Buying a used D800.... Issues?

[deppo]

Hi guys,

I'm looking at a used d800, very low shutter count, appears to be in good nic, well priced. There's so much info online about the issues with left focus point and general autofocus inconsistency, I've driven myself crazy trying to figure out what is correct and current, and what is superseded. Does anyone have any current insight on the focusing issues with this model as of 2018? Is there a simple fix now? Would you buy one or splash the extra on a used d810?

Thanks

 

[Mark_A]

Hi guys,

I'm looking at a used d800, very low shutter count, appears to be in good nic, well priced. There's so much info online about the issues with left focus point and general autofocus inconsistency, I've driven myself crazy trying to figure out what is correct and current, and what is superseded. Does anyone have any current insight on the focusing issues with this model as of 2018? Is there a simple fix now? Would you buy one or splash the extra on a used d810?

Hi deppo,

I bought a low shutter count used D800 in January from MPB for £930 odd. I got a 6 month warranty which I figured was enough for any focus issues to out themselves, there were none. I also before purchase checked the serial number with Nikon UK to confirm it was a UK spec camera and not grey import. After purchase I checked the shutter count from a jpeg uploaded to an online service and it tallied with what the seller claimed.

Overall, I was very happy with my purchase.

Mark_A

 

[romfordbluenose]

It's only early models which suffered from left side focus issues. Mine was a later version and had no problems. Check the serial number and you should know whether it's affected or not. I have had no problems at all with my D800 as long as I update the firmware.

 

[primeshooter]

Hi guys,

I'm looking at a used d800, very low shutter count, appears to be in good nic, well priced. There's so much info online about the issues with left focus point and general autofocus inconsistency, I've driven myself crazy trying to figure out what is correct and current, and what is superseded. Does anyone have any current insight on the focusing issues with this model as of 2018? Is there a simple fix now? Would you buy one or splash the extra on a used d810?

Thanks

http://www.bythom.com/photographic-...na-photo-worksho/the-measure-of-a-safari.html

Read that. The D800 is a good cam provided you can ensure its never been dropped and has a good af system. Unfortunately that is a huge gamble on the 2nd hand market. I'd save a tiny bit longer and get a much better built d810. They don't have the alignment issues that caused all those af problems, plus the body has been strengthened to avoid the cracked frame problem in the link above.

 

[deppo]

Hi guys,

I'm looking at a used d800, very low shutter count, appears to be in good nic, well priced. There's so much info online about the issues with left focus point and general autofocus inconsistency, I've driven myself crazy trying to figure out what is correct and current, and what is superseded. Does anyone have any current insight on the focusing issues with this model as of 2018? Is there a simple fix now? Would you buy one or splash the extra on a used d810?

Thanks

http://www.bythom.com/photographic-...na-photo-worksho/the-measure-of-a-safari.html

Read that. The D800 is a good cam provided you can ensure its never been dropped and has a good af system. Unfortunately that is a huge gamble on the 2nd hand market. I'd save a tiny bit longer and get a much better built d810. They don't have the alignment issues that caused all those af problems, plus the body has been strengthened to avoid the cracked frame problem in the link above.

Thanks for that... d800 going for$1000aud, d810 is more like $16-1800, which is too far for me to stretch. Wondering if I'm pushing too far and I should just go back to the idea of a d610 where there's a lot more choice in the second hand market at that price. Decisions!

 

[Michael Firstlight]

Hi guys,

I'm looking at a used d800, very low shutter count, appears to be in good nic, well priced. There's so much info online about the issues with left focus point and general autofocus inconsistency, I've driven myself crazy trying to figure out what is correct and current, and what is superseded. Does anyone have any current insight on the focusing issues with this model as of 2018? Is there a simple fix now? Would you buy one or splash the extra on a used d810?

Thanks

I did many tests on my D800 focus using LensAlign and had no issues with the left or any focus points. I think that was overblown and only a small percentage of early models were affected as others have said. The D810 nor the D850 have motivated me to upgrade - that is how good the D800 is - and I make in-house prints up to 24x36" as as well as indoor wall murals with it.

Bank for the buck you can't do better. The only think that might make me prefer the D800e or D810 is the absence of the AA filter, but that's it. Sometimes having the AA filter is a bonus and easily negated with a little unsharp mask in post.

