Using the AF-C and AF ON method is no solution for D800.

inasir1971 wrote:

You are absolutely correct. Something is wrong. AF-S should, but doesn't work consistently particularly with fast primes and the error grows with distance. However this problem seems to be universal across D800/D4 (and probably anything with the CAM3500FX). Your D800, my D800/D4, those of many posters on the forum and reviewers like Lloyd Chambers who have pointed out the issue.

I have heard the same from Nikon service, use AF-S for static subjects, but then again these are the same people that assured me that my defective 24-70 was not defective, for months claimed that there was no issue with asymmetrical AF performance (i.e. left AF issue), etc.

I have decided that AF-S on the CAM3500FX simply doesn't work and will never work. By working around the problem using AF-C I have had the stress free use of the D800 (since March) and D4 (since July) which have worked without issue and haven't had to go in for repair.

Your D800 is going in for the fourth time.

What you haven't commented on is whether AF-C works on your camera - does it? If there is no problem with the AF sensor alignment/adjustment on the camera I believe that it will.

I discovered the workaround on this forum in March. A poster who was a wedding photographer using a D800 with 85/1.4G described inconsistent results with AF-S and how he had resorted to using AF-C.

Perhaps AF-S simply doesn't work reliably on the CAM3500FX with fast primes and may never do. It is easier (and more stress free) to use a workaround as one exists (AF-C/AF-ON) and move on. We are almost halfway through the model life of the D4.

This is in no way saying that it is acceptable, it isn't. However, I'd rather have use of my camera and will certainly not be buying anything with another incarnation of the CAM3500FX.