D5100 Images only clear and sharp using live view

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping someone has experienced this and found the problem which causes this as well.

I've had my D5100 for about 2 years now, probably over 10,000 pictures taken. It took beautiful pictures all up until about a few months ago where I was getting a lot of noise even at high ISO. I generally shoot in Aperture priority since most of shots are of my baby daughter but I can sometimes get a professional looking photo in this mode. Anyway, lately the pics have either been noisy or just plain out of focus. I don't shoot in dusty conditions but I did see some dust inside. I have a Nikon pen to keep the lenses clean and actually was successful using it on the internal mirror to remove a smudge. I was getting razor sharp images and was ecstatic and thought it was all good. Now after some time, the camera will only focus properly in live view mode. If I am shooting normally through the viewfinder I choose where I want to focus and take the pic. Checking the shot on the camera, there is no spot on the LCD where the picture is in focus. If I take the pic in live view, I can get eyeballs dead on balls sharp. The lenses I am using are the Tamron 18-270 and Nikon 35mm 1.8 both of which produced excellent pictures up until the problems started. Any suggestions on what the problem might be would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

LP99XJ said:

Hi everyone,
If I take the pic in live view, I can get eyeballs dead on balls sharp. The lenses I am using are the Tamron 18-270 and Nikon 35mm 1.8 both of which produced excellent pictures up until the problems started. Any suggestions on what the problem might be would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Click to expand...

It may be that the PDAF (viewfinder focus) system has gotten out of calibration. Than can happen. Can also happen if dust or debris has gotten on the PDAF unit located at the bottom of the mirror box.

Test the system using the method in the link below. Use the pics from that test (if it shows focus issues) and send it to Nikon for service.

How to test Focus

Good Luck and let us know how it goes.

Thank you Mako2011- I actually found similar information and a video on how to fine tune it on youtube. The D5100 has 2 small hex screws in the body and are accessible when you remove the lens and flip the mirror up for cleaning. In attempts to fine tune the camera after the issue started I was able to get better pictures but letting the camera sit overnight and trying it the next day the focus was out again. However, looking at the link that you posted for me, I do see a few steps that I did not see in the other links so maybe it didn't work correctly due to those steps missing. Thank you for that link. I am going to try it again step by step and report back. My question now is, I know the rear screw is for the focus tuning but I cannot find any information on what the front hex screw does. I haven't touched that one but if it's for another adjustment I can't find any information on it. Thanks again, I appreciate it.

Hi LP

I tightened the hex screws and fixed the problem- got crystal clear AF. Still sold the D5100 though. I'd had enough of the camera by them and got rid of it quickly.

LP99XJ said:

Thank you Mako2011- I actually found similar information and a video on how to fine tune it on youtube. The D5100 has 2 small hex screws in the body and are accessible when you remove the lens and flip the mirror up for cleaning. In attempts to fine tune the camera after the issue started I was able to get better pictures but letting the camera sit overnight and trying it the next day the focus was out again. However, looking at the link that you posted for me, I do see a few steps that I did not see in the other links so maybe it didn't work correctly due to those steps missing. Thank you for that link. I am going to try it again step by step and report back. My question now is, I know the rear screw is for the focus tuning but I cannot find any information on what the front hex screw does. I haven't touched that one but if it's for another adjustment I can't find any information on it. Thanks again, I appreciate it.

Click to expand...

Hi.

Those screws are not for focus-tuning, they are for aligning the two mirrors in exactly 90 degrees - to the focussensor, to the viewfinder and to them selves.

It's very rarely, these two mirrors are out of alignment - unless you are very sure, this is your problem, don't mess around with them - just an advice. It has to be very exactly 90 degrees.

Focusing repairs should be done by professionals - they align the focussensor inside the camera.

Of course - you could be some kind of an engineer - or a very lucky gambler - otherwise it's not DIY - no matter the internet.

BirgerH.

I gathered from your post that you cleaned the mirror with a lens pen. I'm wondering if pressure on the mirror could have caused the sort of damage that would affect focusing ability off the mirror. That would explain why focusing from LV worked better. The mirror is not employed.

I cleaned the mirror on my D5100 with a microfiber cloth, and after that it never focused as accurately in viewfinder AF mode, either.

