There’s no relation between the numbers on the chart and in the camera… the chart numbers are just to have some text that’s easy to compare in front and behind the plane of focus. To adjust camera fine tuning, experiment. —Jeffrey

From Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, thank you again.

I wonder if I’m doing something wrong with the charts? I’ve tried prints of the 25%, 15%, and 5% charts with my D7000 using the 24-70mm 2.8G lens and it always focuses on the gray areas! Haven’t been able to print an test file that confuses the D700 autofocus so I can get on with the rest of the test procedure.

I’m printing on a satin paper — would that make a difference?

Thanks

The paper could make a difference, as could your printer, but it’s also possible that the D7000′s autofocus sensor is much more sensitive? —Jeffrey

Another question I have is a few other posters have eluded to “dialing in” focus offsets in the programming in order to compensate for the back or front focusing issue in various lenses. Is that a setting possible in my D80? Is there a software focus offset in a hidden menu somewhere? Perhaps is there an adjustment screw to reposition the focus sensor? My apologies for a long post.

It seems that the D80 does not have per-lens calibration, but there is a set screw in the mirror box: see here. I never thought much about why lenses might require lens-specific adjustments… I just figured focusing is a complex chain of events with many variables, some of which depend on the specifics of each unit. Now that you ask, I find myself wondering as well…—Jeffrey

I’m sure my comments are no different than the dozens already stated here … your charts absolutely makes the difference between frustrating, inconsistent results and a properly adjusted lens/body combination. Your design is simple, clever and very effective.
I had tried several of the “other” lens charts and had become very frustrated with my lens collection. After using your charts (and following your clear instructions) I’m now a happy camper.

Thanks for all that you do,
It does make a difference for those of us that work hard to earn the gear we have.

My very best,

dave

Just for the record I live in Scotland. I first used your excellent charts in 2009 when I had my D70s and D200 and I was very impressed with all the helpful info on your website then. I am back again as I need the help of your charts. I now have a D300 & a D700. Lenses include Nikkor 70-200 f2.8 VR1 & Sigma 28-70 f2.8 EX IF DG HSM. Recently the Sigma developed a focusing fault and it went back to Sigma. It has been returned and the focusing fault [it would not stop hunting] has been rectified. I wanted to check the focus accuracy of the Sigma on both bodies.

After much adjustment using the “AF Fine Tune” feature on both bodies I find this lens does not need any adjustment on the D300 whereas it needs -15 or even -20 on the D700! I am quite confused, more than a little disappointed, and would greatly appreciate your comments and advice.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Reg Gray.

I don’t have a lot of insight into the AF Fine Tune feature on cameras, but I would expect that they are relative to an average setting for the specific body. I can imagine that the same lens on several D700s could result in different fine-tune settings, because it’s not an absolute statement about the lens, but rather, about the lens/body combination. —Jeffrey