Mike

 

[primeshooter]

Hi guys,

I'm looking at a used d800, very low shutter count, appears to be in good nic, well priced. There's so much info online about the issues with left focus point and general autofocus inconsistency, I've driven myself crazy trying to figure out what is correct and current, and what is superseded. Does anyone have any current insight on the focusing issues with this model as of 2018? Is there a simple fix now? Would you buy one or splash the extra on a used d810?

Thanks

http://www.bythom.com/photographic-...na-photo-worksho/the-measure-of-a-safari.html

Read that. The D800 is a good cam provided you can ensure its never been dropped and has a good af system. Unfortunately that is a huge gamble on the 2nd hand market. I'd save a tiny bit longer and get a much better built d810. They don't have the alignment issues that caused all those af problems, plus the body has been strengthened to avoid the cracked frame problem in the link above.

Thanks for that... d800 going for$1000aud, d810 is more like $16-1800, which is too far for me to stretch. Wondering if I'm pushing too far and I should just go back to the idea of a d610 where there's a lot more choice in the second hand market at that price. Decisions!

What I would say is this, if you can afford 1K on a camera, you can afford 1.6K on a camera. It just requires time restraint and a bit of saving. The D810 would last a long time. I wouldn't bother with the D6xx range but that's me. Is there anything you can ebay off to make some cash?

 

[T O Shooter]

Hi guys,

I'm looking at a used d800, very low shutter count, appears to be in good nic, well priced. There's so much info online about the issues with left focus point and general autofocus inconsistency, I've driven myself crazy trying to figure out what is correct and current, and what is superseded. Does anyone have any current insight on the focusing issues with this model as of 2018? Is there a simple fix now? Would you buy one or splash the extra on a used d810?

Thanks

 

[earthbound_ca]

Hi guys,

I'm looking at a used d800, very low shutter count, appears to be in good nic, well priced. There's so much info online about the issues with left focus point and general autofocus inconsistency, I've driven myself crazy trying to figure out what is correct and current, and what is superseded. Does anyone have any current insight on the focusing issues with this model as of 2018? Is there a simple fix now? Would you buy one or splash the extra on a used d810?

Thanks

This is what you need to know.

Low serial number D800s may be affected by the LS AF issue. It was corrected not too far along in the body's production.

OTOH, if the seller with a low serial number D800 can demonstrate that their D800 has been fixed or shows you it works with a fast lens on an outer AF point, it's good.

I have a D800. If I do my part correctly, the D800 does its part extremely well. I highly recommend it. There will always be naysayers who will disagree.

 

[T O Shooter]

Hi guys,

I'm looking at a used d800, very low shutter count, appears to be in good nic, well priced. There's so much info online about the issues with left focus point and general autofocus inconsistency, I've driven myself crazy trying to figure out what is correct and current, and what is superseded. Does anyone have any current insight on the focusing issues with this model as of 2018? Is there a simple fix now? Would you buy one or splash the extra on a used d810?

Thanks

This is what you need to know.

Low serial number D800s may be affected by the LS AF issue. It was corrected not too far along in the body's production.

OTOH, if the seller with a low serial number D800 can demonstrate that their D800 has been fixed or shows you it works with a fast lens on an outer AF point, it's good. The only caveat there is to avoid performing tests with outer AF points on lenses with lots of field curvature. (typically UWA, WA and even lenses like the 50 f/1.8)

I have a D800. If I do my part correctly, the D800 does its part extremely well. I highly recommend it. There will always be naysayers who will disagree.

That's a bs statement from someone who had a good body ( or couldn't tell the difference ) who follows the motto "I had a good one, so they all must be good"

Left AF went beyond the first few months, and there are dozens of threads on here where fellows went through multiple bodies and / or multiple returns to Nikon and never did get a good one.

Left AF is easy to fix. Don't shoot with the outer AF points. It's also an easy check. Screwy AF is not an easy determination or an easy fix.

Ignorant - there will always be naysayers.

 

[primeshooter]

Hi guys,

I'm looking at a used d800, very low shutter count, appears to be in good nic, well priced. There's so much info online about the issues with left focus point and general autofocus inconsistency, I've driven myself crazy trying to figure out what is correct and current, and what is superseded. Does anyone have any current insight on the focusing issues with this model as of 2018? Is there a simple fix now? Would you buy one or splash the extra on a used d810?