LP99XJ said:

It took beautiful pictures all up until about a few months ago where I was getting a lot of noise even at high ISO.

Click to expand...

This is normal. the noise increases with ISO speed.

LP99XJ said:

I generally shoot in Aperture priority since most of shots are of my baby daughter but I can sometimes get a professional looking photo in this mode. Anyway, lately the pics have either been noisy or just plain out of focus. I don't shoot in dusty conditions but I did see some dust inside. I have a Nikon pen to keep the lenses clean and actually was successful using it on the internal mirror to remove a smudge. I was getting razor sharp images and was ecstatic and thought it was all good. Now after some time, the camera will only focus properly in live view mode. If I am shooting normally through the viewfinder I choose where I want to focus and take the pic. Checking the shot on the camera, there is no spot on the LCD where the picture is in focus. If I take the pic in live view, I can get eyeballs dead on balls sharp. The lenses I am using are the Tamron 18-270 and Nikon 35mm 1.8 both of which produced excellent pictures up until the problems started. Any suggestions on what the problem might be would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Click to expand...

Maybe the PDAF is defective. I would service it.

shutterbud said:

Hi LP

I tightened the hex screws and fixed the problem- got crystal clear AF. Still sold the D5100 though. I'd had enough of the camera by them and got rid of it quickly.

Click to expand...

Hi Shutterbud,

It's funny you mentioned that. I've been trying to mess with this thing the past 2 days and I did notice that the hex screw in the back needed to be tightened a pretty good amount. Last night I did the adjustment, took some pics and the pictures looked much better. However, I let the camera sit overnight and tried to take pictures again today and they are out of focus again. Like you I am looking to unload this camera as well. I can't have a hit or miss camera. I was looking at the D5300 so I'd have extra batteries from the 5100 and I already bought the camera grip which fits it too. My other option is the 7100 which I tried from a friend which was really nice. I may go with that since the AF fine tuning is done in the menu and my pics are a must to be tack sharp. Thanks for the information.

BirgerH said:

LP99XJ said:

Thank you Mako2011- I actually found similar information and a video on how to fine tune it on youtube. The D5100 has 2 small hex screws in the body and are accessible when you remove the lens and flip the mirror up for cleaning. In attempts to fine tune the camera after the issue started I was able to get better pictures but letting the camera sit overnight and trying it the next day the focus was out again. However, looking at the link that you posted for me, I do see a few steps that I did not see in the other links so maybe it didn't work correctly due to those steps missing. Thank you for that link. I am going to try it again step by step and report back. My question now is, I know the rear screw is for the focus tuning but I cannot find any information on what the front hex screw does. I haven't touched that one but if it's for another adjustment I can't find any information on it. Thanks again, I appreciate it.

Click to expand...

Hi.

Those screws are not for focus-tuning, they are for aligning the two mirrors in exactly 90 degrees - to the focussensor, to the viewfinder and to them selves.

It's very rarely, these two mirrors are out of alignment - unless you are very sure, this is your problem, don't mess around with them - just an advice. It has to be very exactly 90 degrees.

Focusing repairs should be done by professionals - they align the focussensor inside the camera.

Of course - you could be some kind of an engineer - or a very lucky gambler - otherwise it's not DIY - no matter the internet.

BirgerH.

Click to expand...

Hi BirgerH,

Thank you very much for this information. The hex screw adjustment was attempted a while back to try to fix the problem so I know it didn't cause it. Interesting that it aligns the 2 mirrors. I've read in numerous places that it was in fact the only way to fine tune it so I thought for sure that was it. (You know, if it's on the internet it must be true. lol!!) What I found was the rear hex screw was for the AF tuning and the front hex was for manual focusing. This is just what I read on a site with instructions. I did use a focus chart and did see changes when adjusting the hex screws and got the focus right on the mark. Here's the kicker, it works for a short time only. I take about 20 pics, items are in focus and pretty sharp. When I go to take a portrait, eyes are never in focus even using a tripod and remote trigger. I thank you for your information greatly but I've invested too many hours trying to salvage this thing so it's time for an upgrade.

Lightpath48 said:

I gathered from your post that you cleaned the mirror with a lens pen. I'm wondering if pressure on the mirror could have caused the sort of damage that would affect focusing ability off the mirror. That would explain why focusing from LV worked better. The mirror is not employed.

