedWylder said:
Jarmo--No to the Diopter thingy as I have no idea what that is either. >< Thanks to this thread I am beginning to realize just how nuubish I am.

There should be a small adjusting ring or slide right next to the viewfinder. Also, the focus distance goes beyond infinity so no matter which way you turn the focus ring all the way, it won't be at infinity.

RedWylder · Feb 19, 2011

dxqcanada said:
OK, stupid me ... I assumed that ALL lenses had focus distance markers on it.

So at 55mm you set the lens to focus at the furthest point ... and objects in the distance did not look in focus through the viewfinder and/or in the actual image ?

Yes, that is right.

GooniesNeverSayDie11 · Feb 19, 2011

What settings are you shooting at? If you are shooting at a slow shutter speed, that could be your problem. Also, if you were on a tripod for the first shot, was the stabilization turned off on your lens? ( it should be when attached to a tripod ) Also, read your manual and learn how to lock the mirror ( or use live view ) This will eliminate the possibility that the slap of the mirror is causing the camera to vibrate. You were at 1/13th of a second so this is a possibility.

Also, as you get high on the F/stops there will be a point with which your lens starts to degrade due to defraction. Not sure about your specific lens, but I would wager that sharpness is probably starting to decline at f/16.

RedWylder · Feb 19, 2011

dxqcanada said:
Do the rectangular focus points in the viewfinder look sharp (in focus) ?

Also yes to this.

dxqcanada · Feb 19, 2011

RedWylder said:
dxqcanada said:

OK, stupid me ... I assumed that ALL lenses had focus distance markers on it.

So at 55mm you set the lens to focus at the furthest point ... and objects in the distance did not look in focus through the viewfinder and/or in the actual image ?

Click to expand...

Yes, that is right.

Opps, slow post.

RedWylder · Feb 19, 2011

GooniesNeverSayDie11 said:
What settings are you shooting at? If you are shooting at a slow shutter speed, that could be your problem. Also, if you were on a tripod for the first shot, was the stabilization turned off on your lens? ( it should be when attached to a tripod ) Also, read your manual and learn how to lock the mirror ( or use live view ) This will eliminate the possibility that the slap of the mirror is causing the camera to vibrate. You were at 1/13th of a second so this is a possibility.

Also, as you get high on the F/stops there will be a point with which your lens starts to degrade due to defraction. Not sure about your specific lens, but I would wager that sharpness is probably starting to decline at f/16.

Stabilization was ON. I was shooting at f16ish (I can never remember what I used) and a slowish shutter speed. My understanding is that the tripod should allow me to work with lower shutter speeds right?

dxqcanada · Feb 19, 2011

OK, it could be a problem with the lens.

If the focus screen is off then the captured image would be in focus.
If the sensor is off then the viewfinder image would be in focus.
I doubt that both would be off ... so I am going to conclude the lens has an problem.

Do you know anyone with a Nikon camera, that you can borrow a lens ... or drop by a camera shop.

GooniesNeverSayDie11 · Feb 19, 2011

I wouldn't screw with the diopter. If you are using AF, if the diopter was screwed up, you should still be able to get sharp shots. I mean it can't be so screwed up that you can't even manage to put the AF spot over the object. The camera doesn't rely on the diopter to do its job. This is either an issue with the lens, the sensor/focus system or user error. No offense, but in MOST cases, it would be the latter of the 3.

GooniesNeverSayDie11 · Feb 19, 2011

RedWylder said:
Stabilization was ON. I was shooting at f16ish (I can never remember what I used) and a slowish shutter speed. My understanding is that the tripod should allow me to work with lower shutter speeds right?

Yes a tripod should,but do some tests. IS should be turned OFF when you are using a tripod. Do a landscape shot on the tripod ( but turn IS OFF ). Also lock the mirror up. Then take the same shot with IS on, no mirror lock up, and see if there is a difference? You can also shake the camera when pressing the button ( thats why many people use cable releases ). If you have a cheap lightweight tripod, wind and vibration can transfer to the camera.

dxqcanada · Feb 19, 2011

Sensor, User Error, Camera Shake ... it doesn't matter ... the image looking through the viewfinder (and captured image ) is out of focus at infinity.

RedWylder · Feb 19, 2011

Goonies, I have no doubt that it could be me. I only began to suspect it wasn't me after repeatedly having issues. I will try all the things you mentioned to see what kind of results I get. The only other thing I have to mention that I took a bunch of pictures of people sledding yesterday with a fast shutter speed, autofocus and manual, wide and not wide aperture and still had focus issues. Only about 3 out of 200 were focused right.

But for now I need to take a break and clean my neglected house. Thanks for the advice and thoughts everyone.

GooniesNeverSayDie11 · Feb 19, 2011

Take it to your local camera shop. Is it still under warranty? Call Nikon and request service.

KmH · Feb 19, 2011

Reading over the thread, I doubt anything is wrong with either the camera or the lens and the issue is the camera operator.

You need to read your camera users manual. Diopter adjustment is on page 23, the section that covers focusing is pages 41 - 49, and lens users manual .

The lens manual mentions VR must be turned off when using a tripod.

The photo posted was made a 1/13 and f/16.

The scene did not require that small an aperture.

I also wonder how good the tripod is and if the OP is aware of the many techniques for using a tripod effectively.
Was it windy? Was the center column raised? Was the shutter released by using the timer or by hand?

Edit: I was going to mention - It's my understanding the complete D3000 users manual is on the white disc that comes with the camera, and is not a paper copy. The paper copy that comes with the D3000 being just a quick guide, not the complete users manual.

RedWylder · Feb 19, 2011

Like I said, it is very likely that it is indeed me but it's not just this one photo but most of mine. Of course that doesn't mean that it is not me but still it makes me wonder. KmH what are your thoughts on the infinity focus issue? I do not know one way or another but at 55mm there is no focus when turned all the way left or right.

Also, how the heck are you guys figuring out what my camera settings were when I can't even remember myself? lol Just curious. I'd like to know so I can figure out what I took it at.