topic Re: Canon 7D mark 1 autofocus inconsistent in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

Canon 7D mark 1 autofocus inconsistent

Jshemnitz — Sat, 23 Mar 2024 17:52:58 GMT

Hi All,

I picked up a Canon 7D used recently and I'm having some really big problems with the autofocus. Basically, the autofocus is extremely inconsistent. It's happening on multiple lenses so I'm pretty sure it's the body and not the lenses. I've done a hard reset, cleared all the settings, cleaned the sensors, and done micro AF adjustments on all my lenses. I'll take a shot (single shot, manual single center point) and the focus will be too far out.. take another pic and the focus is fine.. take another pic and the focus is too far in. It's just all over the place and I'm not sure what's wrong...I'm basically losing my mind because I'll so the micro adjustment again thinking its fine and then it's off.. even taking multiple shots in the microadjustment process will he all over the place in the same session. Not sure what's going on. The body itself is in great condition and has a total shutter count under 40k

Re: Canon 7D mark 1 autofocus inconsistent

deebatman316 — Sat, 23 Mar 2024 17:58:15 GMT

I want to confirm this is the original EOS 7D DSLR camera NOT the newer EOS 7D Mark II DSLR camera. What lenses are you using on it. As a test put the camera in P Mode and set the focus mode to One Shot AF. Then take a picture of a stationary object such as tree. The pictures that come out should all be in focus.

Re: Canon 7D mark 1 autofocus inconsistent

Jshemnitz — Sat, 23 Mar 2024 18:05:12 GMT

Yes, this the original 7d. I've tried it with my 50 1.8 as well as my 50 1.4.. same inconsistent issues with both. I've done the micro adjustments on both using the focusing rulers you can buy

Re: Canon 7D mark 1 autofocus inconsistent

deebatman316 — Sat, 23 Mar 2024 18:22:04 GMT

What is the full model name of the 50mm F/1.8 are you using. Canon has only released 1 50mm F/1.4 USM assuming you're using the Canon model. What drive mode are you using older lenses can't keep with Continuous High shooting. 1st gen EF lenses used AFD (Arc Form Drive 1987-1992) instead of Micro Motor. These lenses are LIMITED to 3 fps in Servo AF mode. The AF and aperture control work differently with these lenses. The AF and aperture control are done sequentially not simultaneously like newer lenses are.

EF 50mm F/1.8 original (1987-1990)
EF 50mm F/1.8 II (discontinued, 1990-2015)
EF 50mm F/1.8 STM (current, 2015-present)

Re: Canon 7D mark 1 autofocus inconsistent

Jshemnitz — Sat, 23 Mar 2024 18:31:04 GMT

The 50 1.8 is generation 2..

The 50 1.4 is the only generation they made (and still make)

Both are made by canon (not 3rd party)

I'm using single shot (not continuous)

Re: Canon 7D mark 1 autofocus inconsistent

deebatman316 — Sat, 23 Mar 2024 19:09:52 GMT

Do you have another camera to test the lenses on.

Re: Canon 7D mark 1 autofocus inconsistent

Jshemnitz — Sat, 23 Mar 2024 20:56:02 GMT

Yes.. I have a 5d version 2 coming in a week

Re: Canon 7D mark 1 autofocus inconsistent

Waddizzle — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 12:51:37 GMT

Welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear you are experiencing issues with your gear.

What are you trying to focus on? How far away is the subject you are focusing on?

Could you please post a sample photo of your issue that contains the EXIF data? Doing so would help someone to help you.

Re: Canon 7D mark 1 autofocus inconsistent

ebiggs1 — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 16:23:51 GMT

"I picked up a Canon 7D used recently and I'm having some really big problems with the autofocus."

I know you ae not going to like hearing this but almost all focus issues are from the user and not the camera or lens. As high as 90% and micro adjustment is one of the biggest causes because it is so misunderstood. Second is Ai-servo mode so I never recommend using it unless you find One shot isn't getting the job done. One shot will get 90% of all shots. Now this is not to say there isn't a problem with you gear as it very well could be.

