Major 7D focus issues

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Archive 2009 · Major 7D focus issues

DavidP
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p.14 #1 · Major 7D focus issues

mark fadely wrote:
I don't know if other camera manufacturers have better service cause I've always used Canon.

I have no idea, either. And I don't read Nikon forums to know what's going on there, either.

But then that's not the point, really.

Oct 13, 2009 at 01:10 PM

DavidP
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p.14 #2 · Major 7D focus issues

keithreeder wrote:
but the fact remains that most folk never find themselves in this situation - it's not representative.

It is my contention that "most folk" never shoot their cameras in a manner that will reveal focus issues. The DOF of the shots from "most folk" covers up many sins.

Oct 13, 2009 at 01:12 PM

saturos
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p.14 #3 · Major 7D focus issues

Heh, by my count 3 fanboys had to jump on my post like rabid.. well fanboys. Missing the point of what I said, distorting the message, misusing the label of "troll" and ultimately resorting to personal insults, like "whiny, self important". Thanks guys for proving my point.

And for the record I don't consider myself unlucky with Canons. For instance I've never had a problem with any of my lenses. Nor other bodies I've used. I mentioned the ones I've had issues with because it's relevant to my experiences with their service dept.

Oct 13, 2009 at 02:20 PM

Adam L
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p.14 #4 · Major 7D focus issues

jmikes955 wrote:
DavidP wrote:

It is my contention that "most folk" never shoot their cameras in a manner that will reveal focus issues.

So true. My favorite fan boy post of all time was about the Mark III, when someone pronounced the Mark III as not having any focus issues and, to "prove" it, showed a sequence of a pickup going down the street in front of his house and -- I kid you not -- a tight shot of his thumb on a hot day.

Just like this crowd:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=744235

Too many nerds behind the viewfinders... not enough artists.

Oct 13, 2009 at 04:20 PM

PhotogDave
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p.14 #5 · Major 7D focus issues

DavidP wrote:
keithreeder wrote:
but the fact remains that most folk never find themselves in this situation - it's not representative.

It is my contention that "most folk" never shoot their cameras in a manner that will reveal focus issues. The DOF of the shots from "most folk" covers up many sins.

This is absolutely correct. I have seen over and over again where some one will attack and say mine is fine and then proceed to post a sequence of 10 AI Servo shots at f8. Well yeah, my 1D3 is the best in the business at f8. Its 100%. But where it dissappoints is using that same camera and test using f2.8. Then we start the trash bin excercise.

Oct 13, 2009 at 07:41 PM

mark fadely
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p.14 #6 · Major 7D focus issues

Mine is fine at 2.8 - use it at 2.8 always, and on 300mm. Dave, if your focus is moving around then I urge you to send it in in one last hope that they can fix it. I think it's worth a try, and it won't cost you anything. They have been able to fully fix quite a few cameras. A lot of them post in the N&W forum all the time.

I don't think you were here on FM when I posted a 16 shot burst at 2.8 of an RC jet, but the special Canon service techs they brought into the Virginia center really knew what they were doing.

Oct 13, 2009 at 08:57 PM

wenis
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p.14 #7 · Major 7D focus issues

FWIW, I returned the problem body today... had the opportunity to get a kit for the same price as the body at Worst Buy w/ a 10% off coupon. The serial on the new body was 5k+ newer than my last, which was just over 10000. From what I can tell, this body is spot on, although I haven't had a chance to test much more than one shot/single point focus. It was immediately obvious... tested a little in low light/contrast and was quite pleased with the results. Took maybe 60 shots at various focal length and subject distance and the AF nailed the focus.

Servo will be tested soon.

I'm very grateful that this is working out as this body is just about perfect for me... love it.

Anyone have any interest in a 28-135 3.5/5.6 IS ?

