I got the D7100 on Friday and just returned it this morning due to a number of problems. Hopefully it was just me! Firstly, I had a spot on the sensor after testing the camera for only a few minutes. I installed the lens in a clean, wind-less room, with the body pointed down as quickly as possible as always, but that didn't help. Powercycling didn't remove it like it should with the dust removal tool.
Have not had either issue with mine. My first D7000 had back focusing issues but the one I got to replace it was fine. I think there might be some QC issues as has been the case with other Nikon cameras - just don't know how wide spread it is.
My now former D7K had back-focusing issues with both the (Nikon) 17-55mm/f2.8 DX and 35mm/f1.8 DX lenses. Especially the 17-55, which required an AF fine-tune of minus-15. (Neither needed any adjustment with my D300s.) With my new D7100 both lenses are spot-on with focus. Ditto for the 18-200mm and 70-200mm/f.28 VRII, but they didn't have any problems on the D7K either.
Nikon told me wet cleaning the sensor myself would void the warranty when I had the same issue with the D7000, so I had to send it in to them for cleaning. I've done it myself on older cameras like the D70 when that got filled with dust after motorboat or helicopter shoots. Never had an issue with the D200 or D300 especially when changing lenses in a clean wind-less room with the body pointed downwards. So you're saying a camera shipping with spots on the sensor is normal these days?
Yeah, the AF fine tuning didn't seem to work even at -20 with my D7000 that also has this problem, so I figured it was the same issue. Tested a D800 which also had focus problems and a D300s which was perfect, so I think I'll just go back to a D300s for now... while I send the D7000 in for repair on its focus problem. I need to have at least one body that works while the other is being repaired.
Well as its normal for D600, its probably normal for D7100. But since it wasnt issue with D7K I sorta doubt it. Might be just some forgotten piece of dust..
I dont know if AF was changed from D7K or not. If not, its sorta logical it can have same issues..
About cleaning voiding warranty. Well, only when they know it.
Returning a new camera to the dealer because of a dust spot is much like returning a new car to the dealer because there was a bug splat on the windshield when you drove it home the first time.
I have 2 dust spots at around f8 and 3 more around f16. It doesn't concerns me b/c part of my pp is to clean unwanted stuff of the picture. My D800e and D4 have a few dust spots due to the frequency of lens changing. No big deal.
first the d7000
then the d800
then the d600
now the d7100
nikon doesn't seem to care anymore.
Another low post count contribution....
Every camera released receives the same scrutiny.
Nikon will always be offering a sensor clean for cameras in warranty period. Problem? I just wet clean with acetone and cotton buds on wooden stems. Failsafe routine that works every time.
lukeb wrote:
Do you have your cleaning setting to clean when shutting down and starting. I have 2 700's purchased in 2008 and have never had a dust issue.
Depends on the location. Looks like you're in a clean air city I'm in a dirty air city eventually the grime sticks. When 2-3 sensor shake's can't knock it off. Wet clean time! And as far as Voiding warranty. Unless you bear down as hard as you can to scratch the sensor. No proper liquid will ever leave any residue or trace of its use. Heck even 3rd party lenses will "void your warranty". And plenty of people use those.
I became real good at wet cleaning sensors when I owned a Canon 1D. With the advent of "self cleaning" sensors it has gone back to causing mass paranoia.
The real issue is the unfixable AF back-focusing if -20 doesn't even help. Easy return decision.
Regarding wet cleaning, everyone has their own comfort level with it. At the same time everyone should know some self maintenance with their systems otherwise it can get costly.
In my short time (so far) with the D7100 it's painfully obvious it doesn't tolerate average glass.
Buddy tried a kit lens and I let him borrow my 70-200 VR II. Suffice it to say, he was blown away.
I'm in a dirty air city eventually the grime sticks. When 2-3 sensor shake's can't knock it off. Wet clean time! And as far as Voiding warranty. Unless you bear down as hard as you can to scratch the sensor. No proper liquid will ever leave any residue or trace of its use. Heck even 3rd party lenses will "void your warranty". And plenty of people use those. 