Thanks

This is what you need to know.

Low serial number D800s may be affected by the LS AF issue. It was corrected not too far along in the body's production.

OTOH, if the seller with a low serial number D800 can demonstrate that their D800 has been fixed or shows you it works with a fast lens on an outer AF point, it's good. The only caveat there is to avoid performing tests with outer AF points on lenses with lots of field curvature. (typically UWA, WA and even lenses like the 50 f/1.8)

I have a D800. If I do my part correctly, the D800 does its part extremely well. I highly recommend it. There will always be naysayers who will disagree.

That's a bs statement from someone who had a good body ( or couldn't tell the difference ) who follows the motto "I had a good one, so they all must be good"

Left AF went beyond the first few months, and there are dozens of threads on here where fellows went through multiple bodies and / or multiple returns to Nikon and never did get a good one.

Left AF is easy to fix. Don't shoot with the outer AF points. It's also an easy check. Screwy AF is not an easy determination or an easy fix.

Ignorant - there will always be naysayers.

I can testify to this. I even bought a recent one of ebay about a year ago and it had to go back because it had the issue, and it was not an early serial number. The D800 was a bold experiment, and I mean bold! But it was not perfected and fine tuned until the 810.

 

[Mark_A]

I can testify to this. I even bought a recent one of ebay about a year ago and it had to go back because it had the issue, and it was not an early serial number. The D800 was a bold experiment, and I mean bold! But it was not perfected and fine tuned until the 810.

My used D800 focusses fine on the left and has no other issues.

Not saying none of them have this, but mine is a good camera.

That said, I recognise the feelings of the person who said they would prefer to buy one with plenty of use because this would indicate a useable and used camera.

Mine was low shutter count, about 6,000, and I wondered about it, but my seller MPB offered a 6 month warranty which took my worries away.

Mark_A

 

[earthbound_ca]

This is what you need to know.

Low serial number D800s may be affected by the LS AF issue. It was corrected not too far along in the body's production.

OTOH, if the seller with a low serial number D800 can demonstrate that their D800 has been fixed or shows you it works with a fast lens on an outer AF point, it's good.

I can testify to this. I even bought a recent one of ebay about a year ago and it had to go back because it had the issue, and it was not an early serial number. The D800 was a bold experiment, and I mean bold! But it was not perfected and fine tuned until the 810.

I would rely on SN or, better still, seller's examples but I'm not one to argue with one's experience. Good to know. The best thing is to get sample images from a seller if buying remotely (e.g. an image whose active AF point can be seen in Nikon Capture NX-D, for instance) or, better still, test the body in person. I have a low SN body. It has been serviced. I have no problems and use a range of lenses, fast and not so fast.

I'll just add (rephrasing what I wrote/deleted originally) that it's important to discern -- esp for a newbie -- focus issues arising from lens characteristics vs the body itself. I'm sure there has to be a certain number of users who sent bodies back not recognizing lens issues. There are, apparent from many questions posed in these fora, a lot of people who buy gear and don't have a clue how to use it. (same as any technical product, I suppose) Regards.

 

[primeshooter]

This is what you need to know.

Low serial number D800s may be affected by the LS AF issue. It was corrected not too far along in the body's production.

OTOH, if the seller with a low serial number D800 can demonstrate that their D800 has been fixed or shows you it works with a fast lens on an outer AF point, it's good.

I can testify to this. I even bought a recent one of ebay about a year ago and it had to go back because it had the issue, and it was not an early serial number. The D800 was a bold experiment, and I mean bold! But it was not perfected and fine tuned until the 810.

I would rely on SN or, better still, seller's examples but I'm not one to argue with one's experience. Good to know. The best thing is to get sample images from a seller if buying remotely (e.g. an image whose active AF point can be seen in Nikon Capture NX-D, for instance) or, better still, test the body in person. I have a low SN body. It has been serviced. I have no problems and use a range of lenses, fast and not so fast.

I'll just add (rephrasing what I wrote/deleted originally) that it's important to discern -- esp for a newbie -- focus issues arising from lens characteristics vs the body itself. I'm sure there has to be a certain number of users who sent bodies back not recognizing lens issues. There are, apparent from many questions posed in these fora, a lot of people who buy gear and don't have a clue how to use it. (same as any technical product, I suppose) Regards.

