Focus Adjustment/calibration

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6 Jan 2009
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Hi All,

I have a D3100, of which a 35mm 1.8 is attached a majority of the time. Although it is a fantastic lens, I am relatively disappointed with my ability to get the eyes to really pop and look 'tack' sharp - which is obviously disappointing in a portrait.

I use auto focus with a single focus point, shooting in manual exposure mode. For portrait shots I generally shoot wide open in most situations, and position the focus selection point on the eye nearest to me. Although my shots are OK, the eyes just aren't quite right - or as good as they could be.

Am I correct in thinking it is possible to fine tune/calibrate the autofocus on the camera itself or on the lens, or have I misinterpreted something? Or is my kit too basic to entertain such an idea.

Any pointers would be much appreciated.
 
Some bodies have a micro adjustment function - either globally, per lens model or both.
I personally don't know of any lenses you can adjust.

However, I dont know much about Nikons and I had a quick look and it doesn't appear to be a feature of the D3100.

Maybe you could establish if there is actually a front/back focusing issue:
http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/article_pages/cameras/1ds3_af_micoadjustment.html

This page details how you can check if you actually have any issue - if you have, maybe a Nikon service centre can zero you camera to your lens.
 
I have an old thread on the same thing with my D90. After doing a few tests, I Sent it back to the shop who sent it to Nikon for checking. Took 6 weeeks but it came back a lot better.
 
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