FotoHog Loc: on Cloud 9

I know my ankle was badly hurt from a dumb mishap on a trip in S. America. But what about my D500 and Tammy 150-600 G2 that were in the carry-on behind me on the wheelchair on my return trip at the airport when a strap gave way and let it topple to the hard ground with a BANG? It fell only 1ft, but when after that some photos lacked sharpness I wonder if the equipment was damaged. Of course, the problem may only be caused by human error, but there is that nagging feeling of uncertainty since I never kept track of inferior picture quality before. Has anyone had a similar experience? . . .

Iron Sight Loc: Utah

Get the camera out and start using it again. See if it reflects having been damaged?

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

About a year ago, I was taking photographs at a robotics meet with my D500 and 18-200 zoom. This was in a gymnasium, and when I set the camera and lens down on the bleachers, a child came by and accidentally knocked it off, causing it to fall a little more than a foot into the floor. There was no visible damage anywhere, and everything continued working just fine, allowing me to finish the afternoon and capture some great photographs of the matches.

A couple of months later, I noticed that my flash units (all Nikon) started acting strangely...preflashes were very slow. Flash eventually quit working altogether. Had to send the camera to Nikon, where a couple of circuit boards and some other parts were replaced. Everything has worked just fine since.

The point of relating this story is to underscore that today's cameras are incredibly complex systems. Absent your being able to demonstrate proper operation, even under controlled circumstances, it is very possible that the camera or lens has sustained some damage.

I'd suggest calling NikonUSA service when they become available and see if they can perhaps talk you through some diagnostic steps. I've found them being very willing to do that. And once they open back up, they are going to be facing such a backlog that I'm guessing they will be very interested in working through your situation with you.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

If you have any doubts about your equipment not working correctly, contact Nikon and arrange to send the camera in for a CLR. The easiest way to put your mind at ease.
--Bob

CO

Is one side of the image sharp and the other side soft? De-centering can occur if a lens is dropped. I have the ZEISS Siemens star test chart to check mine. Here's an excellent video that shows how to check. You can download the chart online. Also check for front or back focusing issues.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVD2Q-3HbVo

(Download)

I use this to check for front or back focusing issues. The zero on the scale should be in the best focus. Download this photo and zoom in on the scale. I was checking my 16-85mm lens on my D7500.

(Download)

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

What you see there is a 3D object. Downloading the photo and printing it will not give you the lens test you want. The scale is angled relative to the focusing pattern. If you print it out you will not get the angled scale, everything will be in the plane of the print.

Just look at the image. The zero on the scale is in focus and the 6 on both ends is soft. You will not see anything different in your print.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hP5A5tlENO8

CO

You don't understand. That's my photo of testing I did. I have the actual DataColor SpyderLensCal. It's sitting on my coffee table there in the photo. I have a clip-on lamp shining on it.

I said to download it so the scale could be more easily seen - not to use for actual testing. The OP would need to purchase one to use at home or set up objects in a three dimensional arrangement.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

I didn't understand because you did not present it clearly. You describe the SpyderLensCal, then you say "download the image...", after which you post the image of the SpyderLensCal. That implies to me that you are directing us to download the image of the SpyderLensCal.

So to be clear, you want people to use the SpyderLensCal by taking a photo of the actual object, not taking your image and using it.

CO

I should have described that better. I suggested downloading the image because it's easier to see how the scale works. The star chart can be downloaded but the SpyderLensCal would need to be purchased.

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

Take it or send it to the shop. I dropped a D500 with a Nikon 200-500, only about a foot off a small table, on it and it took me awhile to realize that my auto focus was not catching as it should. A $1000 later all is fine. Both the lens and the camera needed work. It pays to carry insurance!

FotoHog Loc: on Cloud 9

Ouch! That is not what I wanted to hear. But then I did ask didn't I?

What I was hoping to hear is something like "don't worry about it, you are just a lousy photographer, the D500 is built like a tank and the Tamron can take it too".

However, before I bite the bullet and get things checked out I am going to keep a sharp eye on what comes out of the camera for a little while longer, because softness it is not a regular occurence, just enough to keep my mind from relaxing. Maybe I am only a lousy photographer that was lucky after all. . .

(By the way, I do love your website, via the lens, it's amazing!! I have one too but got a long way to go yet.)

roxiemarty Loc: Florida

If your Tamron is under 6 years old, they sometimes need adjustments for soft focus. I have sent 2 of mine in for that reason without ever having dropped or damaged. They are a great company and will work with you on those issues. Email them first describing your problem with the lens, they will have you print out a form, and send with the lens. It may just be the lens. I would not even mention about the little accident. Unless you really do think it's your camera............all I paid for Tamron to totally check and adjust my lenses was shipping, and they returned in a timely manner. Great company.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Call Nikon at 1-800-645-6687 and ask for customer support. And yes, it has happened to all of us.

Howie1a Loc: st pete fl

Before sending it out to Nikon try a different lens to see it just the lens was damaged you need to see if it is the lens or the camera first. Howie

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

I thought it was completely clear. He actually said you could download the chart and followed that with a link. I thought it was pretty obvious that the photos were just an example.