disaster

Are you able to get the lens to focus manually?

Neither, you are simply moving the plane of focus backwards or forwards so that the sharpest part is actually the point you are focussing on.

You need to take an image of a target like these at 45 degrees to check whether it is back or front focusing, and by how much. Then make the adjustment and check again.

If the lens isn't sharp at any point in the first place, making this adjustment is not going to make it so.

Tried the link for the focus template but can't get it. Anyone else have any links similar. Seems as the even in manual focus I am having problems. The lens I purchased used on eBay too. Damn it!!!!!

http://www.dphotojournal.com/focus-test-chart.pdf

You could always get the lens serviced.

Cheers, very interesting thread by the way. I will give this a go. Seems as though the cardboard cutout isn't necessary