Problem is many selling on ebay and craigslist are shooting with f/4 or slower glass. They'd never see this issue.

 

[primeshooter]

I can testify to this. I even bought a recent one of ebay about a year ago and it had to go back because it had the issue, and it was not an early serial number. The D800 was a bold experiment, and I mean bold! But it was not perfected and fine tuned until the 810.

My used D800 focusses fine on the left and has no other issues.

Not saying none of them have this, but mine is a good camera.

That said, I recognise the feelings of the person who said they would prefer to buy one with plenty of use because this would indicate a useable and used camera.

Mine was low shutter count, about 6,000, and I wondered about it, but my seller MPB offered a 6 month warranty which took my worries away.

Mark_A

Yeah, I am not saying there aren't good copies out there, but it's pure gambling as to whether you get one, is my experience of it all.

 

[Mark_A]

I can testify to this. I even bought a recent one of ebay about a year ago and it had to go back because it had the issue, and it was not an early serial number. The D800 was a bold experiment, and I mean bold! But it was not perfected and fine tuned until the 810.

My used D800 focusses fine on the left and has no other issues.

Not saying none of them have this, but mine is a good camera.

That said, I recognise the feelings of the person who said they would prefer to buy one with plenty of use because this would indicate a useable and used camera.

Mine was low shutter count, about 6,000, and I wondered about it, but my seller MPB offered a 6 month warranty which took my worries away.

Mark_A

Yeah, I am not saying there aren't good copies out there, but it's pure gambling as to whether you get one, is my experience of it all.

Thing is, if you are looking for a bargain, used D800s are selling at a very attractive price at the moment. D810 are quite a bit more expensive and were too much for my budget.

I guess my recommendation would be to buy of a company like MPB where you will also get a warranty. Personally I would not risk buying from an individual.

Mark_A

 

[Schrodingers_cat]

A good condition low mileage D800 at th right price would be a catch. They are fantastic cameras.

The issue with the focusing would need to be tested after arrival. It's pretty obvious, so you would be able to find the issue immediately should it exist. Mine was a later production model and had no problems, although the issue is real and there appears, from intenrnet chatter, to have been a good number of AF effected bodies.

Buying somewhere with a good return policy should eliminate any potential difficulties.

You might also investigate how much additional you would need to spend for a D810. It was a not insignificant upgrade.

If you never use anything except the center focus point, it won't much matter.

 

[net1994]

I love my D800. Never had a LF focus issue. (True story: Read on-line that one of the calibration machines at Sendai factory wasn't, itself, calibrated properly and so a few hundred+ D800 bodies had their AF aligned incorrectly. Then the issue was caught. But by then, they a few shipping containers with these cameras had already shipped.)

D800 is a great value. But if you are worried about focus issues, buy one with a 30 day return window. Then when you get it, test the hell out of it.

On the other hand, the D810 might be worth saving simply for the redesigned shutter mechanism that reduces mirror slap vibrations quite a bit. Also a HUGE issue for me STILL on my D800 is that it will often lock up on me and the card lamp will stay lit and the only way I can get it to work again is to pull out the battery and put back in. I'd be super embarrassed if I had to do this in front of clients. Nikon released a firmware fix for it, but this still happens.

Summary: Save for the D810 if you can or score a cheap D800 and test it within return window.

 

[gnet158]

I bought a second hand d800 and never had any issues. Do your homework and you'll be fine. Also check the following.

Make sure the lens mount is level all the way around

Check the mirror box

 

[johnchap2]

Over the last two years have bought two low activations used D800 bodies and one low activations D800E. By low I mean 8K-14K. Never a problem, but I made sure to buy from sellers with a high number of positive feedback and no negative feedbacks. Ebay and Papal are quite rigorous in ensuring items work as described.

And, unlike many other posters, I do not upgrade firmware unless there is a specific problem with any of my lenses. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Apparently some of the recent D800 firmware upgrades have rendered third party lens inoperable, or at least with diminished capability. And one of my favorite lenses is my Sigma 12-24 FX that I bought in 2004. Long past the point where Sigma would/could upgrade the lens's firmware to work with recent D800 upgrades with problems.

I have toyed with the idea of upgrading to D810 bodies, but the costs to do so are just too high at the moment.