The solution is to test it but under very strict conditions. A tripod a static subject or target. Controlled settings and conditions. Not willing to do this or go this far forget trying to determine whether its you or the gear.

"I've done a hard reset, cleared all the settings, cleaned the sensors, and done micro AF adjustments ..."

Good to reset and that is first thing to do. Cleaning the sensors is not only bad but a very bad thing and could very well be or cause the problem. Of course al AF adjustments need to be set back to zero. However set up your testing range using Av mode at first after the full reset. Set up a target 25 or 30 feet away. Center focus point. Good light for good exposure and good contrast in the subject especially with vertical lines. Perhaps a book or newspaper. Everything is rock solid. You are going to go through several aperture settings. You never change more than one thing at a time. You change the aperture OK. You change the distance, OK. You never change the aperture and distance at the same time. as an example. Its tedious and methodical but this is how you test a lens.

Re: Canon 7D mark 1 autofocus inconsistent

Jshemnitz — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 18:37:00 GMT

I did all of those things.. and it's still inconsistent..something is off with the camera itself and it's outside of the microadjustments. I just don't know what internal issue would throw it off that much

Re: Canon 7D mark 1 autofocus inconsistent

FloridaDrafter — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 19:19:36 GMT

@Jshemnitz wrote:
I did all of those things.. and it's still inconsistent..something is off with the camera itself and it's outside of the microadjustments. I just don't know what internal issue would throw it off that much

Have you tried autofocusing in Live View? I understand it's not how you normally do it, but it will help diagnose the issue.

Newton

Re: Canon 7D mark 1 autofocus inconsistent

Jshemnitz — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 19:30:24 GMT

The focus seems to be much more consistent in live mode vs shooting through the viewfinder. What does that indicate?

Re: Canon 7D mark 1 autofocus inconsistent

FloridaDrafter — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 19:56:43 GMT

@Jshemnitz wrote:
The focus seems to be much more consistent in live mode vs shooting through the viewfinder. What does that indicate?

It indicates that the AF sensor in the floor of your camera may be out of adjustment or broken. Light coming through the lens hits the main mirror and is directed to your viewfinder but some of that light/image is split and directed to a focusing sensor in the floor of the camera. When in live view, that AF sensor is bypassed and the main image sensor does the focusing.

Someone with more tech knowledge may be able to explain it better, but that's it in a nutshell.

Newton

Re: Canon 7D mark 1 autofocus inconsistent

Jshemnitz — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 20:02:25 GMT

If if the autofocus sensor is broken, then it's probably not worth fixing as I'm sure that would be expensive to fix

Re: Canon 7D mark 1 autofocus inconsistent

FloridaDrafter — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 20:44:47 GMT

@Jshemnitz wrote:
If if the autofocus sensor is broken, then it's probably not worth fixing as I'm sure that would be expensive to fix

If that is the problem, yes it could cost more to repair than you paid for it. But you would need to get an estimate from a reputable shop. I'm not sure if Canon still supports the 7D, I think it was released in 2009.

Newton

Re: Canon 7D mark 1 autofocus inconsistent

Jshemnitz — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 21:09:56 GMT

If it's not broken, but needs adjustment, how would that be done? Or are you just referring to the micro adjustment because I've tried that 10x

Re: Canon 7D mark 1 autofocus inconsistent

deebatman316 — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 21:30:13 GMT

No there's a physical problem with the sensor itself that an AFMA can't fix the problem. The camera will have to be sent to a shop to get fixed. Canon no longer services the EOS 7D DSLR camera anymore.

Re: Canon 7D mark 1 autofocus inconsistent

Waddizzle — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 22:36:38 GMT

The AF sensor could simply be dirty and dusty, too.

Re: Canon 7D mark 1 autofocus inconsistent

Jshemnitz — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 00:07:02 GMT

Is there a way I can clean the sensor myself? I've blown all the dust out

Re: Canon 7D mark 1 autofocus inconsistent

Waddizzle — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 00:44:21 GMT

@Jshemnitz wrote:
Is there a way I can clean the sensor myself? I've blown all the dust out

No. I was suggesting blowing out the dust.