So I bought a used D3s off the boards and I noticed the auto focus is really lethargic and misses a lot of shots. In comparison my D700 with the same AF settings nails everything and is very fast. I noticed as I am focusing the highlighted focal point will start flickering and then slowly start fading out and then eventually disappears until I select a different focal point. The fading out process then starts over on any focus point.
I can focus on something using continuous and have something locked in. I will then switch focal points and attempt to focus and it will just sit there for about 5 seconds before it decides to focus on something else. I have changed the focus tracking settings from slow to fast and it is still the same. The camera just acts slow all around and will have to turn it on and off to get it to unfreeze. I have tried many lenses and it is all the same.
Did you restore the factory defaults before shooting the camera? There maybe a setting that is problematic. I'd restore the defaults and then compare settings with the 700.
Did you restore the factory defaults before shooting the camera? There maybe a setting that is problematic. I'd restore the defaults and then compare settings with the 700.
I did a full reset on the camera and then put all the settings to the same as my D700 and it is not bad in day light but as soon as it starts hitting low light it is just a slug. The D700 is faster in lowlight than this thing is in bright light. The firmware is the latest version. Should I try reinstalling the firmware?
Brandon Mizar wrote:
Mainboard has to be replaced. Anyone know the costs? Still waiting on the estimate from Nikon.
First time I've heard of this problem with a D3. I think you need to take Charles advice and contact the seller A legit seller will work this out with you. I was pursuing the B&S boards a while back and saw your D800 for sale. Somebody offered a trade for a D3s. Did you take that offer?
If the AF issue existed from day one, I would definitely contact the seller/previous owner of this D3S. I would be very surprised if this problem didn't exist when he/she owned it. BTW, how many clicks was on the shutter when you purchased it?
It was just over 27,000. I got the camera and noticed it felt a little off but didn't use it for a few weeks as I was having my lenses calibrated to the body hoping somehow that was the issue.. Then it was another week or two before my first concert. It was tracking like crap and was hard to lock on to anything. Then shot my boys boxing match and got maybe 20 out of 1000 shots in focus. I messaged the seller but no reply.
PayPal dropped the dispute because I waited too long to dispute the issue while I had the camera calibrated and diagnosed with the shops. So I am stuck with a large bill on a camera that had obvious issues when I got it. I guess giving it the benefit of the doubt and having it tested was stupid and should have filed a complaint on day one. I will try disputing the credit card next.
Wow! That really bites, Brandon! I hope you can get something resolved with the CC company. But, the seller needs a twak I assume that he's not a regular here, maybe has a short history and feedback. I hope that you gave him a red zone feedback, to warn other buyers of his shady dealings.
should be common knowledge using this level of gear 
I assume that he's not a regular here, maybe has a short history and feedback. I hope that you gave him a red zone feedback, to warn other buyers of his shady dealings.