I cleaned the mirror on my D5100 with a microfiber cloth, and after that it never focused as accurately in viewfinder AF mode, either.

Click to expand...

Hi Lightpath48,

Yes I was able to get the lens pen in there and was very gentle with the cleaning but it seems these things are very sensitive. As I replied to another post, this was all in attempts to get the focus back to normal. Nothing was touched when the camera worked fine. I thought a cleaning might be the issue since I had no other trouble with it prior. Very interesting on the micro fiber dilemma. So far I've tried q-tips to just dab the mirror, lens cleaner liquid, hex screw adjustment which I just found out apparently does not adjust the fine tuning but mirror alignment, lcd dry wipe on the mirror and I only get temporary results on each one. It's like something in the camera is overcompensating for something that may not be there. I saw something about a firmware update but I'm not sure if it pertains to this camera. I have to look in to it further. Thank you for the incite. I appreciate it.

LP99XJ said:

BirgerH said:

LP99XJ said:

Thank you Mako2011- I actually found similar information and a video on how to fine tune it on youtube. The D5100 has 2 small hex screws in the body and are accessible when you remove the lens and flip the mirror up for cleaning. In attempts to fine tune the camera after the issue started I was able to get better pictures but letting the camera sit overnight and trying it the next day the focus was out again. However, looking at the link that you posted for me, I do see a few steps that I did not see in the other links so maybe it didn't work correctly due to those steps missing. Thank you for that link. I am going to try it again step by step and report back. My question now is, I know the rear screw is for the focus tuning but I cannot find any information on what the front hex screw does. I haven't touched that one but if it's for another adjustment I can't find any information on it. Thanks again, I appreciate it.

Click to expand...

Hi.

Those screws are not for focus-tuning, they are for aligning the two mirrors in exactly 90 degrees - to the focussensor, to the viewfinder and to them selves.

It's very rarely, these two mirrors are out of alignment - unless you are very sure, this is your problem, don't mess around with them - just an advice. It has to be very exactly 90 degrees.

Focusing repairs should be done by professionals - they align the focussensor inside the camera.

Of course - you could be some kind of an engineer - or a very lucky gambler - otherwise it's not DIY - no matter the internet.

BirgerH.

Click to expand...

Hi BirgerH,

Thank you very much for this information. The hex screw adjustment was attempted a while back to try to fix the problem so I know it didn't cause it. Interesting that it aligns the 2 mirrors. I've read in numerous places that it was in fact the only way to fine tune it so I thought for sure that was it. (You know, if it's on the internet it must be true. lol!!) What I found was the rear hex screw was for the AF tuning and the front hex was for manual focusing.

Click to expand...

You can say it is. The inner aligns the mirror, that brings the "image" to the AF-sensor, the outer aligns the mirror, that brings the "image" to the viewfinder. Only if your problem is caused by mirrors out of alignment, you can fix it that way - do you know. I would belive, that this is very rare the reason - instead it will be the AF-sensor out of alignment. That's inside-camera Work.

LP99XJ said:

This is just what I read on a site with instructions. I did use a focus chart and did see changes when adjusting the hex screws and got the focus right on the mark. Here's the kicker, it works for a short time only. I take about 20 pics, items are in focus and pretty sharp. When I go to take a portrait, eyes are never in focus even using a tripod and remote trigger. I thank you for your information greatly but I've invested too many hours trying to salvage this thing so it's time for an upgrade.

Click to expand...

No - because the mirrors was not the reason. And bringing the mirrors out of alignment will make strange Things happend.

BirgerH.

I tightened two hex screws on either side of the focussing screen. I believe they hold it in place. I can understand the frustration of the OP, but cannot understand why he plans to give his money to the same company which made his problem camera!

shutterbud said:

I tightened two hex screws on either side of the focussing screen. I believe they hold it in place. I can understand the frustration of the OP, but cannot understand why he plans to give his money to the same company which made his problem camera!

Click to expand...

Do you want Audi service folks fixing your Q5 or the neighbor down the street who knows how from YouTube?

I called Audi's customer service line and they got quite angry when I asked them if they could fix my Nikon.

