That sounds really good. I sent mine in too. It wasn't back focussing as such but using any other focus point than the center point would give me a back focussed image. This was with the Nikon 24-70 at f/4.
***UPDATE #2*** Tested it with my other 2 lenses, and as expected the results with the 85f1.8g are really good, but with the one that really surprised me, was with the 20 f2.8D , really sharp and accurate, now hope today or tomorrow get a chance to test it with real world/light.
All tests have been done under poor light condition and a distance from 1ft to 6ft between subject and camera.
I picked up my D7000 today and what a world of difference! I can now use any focus point and get sharp images. The D7000 has been acclaimed of having a very good AF system. Now I might be able to enjoy that
My D7000 came back working like a completely different camera. Spot on!
The 14-24 back focused badly at 24mm but looked good at 14. Sent it in. Got back a FANTASTIC lens that's spot on across the entire range.
The 24-70/2.8 back focused badly 70mm but looked good at 24. Like the 14-24, it came back optically excellent.
Nikon QC sucks as much as anyone else.
Nikon USA service is excellent. 2 days ship out, 1 day evaluation, 2 days repair, 2 days return ship.
Soo... I only buy 'good copies' that sellers will take back if they aren't, or items with a Nikon warranty. Anything else I assume is going to need a trip to the shop, and a $250 discount over brand new just isn't enough. Unless it's a 'good copy' the seller will stand behind.
Never seemed to have a problem with my D7K using the 18-200, or 70-200 f/2.8. However the 35 f/1.8 and the 17-55 f/2.8 (surprisingly) needed AFT adjustments of about minus-14 each. Since my warranty runs out in August I decided to go ahead and send it to Nikon Repair and see what they have to say. If it ends up that they do nothing I'll just live with the AFT adjustments. But based on some of the positive results I'm reading in this thread I'm hoping it comes back spot on for all my lenses. Cost me $75 UPS 2nd day air, with insurance, from Anchorage. I'll report back with the results.
The 14-24 back focused badly at 24mm but looked good at 14. Sent it in. Got back a FANTASTIC lens that's spot on across the entire range.
The 24-70/2.8 back focused badly 70mm but looked good at 24. Like the 14-24, it came back optically excellent.
Jan Brittenson: Can you clarify your comments above - did you send both your D7K *and* those 2 lenses in for repair of a back focusing problem? And if so, did Nikon repair the lenses too?
pcuddihy wrote: The 14-24 back focused badly at 24mm but looked good at 14. Sent it in. Got back a FANTASTIC lens that's spot on across the entire range.
The 24-70/2.8 back focused badly 70mm but looked good at 24. Like the 14-24, it came back optically excellent.
Jan Brittenson: Can you clarify your comments above - did you send both your D7K *and* those 2 lenses in for repair of a back focusing problem? And if so, did Nikon repair the lenses too?
Yes, I sent them all in.
I sent the D7000 and 14-24 first, then 24-70 separately...
Ok - thanks. I'm pretty sure my lenses are fine, as they don't require any adjustments on my D300s. But it's good to know in case I ever end up with a lens that needs a little help on more than one body.
OMG! How unlucky can I be... the new copy seems to have similar problems. Viewfinder focus is sometimes ok but often somewhere else, liveview focus is good.
This experience is starting to dimish the fun in photography, only stuff I'm doing is damn tests because I can't trust the camera for real photography work. This is unbelievable!
Almost crying here!
Was so happy to get new copy but then getting shoot down the same day is no fun.
^ Dude just go out and take pictures of things you would normally shoot.
I've been into photography for over 45 years....and have never "tested" a lens.
You'll know if something's wrong when you look at your captures. Then you can
break out the tripod/flash/live view/MLU whatever you want to isolate the problem.
With today's high tech cameras there are SO many settings that help AF acquisition,
BUT can screw things up just as easily. Go to defaults and proceed from there. GL
#3 is a tough target...it's really close. A little fine tune and you're there. I'm afraid if you sent
it in...they'd tell you it's within factory specs. You could go for a refund and then see about
picking up a Nikon Refurb. I've got one and have recommended that path to several people...
all have been pleased with them. Sorry you're having to go thru all this hassle, Nikon knows
something and needs to fess up. These should be great right out of the box. GL to you!
However, let me tell you that it had better focus results in the bright sunlight than indoors or when the clouds started to decrease the contrast.
Would you just ask for refund or ask for calibration/repair?
I've been through the D7K mess since last year. Finally sent the first camera for service and after two months it was eventually returned. Focus was closer to normal, i.e., most lenses were ±5, with a max of +10. While waiting for the repair, a second copy of the D7000 was tested and found to have some correctable backfocus. We decided to return that one and just keep the first one. FWIW, the most problematic lens is the 80-200/2.8 AF-D (both #1985 and #1986 versions) followed by the 80-400. I think the shaft drive and gear backlash exacerbate the AF problems.
Usually I recommend return and replacement for equipment that appers to out of adjustment or defective. However, if the frontfocus/backfocus is consistent then it might be better to have the camera adjusted than try new ones again and again. If the focus is erratic, there may be some serious defect that is difficult to diagnose/repair and not worth potential multiple servicings.
This is interesting. The only lens I have issues with are my 80-200 2.8 D. Tried LensAlign, and had varying results depending on focal length. My D7000 is not under warranty any longer, so am curious as to what Nikon might charge. I assume I would need to send the lens in as well?
Thanks
@ 3X the cost, one would hope so. 
Go to defaults and proceed from there. GL 
