20D: Strange Behaviour III

As I seem to specialize in experiencing problems that no photographer has ever experienced in the history of the universe, I would just like to ask if any of you have experienced my latest photographic anomaly:

I have my centre focus point selected and have been using that to auto-focus on my subjects. When I was reviewing my photographs in EOS Viewer Utility, with the focus mark option overlaid, I noticed that on a few of the photographs the left-hand focus point was used instead of the centre one.

I had a similar occurrence recently, but that time the left-hand focus point had selected itself permanently and I had to reset it to the centre point (not before messing up a load of photos).

Is it just me again?

Mike

Yup! Just you. Noone else.

Have you downloaded and installed the latest software upgrades?

Also, remember that a modern digital camera is also a computer. Sometimes when there are strange problems it helps to completely reset it to factory settings and start over.

Yuh gotta get rid of the ghost in the machine.

Thought so!

No I haven't upgraded it at all. I'll have to read up on that because I have no idea how to go about it.

If it wasn't so expensive I would beat it severely, like I do with my computer.

Mike

Upgrading is really easy.

First, check to see what version of firmware you currently have (page 31 in your manual).

Then, assuming you don't have the most current version, download the current version from the Canon website and follow the instructions in the readme file.

Resetting is also easy. First, clear all custom functions (page 140 in your manual). Then, restore all default settings (page 32 in your manual).

As an added reset, I suggest removing BOTH batteries--the main battery and the small button battery--then setting the camera aside for at least 20 minutes before reinstalling the batteries. This will kill any "ghosts" in the camera's dynamic and static memories, but will not affect firmware.

Do this, and you will essentially be starting from factory scratch.

Good luck.

Roger

Instead of beating it, just wave a screwdriver menacingly near it. Usually does the job.

Okay, thanks Roger, I'll sort that out. I only have one custom function set (ISO 3200) and the rest is standard.

Poloman, I tried that but it won't listen.

Mike