XTI Auto Focus Problem

Hi folks,

I just picked up an XTi for only $50 as it had been dropped. I have checked the camera out and found that the flash doesn't work (that is where it took the brunt of the fall, so no surprise there).

From what I can tell, everything else works except for the auto-focus. The camera reports that it is in manual focus mode whether the auto-focus is turned on or not. The lens is okay as it works with my 40D.

I've tried cleaning the contacts on the camera and lens. I read that auto-focus problems can be caused by the sub-mirror not working properly. Again, from what I can see, the sub-mirror is okay and works as it is designed to.

Does any one have any ideas as to what the problem could be?

Thanks in advance...
Al

Pretty sure it has to do with the whole it had been dropped thing. Could be that a ribbon cable has come free, the focus sensors in the bottom of the body are damaged, the list goes on. If you think it is worth it you could send it to Canon or have a good local camera shop look at it, but my guess is that any professional repair after labor and parts is going to be more than the camera is worth.

Find a friend in the States and trade it in through the Canon Loyalty Program.

I see that you bought the camera. I had made the guy an offer, but he wouldn't take it. It is basically a parts camera. Canon wants $150 plus parts to fix anything. You can buy a working XTI for less. Also Canon will not usually fix impact damage as it probably damages more than one component. Did you ever find out if the lens was on the camera when it was dropped? From the pictures that I saw, the camera must have taken quite a fall.

Can you focus using the * button on the back? Make sure the custom function 04 is set to 1. Change it to 0.

Thank you everyone for your quick replies.

Chet,
I did a complete reset on the camera including the custom functions. FN 04 is set to zero.

Chrisinont,
If you are still interested in the camera, I will sell it to you for what I paid, $50.

Al

Is that for the body only, or are there some accessories for that? You must be a better bargainer than I am, because he wouldn't take $50 from me. Did you buy the body by itself, or did you buy the lenses as well. At one point he had packaged 2 lenses and a case, but was asking $300. I would probably be interested as I have 2 XTi's, and might need parts for one some time. I am located just outside Stratford. You can probably send me a private message through this site, or just connect through here.

chrisinont,

Sent you a PM.

Al

You should have a reply from me. Chris

Well, I am the new owner of the 400D. Got the flash working this morning. Did a google search and discovered that there is a switch on the external flash shoe. When the camera fell the shoe got bent down. A little gentle straightening, and now the flash works fine. Still have a lens communication problem and probably the focusing issue. May have to take it apart for those issues.

I think I have resolved all the issues. Readjusted the the metal bayonet mount ring slightly and that resolved the lens communication issue. Focus seems to work ok. Pictures that I took today look ok. Will take camera out tomorrow and take some pictures to confirm that everything is working fine.

Sounds like you are making good progress, Chris! Let us know how it works!

Just an update onthe XTi,400D camera. Previous owner must have taken bayonet mount ring off, and when it was replaced the spring ring in behind was put in the wrong way. The tangs on the spring would not let the lens centre correctly and thus the focusing issues. I have taken some pictures and the camera works fine now. Only visible damage to the camera is a little abrasion on the external flash shoe.

chrisinont wrote in post #14010545
Just an update onthe XTi,400D camera. Previous owner must have taken bayonet mount ring off, and when it was replaced the spring ring in behind was put in the wrong way. The tangs on the spring would not let the lens centre correctly and thus the focusing issues. I have taken some pictures and the camera works fine now. Only visible damage to the camera is a little abrasion on the external flash shoe.

Congrats. That's sweet!