My D700 doesn't seem to autofocus as well as it used to when using non-center AF points. Is it possible for the AF sensors to degrade with age? I wouldn't think so, but I don't understand how they work.

The other possibility is I am shooting differently than I used to, e.g. the edge sensors aren't as good but I used them less in the past and didn't notice.

>My D700 doesn't seem to autofocus as well as it used to when
>using non-center AF points. Is it possible for the AF sensors
>to degrade with age? I wouldn't think so, but I don't
>understand how they work.
>
>The other possibility is I am shooting differently than I used
>to, e.g. the edge sensors aren't as good but I used them less
>in the past and didn't notice.

I think it may be the latter.

They don't degrade with age any more than the overall camera does.

Russ
Nikonian Team Member
Russell MacDonald Photography
Nikon CLS Practical Guide

I'm with Russ on this. The center three columns are cross sensors while the outer four columns on each side are not.

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Joseph K
Seattle, WA, USA

D700, D200, D70S, 24-70mm f/2.8, VR 70-200mm f/2.8 II, 50mm f/1.4 D,
17-55mm f/2.8 DX, 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR, 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 DX

I sure HOPE they don't degrade with age. I'm already old and feel sometimes like I am degrading! But I have not experienced this with eityher of my D700 bodies. I have not experienced what you describe -- and I hope it isn't contagious! I would try test shots to try to recreate the phenomena and then examine possible causes. If you have indeed changed something about how you work or how your camera is set up, you may be able to disgnose the problem. If not, you might start by going to a good professional camera store and finally, a camera repair facility (Nikon authorized)if you still can't overcome the issue. Good luck!

Alan
Waterloo, IL, USA
www.proimagingmidamerica.com

Visit my Nikonians gallery.

I am having the same thoughts recently about my D300, so I consider the question a good one. And a lady from the bird club is coming over Sunday to focus tune and have a diagnosis session. In both her and my case, there appears to be a consistency issue.

If I come to any conclusions or progress I'll report back

Best regards, SteveK

'A camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera.' -- Dorothea Lange
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My Nikonians Blog

It may be possible that the AF sensors have some dirt or dust on them, just like the sensor and viewfinder get dusty. That is not "wearing out" but it does suggest a CLA might be in order just for problem elimination.

_________________________________
Neil
Nikonians Team
My Gallery

Any sense that AF sensors can be DIY cleaned? My sense is no, but thought I'd ask.

Best regards, SteveK

'A camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera.' -- Dorothea Lange
My Nikonians gallery
My Nikonians Blog

I don't recall ever reading an easy DIY For Dummies kind of procedure. It's a good question!

_________________________________
Neil
Nikonians Team
My Gallery

Thanks. I may suggest CLA to D300 owner from the Bird Club if we can't get AF fine tune or contact cleaning to solve her issues.

Best regards, SteveK

'A camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera.' -- Dorothea Lange
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