Oct 14, 2009 at 02:17 AM

Greg Schneider
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p.14 #8 · Major 7D focus issues

Has anyone found quirks in using all 19 focus points? The other modes seem consistent, but I've had images that are way off when using all 19 points. More so in one shot it seems, since in servo you have a specific point to aim it at to begin focusing which probably helps get it started better than it picking in one shot.

Oct 14, 2009 at 02:40 AM

lipslide
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p.14 #9 · Major 7D focus issues

Ah I thought I was the only one! I have had two 7D's now, both with major autofocus issues.

I picked up a replacement 7D unit yesterday afternoon. After some testing in low light with the Tokina 11-16 lens yesterday evening it seemed to be exhibiting the same autofocus issues as my original unit (That I still have). Inconsistently back and forward focusing in single spot mode, and completely lost during full automatic with nothing in acceptable focus anywhere in the frame. Please understand, both units do not hunt for focus. They search, lock and beep to confirm focus has been achieved every time, even though it has not.

Thinking that I may not have been giving the camera a fair go in the dim conditions, I thought to test it in daylight where it may perform better.

Unfortunately daylight proved no better and the same issues were apparent. The most affected lenses I used were the Tokina 11-116 f2.8, Sigma 30mm f1.4 and the Canon 50mm f1.8 II (the Canon was least affected).

After some testing with a focus chart and it appearing the Tokina was indeed backfocusing and in need of micro adjustment, I performed exhaustive testing with a focus chart and the micro-adjustment utility until the lens was supposedly focusing as it should. Unfortunately whilst it was no longer backfocusing on the focus chart from around 2 feet away, taking a photo across the room showed it had had a negative impact on the focus at longer ranges, visibly making the image even blurrier than before. But again the camera believed it was focused and was beeping to confirm such.

Both units performed, more or less, identically in these situations. All lenses work perfectly on my 500D, in all focus modes.

I am at my wits end. I sent back the replacement, explaining the situation, but I am at a loss. I don't know whether to ask for another unit again, as I don't know whether that will fix it. Is it all units that are affected? Is it these particular lenses?

So many questions and no answers. . .

Oct 14, 2009 at 08:17 AM

wenis
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p.14 #10 · Major 7D focus issues

lipslide wrote:
Ah I thought I was the only one! I have had two 7D's now, both with major autofocus issues.

I picked up a replacement 7D unit yesterday afternoon. After some testing in low light with the Tokina 11-16 lens yesterday evening it seemed to be exhibiting the same autofocus issues as my original unit (That I still have). Inconsistently back and forward focusing in single spot mode, and completely lost during full automatic with nothing in acceptable focus anywhere in the frame. Please understand, both units do not hunt for focus. They search, lock and beep to confirm focus has been achieved every time, even though it has not.

Thinking that I may not have been giving the camera a fair go in the dim conditions, I thought to test it in daylight where it may perform better.

Unfortunately daylight proved no better and the same issues were apparent. The most affected lenses I used were the Tokina 11-116 f2.8, Sigma 30mm f1.4 and the Canon 50mm f1.8 II (the Canon was least affected).

After some testing with a focus chart and it appearing the Tokina was indeed backfocusing and in need of micro adjustment, I performed exhaustive testing with a focus chart and the micro-adjustment utility until the lens was supposedly focusing as it should. Unfortunately whilst it was no longer backfocusing on the focus chart from around 2 feet away, taking a photo across the room showed it had had a negative impact on the focus at longer ranges, visibly making the image even blurrier than before. But again the camera believed it was focused and was beeping to confirm such.

Both units performed, more or less, identically in these situations. All lenses work perfectly on my 500D, in all focus modes.

I am at my wits end. I sent back the replacement, explaining the situation, but I am at a loss. I don't know whether to ask for another unit again, as I don't know whether that will fix it. Is it all units that are affected? Is it these particular lenses?

So many questions and no answers. . .

That stinks... My first body had the same issues.

Did you buy both units from the same shop? What are the approximate serial numbers? Both body only?

