Focusing problem with Canon 350D

OptimusBri

OptimusBri

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Briony
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A few months ago I had a problem with my 350D where it wouldn't focus properly when on autofocus...the focusing ring just kept going from one side to the other. However, I managed to solve it by just cleaning the electrical contacts between the lens and the camera and after that it worked fine.

In the last few days the problem has returned, so I tried cleaning the electrical contacts again several times to see if it would do the trick but no such luck. Sometimes it will focus and take the photo but the majority of the time it won't.

I have tried two different lenses on my camera but the problem still remains. I took it in to Jessops today and got one of the members of staff to look at it. After messing about with it for a while, trying another lens on, and checking all the settings, I got told it would need to be repaired :(

(ARGH - I just turned my camera on and discovered another problem!!! Will come to that in a moment...)

Anyway, they said that when using autofocus, the af points don't light up, and they thought that I might have adjusted the settings for that or something, but I haven't, and it just won't focus properly. And the additional problem I have just encountered when looking through the viewfinder, is that NOTHING is in focus! You know when you press the button half way down, and you can see what shutter speed and aperture you are using in the viewfinder - well they aren't in focus :( and my camera doesn't want to focus on anything at all now.

So I am guessing it is something internal and my camera is completely screwed?

I trust the guys at Jessops, especially as they have actually seen my camera and had a go with it to figure out what's wrong, but I thought I may as well get some more opinions...

Any help would be much appreciated.
 
You may find the spring on the af mirror has or is just about to fail - remove the lens and take a shot, as the mirror rises there is another, smaller mirror on the back of it which is to do with the autofocus, if it is hanging loose or bounces when the main mirror returns then the spring has snapped.
 
With your new problem it's not simply the diopter adjustment (little wheel by the viewfinder) that's been moved? Worth giving it a twist to see if it's that.
 
The ability of your viewfinder to display the exposure info sharply depends entirely on you adjusting the viewfinder dioptre setting to suit your own eyesight. Once sharply adjusted, the figures remain sharp regardless of whether your lens is focused or not.

If you haven't inadvertently altered the dioptre settings, and the exposure details are blurry then it could well point to some sort of problem in the viewfinder or prism, but wont be antthing to do with any focus problems between the camera and the lens.
 
Flash In The Pan said:
You may find the spring on the af mirror has or is just about to fail - remove the lens and take a shot, as the mirror rises there is another, smaller mirror on the back of it which is to do with the autofocus, if it is hanging loose or bounces when the main mirror returns then the spring has snapped.
Click to expand...

I have checked this, and the smaller mirror just snaps up straight after the main mirror rises, and it doesn't appear to be hanging loose or bouncing when the main mirror returns.
 
CT said:
The ability of your viewfinder to display the exposure info sharply depends entirely on you adjusting the viewfinder dioptre setting to suit your own eyesight. Once sharply adjusted, the figures remain sharp regardless of whether your lens is focused or not.

If you haven't inadvertently altered the dioptre settings, and the exposure details are blurry then it could well point to some sort of problem in the viewfinder or prism, but wont be antthing to do with any focus problems between the camera and the lens.
Click to expand...

I know that you use that to change it depending on your eyesight...for some reason it didn't occur to me to check that as the first thing! I think I just panicked and assumed it was something more serious seeing as there's something already wrong with my camera.

There's still the issue of the camera not focusing properly though :(
 
No probs, well at least that's one issue resolved. :thumbs:
 
How are you cleaning the contacts?
 
OK. Try using an eraser - you know... india rubber type.You may have a pencil with a small one on the end?
 
If the DoF preview button is working then it's a fair bet that the contacts are fine....the data stream takes the same path as the focus command.

Set the aperture to f/11 or something and then press the DoF preview button to see if it works.

Bob
 
OptimusBri said:
Yep the DoF preview button is working fine...
Click to expand...

That means that the body is able to communicate with the lens okay and the problem is further back if the issue is with more than one lens.

Bob

...you haven't got the dial set in A-Dep by any chance?
 
CaptainPenguin said:
Had this problem on my 350D a couple of years ago cleaned the lens and body contacts and the battery contacts and it has worked perfectly since
Click to expand...

Exactly the same with mine, a quick blow and man fiddle with the battery and it was all good.
:thumbs:
 
CaptainPenguin said:
Had this problem on my 350D a couple of years ago cleaned the lens and body contacts and the battery contacts and it has worked perfectly since
Click to expand...

Lens and body contacts have been cleaned, and I have just cleaned the battery contacts, but the problem still remains :(

Things are not looking good, urghhhh.
 
Bob,

Can she map the AF to another button on the 350D?
 
b****r - sounds internal then? :shrug:
 
Which focus point are you using Briony? If you're using the centre one then try shifting it to another....there may be a fleck of dust on one of the mirrors right where you don't want it.

Bob
 
:shrug:Can i ask what lens it is happening with,had similar a while ago & it was the AF motor in the lens.
 
jockwav said:
:shrug:Can i ask what lens it is happening with,had similar a while ago & it was the AF motor in the lens.
Click to expand...
Unfortunately it's happening with two different lenses.
 
Long shot here! I had this trouble while out walking and in desparation went to the menu, end tab, clear settings, now all works fine! Won't do any harm to try!!
 
Hmmmmm:thinking:
 
wontolla said:
Long shot here! I had this trouble while out walking and in desparation went to the menu, end tab, clear settings, now all works fine! Won't do any harm to try!!
Click to expand...
Actually, that's not a bad idea.
 
If you stick the lens in MF and focus manually, will it take the shot then?

Bob
 
Canon Bob said:
Which focus point are you using Briony? If you're using the centre one then try shifting it to another....there may be a fleck of dust on one of the mirrors right where you don't want it.

Bob
Click to expand...

I was using the centre one. I have just tried changing it to another one but it's still messing up.

Also, something I have only just realised what it is - you know when the af points light up red, and it's literally only a tiny red dot? Well on the one above and the one below the middle point, they both light up red but slightly to the right hand side of them there is also an out of focus circular red blob. Not sure if this has anything to do with my problem as it is not on all the focus points but I'm sure they aren't meant to be like that...
 
OptimusBri said:
Oh my goodness...you are a life saver. It seems to be working!! :D
Click to expand...


Hmmmmmm:thinking:

Good! Glad to be of help!:thumbs:
Got to keep these great camera's going y'know!
 
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