Camera problem.

creators · Camera problem.

I am going to take my camera in today because I can't stand it any more, but I just want to check you folks out as well.

I took this shot yesterday on a tripod with a romote. Am I expecting too much? Is it me? Shouldn't this be pin sharp?

Full sized image here:

http://photo.ringo.com/229/229075299O202510851.jpg

Lens: Sigma 70 - 300 1.4 - 5.6 APO DG on Macro setting.

Original date/time: 2007:08:22 17:21:59
Original date/time subsecs: 30
Exposure time: 1/320
F-stop: 5.6
ISO speed: 100
Focal length: 300.0000
Focal length (35mm): 450
Flash: Not fired
Exposure mode: Manual
White balance: Manual
Orientation: Right-top
Light source: Fine weather
Exposure bias: 0.0000
Metering mode: Pattern

hil26

was there a difference when macro setting not on?

Daft, but was it windy?

creators

No difference Dave, I took a whole series of shots and they are all the same, or much worse.

It was windy, but I was careful when I took the shots and deliberately chose a pretty sibstantial object to shoot. But it's the same in all studio shots.

I've taken it in to the shop and asked them to check it, if it's the camera, fine and if I am an idiot, fine too. I just want to solve it. It's doing my head in.

hil26

keith, the thought about the wind was not aimed at the subject but the camera on the tripod.

Did you try it with a different lens?

Hope the shop sorts it out for you

creators

Dave, you know how it is, you are asking all the questions I am asking myself until I have the screaming ab dabs. Sorry that sounds like I am having a go, I'm not, it could well be me, and I am missing that one vital clue as to what is wrong, so I appreciate your questions. I am not a great photographer, and probably never will be, but I am better than this. Waaaaaaa!

Here's another one from yesterday followed by a detail at point of focus from Monday using my Nikon 18 - 135, admittedly hand help, but resting on my camera bag.

Full size.
http://photo.ringo.com/229/229101737O919394166.jpg
Exposure time: 1/50
F-stop: 5.6
ISO speed: 100
Focal length: 300.0000

Detail shot at Avebury.

Exposure time: 1/250
F-stop: 4.0
ISO speed: 200
Focal length: 70.0000
Focal length (35mm): 105

creators

A quick comparison of the D70 and D80.

D80

D70

carlj

Keith, kick me if I'm barking up the wrong pole, but you're shooting at f5.6 - macro mode which is around 300mm - small dof. Could be that the focussing is slightly out. Try shooting at f11 and see what that reads...

If you can, try using a tape measure from (roughly) the sensor plane to the subject focal point and compare it with the distance shown on the lens barrel. Then bang on manual focus and try at the measured distance if different.

creators

Thanks Carl, I will, I don't have my D80 back yet, may be a couple of days but I can experiment with Leah's (bless her) D70. I feel like a bad workman blaming his tools, but I'd got myself in a right old pickle about it.