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Canon lens not autofocussing

  • 01-10-2012 8:42pm
    #1
    Greystoner
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 305 ✭✭


    I have the Canon DLSR 550 and it is usually in manual setting, but I went to use it in a party situation and put it on AF, and it didn't work!

    I have checked the obvious-that it was in AF and not manual! It works fine in manual setting.

    The AF makes a kind of struggling sound, and just can't focus, in any light. I have cleaned the sensor and the contacts seem fine.

    I have only had this camera for a few months,so it is still under warranty, but the place I bought it from is a bit of a trek away, so I am hoping it is something simple. Any ideas?

    Thanks.


Comments

  • #2
    OldGoat
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,638 ✭✭✭✭OldGoat


    Just eliminating the obvious...

    Were you very close to the object you are trying to focus on? All lenses have a minimum focusing distance.

    Did you try focusing on a contrasty object, something with lots of light and dark areas. Lenses occasionally have difficulty focusing when there is not enough contrast to focus on.

    Lens cap? :)

    I'm older than Minecraft goats.



  • #3
    magicbastarder
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 50,851 CMod ✭✭✭✭magicbastarder


    not knowing canons well, the following question may not apply - is there an autofocus switch on the lens too?


  • #4
    Greystoner
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 305 ✭✭Greystoner


    Thanks for the replies.

    I am experienced enough to have taken the lens cap off! (LOL). Also the canon lens does have the switch on as well as the body. I have tried the AF in all lights and settings and it is not working. I usually have the camera in manual, but needed the AF just for one occasion there. It's handy to have in certain situations.

    I looked on the internet and this seems to be a common enough problem on Canon lenses. I have also spoken to the place where I bought it from and they are going to sort it out no prob.

    What a pain though!


  • #5
    LeoB
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,256 ✭✭✭LeoB


    Try contact zerohamster. He is a regular on boards. I had a problem with a Canon lens and he sorted me out. Excellent service and nice guy to deal with.


  • #6
    5uspect
    Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 10,520 Mod ✭✭✭✭5uspect


    You always use manual focus on a 550D with that tiny dark viewfinder? :eek:


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  • #7
    Greystoner
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 305 ✭✭Greystoner


    5uspect wrote: »
    You always use manual focus on a 550D with that tiny dark viewfinder? :eek:
    There is the the 'live view' now too on a nice big 3" screen! It's a fab camera!


  • #8
    5uspect
    Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 10,520 Mod ✭✭✭✭5uspect


    You use live view in manual focus nearly all the time?


  • #9
    Greystoner
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 305 ✭✭Greystoner


    5uspect wrote: »
    You use live view in manual focus nearly all the time?

    As you are so keen to know ;) ... I use the viewfinder for manual and the 'live screen' on most auto settings and video. It's a great camera for someone at my level; I am not a pro, and I don't 'live life through a lens', I just live it and photography is a fun aspect in my life!

    Back to the original problem though-all sorted. There was a little hair or something on the contacts. I am a happy snapper again!


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