BirgerH said:

LP99XJ said:

BirgerH said:

LP99XJ said:

Thank you Mako2011- I actually found similar information and a video on how to fine tune it on youtube. The D5100 has 2 small hex screws in the body and are accessible when you remove the lens and flip the mirror up for cleaning. In attempts to fine tune the camera after the issue started I was able to get better pictures but letting the camera sit overnight and trying it the next day the focus was out again. However, looking at the link that you posted for me, I do see a few steps that I did not see in the other links so maybe it didn't work correctly due to those steps missing. Thank you for that link. I am going to try it again step by step and report back. My question now is, I know the rear screw is for the focus tuning but I cannot find any information on what the front hex screw does. I haven't touched that one but if it's for another adjustment I can't find any information on it. Thanks again, I appreciate it.

Click to expand...

Hi.

Those screws are not for focus-tuning, they are for aligning the two mirrors in exactly 90 degrees - to the focussensor, to the viewfinder and to them selves.

It's very rarely, these two mirrors are out of alignment - unless you are very sure, this is your problem, don't mess around with them - just an advice. It has to be very exactly 90 degrees.

Focusing repairs should be done by professionals - they align the focussensor inside the camera.

Of course - you could be some kind of an engineer - or a very lucky gambler - otherwise it's not DIY - no matter the internet.

BirgerH.

Click to expand...

Hi BirgerH,

Thank you very much for this information. The hex screw adjustment was attempted a while back to try to fix the problem so I know it didn't cause it. Interesting that it aligns the 2 mirrors. I've read in numerous places that it was in fact the only way to fine tune it so I thought for sure that was it. (You know, if it's on the internet it must be true. lol!!) What I found was the rear hex screw was for the AF tuning and the front hex was for manual focusing.

Click to expand...

You can say it is. The inner aligns the mirror, that brings the "image" to the AF-sensor, the outer aligns the mirror, that brings the "image" to the viewfinder. Only if your problem is caused by mirrors out of alignment, you can fix it that way - do you know. I would belive, that this is very rare the reason - instead it will be the AF-sensor out of alignment. That's inside-camera Work.

BirgerH said:

This is just what I read on a site with instructions. I did use a focus chart and did see changes when adjusting the hex screws and got the focus right on the mark. Here's the kicker, it works for a short time only. I take about 20 pics, items are in focus and pretty sharp. When I go to take a portrait, eyes are never in focus even using a tripod and remote trigger. I thank you for your information greatly but I've invested too many hours trying to salvage this thing so it's time for an upgrade.

Click to expand...

No - because the mirrors was not the reason. And bringing the mirrors out of alignment will make strange Things happend.

BirgerH.

Click to expand...

Thank you guys for all of the information. Get this, I did some searching around some more through the forum and found a few people who said to try a hard restart. Basically powering the camera on and hitting menu and the info button together and it brings all the camera settings back to factory. I did this and the pictures are fine now. Even after all of the mirror/AF adjustment attempts. Maybe I got lucky this time and I can wait to replace it with another camera. I will post on this again if things go bad but for right now they are good. I really appreciate all the help.

I'm glad you solved the problem without any trip to the service.

Thanks for the courtesy of reporting back!

LP99XJ said:

Thank you guys for all of the information. Get this, I did some searching around some more through the forum and found a few people who said to try a hard restart. Basically powering the camera on and hitting menu and the info button together and it brings all the camera settings back to factory. I did this and the pictures are fine now. Even after all of the mirror/AF adjustment attempts. Maybe I got lucky this time and I can wait to replace it with another camera. I will post on this again if things go bad but for right now they are good. I really appreciate all the help.

Click to expand...

Good you got it working again. I will say that after I learned what exactly causes focus errors I vowed to never again buy a camera without AF adjust. AFAIK the D5xxx series and D3xxx do not have it, which eliminates them from my options. I just grabbed a D7k and feel good knowing I have that feature if needed. I don't know what kind of specs you are looking for in an upgrade but the D7k is going for under $700 new now, great deal.

We were getting staff photos done last week and one very nice girl turned up with a D7100. Backfocussed on every shot! I showed her how to adjust the AF, but it really isn't good enough. Buying a Nikon these days is paying to be given a project. Pay a lot of money for a new camera, spend a few hours to fine-tune AF, wetclean the sensor, then do it all again in a few months or whenever you buy a new lens.