Nikon repair guarantee?

[RampantAndroid]

Does Nikon guarantee repairs it does? My issue is that my D7000 severely back focuses - it's worst with wide open apertures using the viewfinder, and while it does get better as I slowly close the aperture down around f5.6 or so, at f6 it's still not that good. Using live view, the focus is perfectly fine. (and yes, I understand that one uses phase detect, the other contrast.) My old f4-f5.6 70-300 doesn't really have a problem so much, but my f2.8 Tokina wide angle does, my VR1 18-200 does when not zoomed in and my 35mm f1.8 is the worst - wide open, the photos look like no focusing was done at all.

I sent the camera in to Nikon for repair - they billed me $170 and marked on my packing slip that they did "ADJ FOCUS OPERATION". As soon as I got the camera, I stuck it on a tripod, taped a test sheet to a wall and....same problem.

So, here's my question: I contacted Nikon to follow up on the repair doing nothing for my problem. They now want me to apply for a new repair, authorize new costs and pay for my own shipping again. I don't think this is even lawful - I paid for a repair, and the repair didn't work. If the new repair costs exceed the amount I've already paid, then I should be billing the difference, not the full new costs. What does Nikon typically do here? From reading online, the D7000's back focus problem should darn well be a recall anyway...

Thanks!

 

[CuriousMike]

I don't know the exact answer to your question - I'd try DPReview forums as there are likely numerous D7000 owners who have gone thru this exact issue and can give you the details.

Generally, what I've read:
1. When sending your camera in for AF issues, I understand a common practice is to include a lens with the body. I don't know if you can include multiple lenses or not.

2. Have you tried AF fine tuning?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5XKl2i_9Hk

 

[CuriousMike]

Thinking about this, I have a few other ideas.

I assume you're using spot AF, and selecting the singular AF spot and using that to AF.
Secondarily, if possible, try sticking your test sheet a few feet from a wall with high contrast. So, if the paper is white, stick it a few feet in front of a black/dark wall.
Put the AF point on the very edge of the paper and wall... ie, giving the AF system maximum contrast to do its job. See if that changes the behaviour.