Have you tried setting the lens to infinity prior to activating the AF? (This helped me somewhat). Tested with AF expansion On? Have you tried it off? Did you try pulling out both batteries and clearing all settings on the cam?

I did all these things and it didn't help, so I returned the body. Bought the kit with the lens and this body seems to be working well... Same firmware version. I would exchange your body for a new one. There are definitely working AF systems out there and the only thing one can assume is that there are some defective units as well. If I were a gambling man I would say both your units have low serial numbers which are very close.

Get it replaced if you can. If not, send it back to Canon and keep your fingers crossed.

Good luck.

Oct 14, 2009 at 11:50 AM

lipslide
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p.14 #11 · Major 7D focus issues

Yeah, both from the same shop.

The original body that I still have is serial #0230103963

The replacement they sent that had the same issue was serial #0280106420

I don't know if that means anything to you. . .they seem far apart, but then again it may not just be a simple numerical number. Maybe it's part product/country/batch code or something, I don't know.

I got them from Camera's Direct (CD) in Australia. As fas as I know they get them imported from somewhere overseas. Asia, most likely.

Tried the infinity trick, tried most everything I can. I am currently using Live View, manual focus and zooming in to get it sharp. For the money I spent, I'd love for it to be at least as functional as my old 500D, but sadly it is not.

Firmware is 1.0.7. . .

I am waiting to hear from CD tomorrow. Hopefully they will send me another one from their latest shipment and that will work. . .fingers are as crossed as the possibly can be.

I love this camera, I just wish it would work as well as everybody elses!

Oct 14, 2009 at 12:16 PM

DavidP
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p.14 #12 · Major 7D focus issues

wenis wrote:
Shot about 3k images through various lenses, using mostly the 24-70L. Maybe 10% razor sharp, 20% acceptably sharp for smaller prints, and the rest just plain awful to be honest. Absolutely unacceptable performance from my unit's AF. .

Is it only with the 24-70, or are your other lenses giving the same performance?

Back when the 10D came out, there were a lot of people (including a friend of mine) that couldn't get sharp photos at f/2.8 with the 24-70 with that camera. Her lens worked fine on my 1D), and her other lenses worked fine on her 10D (as well as on my 1D).

Effectivly, the 10D just wouldn't work with the 24-70/2.8 for her (at f/2.8 anyway), and it was the same way for a lot of others.

Hopefully that's not an issue again with the 7D.

Oct 14, 2009 at 12:29 PM

DavidP
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p.14 #13 · Major 7D focus issues

tuschinski wrote:
I fail to understand why you have to convince others of your woes.

Nobody should have to justify telling the truth. But when others essentially call somebody a liar for reporting the truth, it shouldn't be unexpected when he further attempts to convince them "of his woes".

Oct 14, 2009 at 12:31 PM

wenis
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p.14 #14 · Major 7D focus issues

DavidP wrote:

Is it only with the 24-70, or are your other lenses giving the same performance?

Back when the 10D came out, there were a lot of people (including a friend of mine) that couldn't get sharp photos at f/2.8 with the 24-70 with that camera. Her lens worked fine on my 1D), and her other lenses worked fine on her 10D (as well as on my 1D).

Effectivly, the 10D just wouldn't work with the 24-70/2.8 for her (at f/2.8 anyway), and it was the same way for a lot of others.

Hopefully that's not an issue again with the 7D.

David,

Thanks for the reply. Interesting issue with the 24-70L, but I do not think this applies to my situation. The new body focuses this lens wide open about as well as one could hope for. I haven't done any sort of MA or chart shooting, but pixel peeping shows razor sharp results at 70mm at the focus point. DoF looks even / slight rear. The only other large aperture lens I had tested with is the 50 1.8. Which seemed to exaggerate the issue on my other body. The only way I could accurately focus with this lens was to live view/zoom/manual.

I did also test a 24-105L but as it was mentioned already on this thread F4 is too easy on the AF system... too much margin of error.

