Nikon Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection, fine-tuning, 51 focus points (including 15 cross-type sensors; f/8 supported by 11 sensors), and AF-assist illuminator (range approx. 0.5–3 m/1 ft 8 in.–9 ft 10 in.) Detection range. We’ll look at all the different AF area modes (like Dynamic, Group, 3D, etc), I’ll show you new ways to focus that you may never have been exposed to before, we’ll discuss how the Live View AF system works, we’ll go over every custom setting for autofocus – what to use. Sep 14, 2017 Worrying about fine tuning each and every new lens, and if they would be within tolerances to even be able to be fine tuned (had a couple lenses that weren't; big issue).
Fine-tune focus for up to 20 lens types. Use only as required; AF tuning is not recommended in most situations and may interfere with normal focus. Auto fine-tuning is available in live view (0Auto AF Fine-Tuning). We recommend that you perform fine-tuning at a focus distance you use frequently; if you perform focus-tuning at a short focus distance, for example, you may find it less effective at longer distances.
- On: Turn AF tuning on.
- Off: Turn AF tuning off.
Tune AF for the current lens (CPU lenses only). Press 1 to move focal point away from camera or 3 to move focal point toward camera; choose from values between +20 and –20. Values for up to 20 lens types can be stored. Only one value can be stored for each type of lens.
List previously saved AF tuning values. To delete a lens from the list, highlight the desired lens and press O (Q). To change a lens identifier (for example, to choose an identifier that is the same as the last two digits of the lens serial number to distinguish it from other lenses of the same type in light of the fact that Saved value can be used with only one lens of each type), highlight the desired lens and press 2. A menu will be displayed; press 1 or 3 to choose an identifier and press J to save changes and exit.
Live View Photography
Tuning is not applied to autofocus during live view photography.
Saved Value
Only one value can be stored for each type of lens. If a teleconverter is used, separate values can be stored for each combination of lens and teleconverter.
Auto AF Fine-Tuning
Auto AF fine-tuning is performed as described below.
Ready the camera.
Mount the camera on a tripod and aim the camera at a flat, high-contrast subject parallel to the camera focal plane. Note that auto AF fine-tuning works best at maximum aperture and may not function in dark surroundings.
Start live view.
Rotate the live view selector to C and press the a button.
Adjust focus settings.
Rotate the focus-mode selector to AF and use the AF-mode button and command dials to select the following:
- Autofocus mode: AF-S
- AF-area mode: 5 (wide), 6 (normal), or 3 (pinpoint)
Select the center focus point.
Press the center of the multi selector to select the center focus point.
Focus.
Press the shutter-release button halfway to focus, then zoom in on the view through the lens to confirm that the subject is in focus. Focus can be adjusted manually if necessary.
Perform auto AF fine-tuning.
Press the AF-mode and movie-record buttons simultaneously and keep them pressed until the dialog shown in Step 7 is displayed (this should take slightly over two seconds).
Save the new value.
Highlight Yes and press J to add the AF fine-tuning value for the current lens to the saved values list (CPU lenses only). Note that only one value can be stored for each type of lens.
Enable AF fine-tuning.
In the camera setup menu, select AF fine-tune > AF fine-tune (On/Off), then highlight On and press J.
B The Setup Menu: Camera Setup
Nikon D810 Can't Auto Fine Tuned
Camera bodies and lenses are factory calibrated by default, but sometimes they require further adjustments to achieve better results when focusing. With the Nikon's AF fine tune feature on supported models, you can manually make precise adjustments to fix any focusing problems.
Nikon D810 Autofocus Fine Tune
In this 12 minute video, photographer Steve Perry explains the auto-focus calibration techniques in depth, particularly on Nikon bodies such as Nikon D5, Nikon D500, and Nikon D7500, which have the latest Nikon AF system. This technique may also apply for the new Nikon D850, as it will most likely have the same AF system. Unfortunately, this technique is not applicable to older Nikon camera bodies, including Nikon D810.
AF fine tune is not a mandatory process for everyone, however, if you are experiencing front or back focusing issues, then you should calibrate your AF. By the way, need for calibration doesn't mean that you have a faulty camera body or a lens, it’s just a tweak that you should apply once for specific camera – lens combinations. If you want to learn more about back or front focusing, don't forget to read David Strauss' post about focusing issues.
You can either use pro-calibration tools, such as LensAlign, to fine-tune your system, but you can also achieve successful results with this step-by-step guide, that includes all camera settings and AF target use. You can also download the target image from this link, to give it a try with your own setup.