Nikon Nikon Df Viewfinder Focusing Conundrum

dermaus

Regular
Location
Pacific Northwest, USA
Name
Jeff
Playing around with my new-to-me Df and have run into an issue - the camera will not lock focus when half pressing the shutter button while looking thru the viewfinder. It simply racks back and forth. I have it set to AF-S, Normal area. The AF switch on the camera body is set to AF and the switch on the lens is set to AF/M. I’m using the Nikkor 50 1.8 G that focuses fine on my D700.

Originally, the AF point wouldn’t even light up in the viewfinder, but playing around with some settings I was able to get it so I can see it. However, even though the grid and AF points now light up, the focus motor just racks back and forth. I’ve attempted to focus on a multitude of subjects, especially those the camera should have no issues focusing on. I’ve used both shutter half-press and AF-On. No difference, it just racks back and forth all the time. Note, in live view, the camera focuses fine. Also, I’ve reset the camera using the two-green button method, which I figured would definitely fix it, but no dice, which is worrisome. I’m hoping someone has a good idea and/or has run into this issue before. Thanks in advance!
 
I'm afraid it all sounds a bit like symptoms of focus malfunction that needs a service.

You see the camera uses different tech and different components to focus when you're in LV vs mirror down.

I have it set to AF-S, Normal area.
What's this normal area, I don't right away remember this phrase this early into my morning? Have you tried the camera with AF in center spot only?
 
Did you buy it used? From a store or a private seller? Go back to them and ask about it
My Df never has done anything like you describe and it does not sound like it's working the way it should
Thanks, Irene. I purchased used from MPB. I’ll be able to return it, just hoping the problem is somehow on my end. With how complicated these cameras can be, it’s kind of possible. Though, I have a D700, Z5, and have owned a D750 so I somewhat know my way around Nikons. Anyway, I’ve sent MPB a message and will hopefully figure this out later today!
 
Thanks, Irene. I purchased used from MPB. I’ll be able to return it, just hoping the problem is somehow on my end. With how complicated these cameras can be, it’s kind of possible. Though, I have a D700, Z5, and have owned a D750 so I somewhat know my way around Nikons. Anyway, I’ve sent MPB a message and will hopefully figure this out later today!
I hope it comes right - please keep us informed of what develops
 
Did you end up returning your Df to MPB? Because sounds EXACTLY like the problem I’m experiencing with my “like new” Df purchased last week from MPB….In fact seeing we’re you’re from, it’s the same general location as my Df’s time zone was set to. And they tried to sell it as like new.
 
Did you end up returning your Df to MPB? Because sounds EXACTLY like the problem I’m experiencing with my “like new” Df purchased last week from MPB….In fact seeing we’re you’re from, it’s the same general location as my Df’s time zone was set to. And they tried to sell it as like new.
Hi @wildcatlaw2011. Welcome. Yes, I did end up returning the Df. Unfortunately, for the life of me I can't recall whether it was black or silver, but the body was in pristine condition. The package also didn't come with the NIKON MH-24 BATTERY CHARGER, which they reimbursed me for. Man, I hope they didn't resell it. I've only purchased a few times from MPB and have been OK with their service until receiving that Df. There was that issue and then along with that, it took over a month for them to pay me for gear I sold to them as part of the transaction. I'm not sure if they would reuse a SKU, but mine was 1710373.
 
Hi @wildcatlaw2011. Welcome. Yes, I did end up returning the Df. Unfortunately, for the life of me I can't recall whether it was black or silver, but the body was in pristine condition. The package also didn't come with the NIKON MH-24 BATTERY CHARGER, which they reimbursed me for. Man, I hope they didn't resell it. I've only purchased a few times from MPB and have been OK with their service until receiving that Df. There was that issue and then along with that, it took over a month for them to pay me for gear I sold to them as part of the transaction. I'm not sure if they would reuse a SKU, but mine was 1710373.
Well, looks like it was the exact same camera…. Second major issue I’ve had with them. Just returned it this week so others beware! Bought a D700 last year as well in good condition. Within 1 minute of using it was able to determine that it had some issue where when you pushed the shutter button, it would switch shooting modes and settings.
 

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Well, looks like it was the exact same camera…. Second major issue I’ve had with them. Just returned it this week so others beware! Bought a D700 last year as well in good condition. Within 1 minute of using it was able to determine that it had some issue where when you pushed the shutter button, it would switch shooting modes and settings.
That’s incredibly disconcerting. They should have been well aware of the focusing issue as 1. I made them aware and 2. they tout their “MPB approved” mark - “This item was thoroughly checked and approved by our team of product specialists in our Brooklyn warehouse.” This a solid example that this likely just isn’t true. I will definitely think twice before I shop with them again.
 
Wow. That's unfortunate.

Typically I only buy used gear from Map Camera off of E-Bay. Always very short delivery, always a better product than described, always very well documented and presented.

Definitely not the cheapest around, but I've very happily bought two cameras and two lenses from them.
From Japan, right? How concerned are you about any potential issues popping up? I do see the seller pays for return shipping, which is positive.
 
Yeah they're from Japan. To be honest I don't worry about that.

One of the amazing things about doing business with them, is there is always a hand written note of thanks in the box.

Dunno why, but I think if they provide this sort of personalization to purchases, than they would likely do whatever they had to to rectify an issue.

Cheers,
 
Yeah they're from Japan. To be honest I don't worry about that.
I buy stuff from the Japanese, as well, and what I get are usually much better than the rating, way better. Even locally, when it's bought from a Japanese, it's not uncommon for me to get an item that looks like new even if it's extensively used or it's already old. The thing is, they carry their camera all the time! They don't usually worry about the shutter release count but they are very particular about scuffs, scratches, paint condition, etc. There was a Ricoh Pentax K-3 for sale last year and it's in A-Grade (Map Camera), which sold for around USD777, and it had 120,000 shutter actuations, whereas, there was this one with 15,000+ shutter release but with plenty of scuffs like the previous owner didn't really care and that sold for around USD300. It's just pretty common for me to get mint items from them.

One of the amazing things about doing business with them, is there is always a hand written note of thanks in the box.
This is true. I like that culture, actually. My brother living in Japan says that sharing is a proper culture there. When somebody buys from someone, part of the seller is also shared. He said there isn't that much brand tribalism/snobbery that we here in the West get with our cameras, cars, phones, etc.
 
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