Oct 14, 2009 at 02:11 PM

wenis
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p.14 #15 · Major 7D focus issues

lipslide wrote:
Yeah, both from the same shop.

The original body that I still have is serial #0230103963

The replacement they sent that had the same issue was serial #0280106420

I don't know if that means anything to you. . .they seem far apart, but then again it may not just be a simple numerical number. Maybe it's part product/country/batch code or something, I don't know.

I got them from Camera's Direct (CD) in Australia. As fas as I know they get them imported from somewhere overseas. Asia, most likely.

Tried the infinity trick, tried most everything I can. I am currently using Live View, manual focus and zooming in to get it sharp. For the money I spent, I'd love for it to be at least as functional as my old 500D, but sadly it is not.

Firmware is 1.0.7. . .

I am waiting to hear from CD tomorrow. Hopefully they will send me another one from their latest shipment and that will work. . .fingers are as crossed as the possibly can be.

I love this camera, I just wish it would work as well as everybody elses!

I have no idea what the serial numbers mean, but would guarantee they are coded somehow.

My original was 02201005XX - the problem camera. The new one is 0220106XXX. This could be meaningless. There could be sub component serialization that might actually mean something, IE, if there is a chip/board for the AF system that has a number. And a certain batch of these are faulty. Who knows.

The AF system is brand spanking new, so it could be a software bug. However, why would some units work and some be faulty on the same firmware? This is why I straight returned mine. It would be logical to assume that this is a hardware or calibration issue and I would rather have a unit that works properly than be without my equipment for a month... or hope that a firmware update would fix the issue.

Good luck

Oct 14, 2009 at 02:29 PM

Zenon Char
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p.14 #16 · Major 7D focus issues

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1019&message=33359682

Oct 15, 2009 at 03:39 AM

Tom_W
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p.14 #17 · Major 7D focus issues

saturos wrote:
Heh, by my count 3 fanboys had to jump on my post like rabid.. well fanboys. Missing the point of what I said, distorting the message, misusing the label of "troll" and ultimately resorting to personal insults, like "whiny, self important".

As opposed to personal insults like "fanboy"....

Oct 15, 2009 at 11:42 AM

corndog
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p.14 #18 · Major 7D focus issues

Who cares about name calling, we're all assholes and this is the internet.

Oct 16, 2009 at 04:10 AM

Alex Edwards
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p.14 #19 · Major 7D focus issues

lipslide wrote:

I got them from Camera's Direct (CD) in Australia. As fas as I know they get them imported from somewhere overseas. Asia, most likely.

Good luck with Camera's Direct. I have found their customer service lees than prompt in the past...

Oct 16, 2009 at 04:36 AM

saturos
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p.14 #20 · Major 7D focus issues

corndog wrote:
Who cares about name calling, we're all assholes and this is the internet.

Ultimately we will never know if these guys are having problems due to user error, and the new cameras work because the custom menu's haven't been molested to death while trying to fix something that isn't wrong. Seriously, we will never know. Still, it's good for everyone to report their findings so we can judge for ourselves what the issue was with the minority of the problem users. And hopefully these issues are with the minority!

Those with problems need to post the Canon repair slip when the camera is returned.

The Canon repair slips I've gotten in the past have been less than informative on what repairs were done. Or even any explanation of what the problem was to begin with. I can't say I've paid particular attention to each of them but I know the ones associated with my 40D viewfinder didn't have anything enlightening on them. I looked because I was very curious what caused my viewfinder to resemble a funhouse mirror when I looked through it. All distorted. I actively tried to find any information the 2nd time I had to send it in for the same thing. Only thing I could find was "Repair covered under warranty".

On a side note for those people who insist that the focus issues some of us are having is due to "user error" and how they have a perfect copy etc.. Well if they feel that strongly about that, if mine still has the issue when I get it back I'll trade with them. After all if it's all about the user they shouldn't have any problem trading bodies right?

Oct 16, 2009 at 05:03 AM

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