Something broken?

Joined: 23 Oct 2004 Posts: 12

Newbie in need of help here... I've got a Digital Rebel that doesn't seem to want to auto-focus. When I hold the shutter button halfway, it waits a few seconds and then usually goes as far out of focus as possible. It never acutally focuses and it takes a very long time for it to move at all. I tried switching lenses, hoping it was just a problem with that particular lens... Of course it wasn't! lol Any ideas? Do I need to send it in for repairs?

Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2008 11:35 am

To start with I have Nikon so I don't know the Canons that well.

Anyway, It may be that you don't have the apature ring set correctly. On the Nikons you need to have it locked at the smallest apature (largest number on the scale, ex. f32) then the body will control the apature electronically.

If you have it set in the middle somewhere it is on manual and the image is too dark to focus properly. Just a though, I may be completely wrong.

Another may be the lens it'self. Does it have any "Manual/Auto" switches on it? It may be that they aren't set to Auto, I've done that before as well.

On the Nikons there is also a setting on the camera body for M/S/C by the lens. It it is set to "M" the lens won't auto focus. Is there something similar with the Canons?

I hope one of those helps. Good luck!

Joined: 23 Oct 2004 Posts: 12

I'm not sure if it has the aperature ring... I've had the camera for quite some time and I haven't *changed* anything. (that I know of!) I had it switched to auto focus when it messed up. I was able to switch to manual and still use the camera.
Also, now that I've had a chance to check out the pics I took, they turned out ok. I still see double thru the one lens, but the pics don't come out that way...

Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 11:01 am

If your seeing double out of ANY lens I would be worried that there is something wrong. I think you may have to bring it in for service.

Call or log-on to the Canon site and see if you can find a service center near you. I used to have a Canon AE-1 years ago and I had it serviced by KEH "www.keh.com" and they did a very good job with it.

You would have to determine if it is worth the cost as well. It may be expensive and better to spend a little more and get a new camera.

Sorry I couldn't be more help. Good luck!

Joined: 06 Sep 2005 Posts: 36 Location: Houston, TX

Do I understand correctly that you are seeing a double image threw the view finder but the images come out okay? If so then it sounds like a mechanical problem with your mirror. Such a problem could cause auto focus to not work correctly. I would take the camera body in to have it looked at. It doesn’t sound like your lens is at fault but you can't be sure unless you have another body to test with.

At the other user stated, you might want to look at replacing the body. I don't know what this would cost to fix, but you can pick up a new Rebel XTi on Amazon for a little over $500. With the new XSi hitting the streets, prices on the XTi will be at historic lows until inventory is sold out.

PS: Canon lenses do not have a manual aperture ring, but aperture is always controlled electronically by the body (weather that be automatic or manually set).