topic Re: Camera saying busy and won't take pictures in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

EOS Rebel XS saying busy and won't take pictures

mliz2486 — Tue, 16 May 2023 14:13:24 GMT

My camera worked fine the other day. Now, it won't take pictures at all. When I go to take a picture, it will act like it is focusing by flashing and such but it will never go through. It always says busy. I have tried all modes, and none will work not even without flash.

I have also taken the battery out, taken the card out and reformatted it, and cleared all camera settings. Can anyone help? I have a newborn that I would really like to be able to capture. 🙂

Thank you ahead of time!

Re: Camera saying busy and won't take pictures

Naomi — Mon, 12 Aug 2013 00:13:35 GMT

Hi mliz2486!

To have a better understanding of your issue, please let everyone know which model camera you own. That way, our Canon Forum members and our Subject Matter Experts will be able to assist you with suggestions appropriate for your specifici Canon camera.

Thanks!

Re: Camera saying busy and won't take pictures

mliz2486 — Mon, 12 Aug 2013 01:56:03 GMT

I have a Canon EOS Rebel XS.

Re: Camera saying busy and won't take pictures

Mykolas — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 11:19:03 GMT

mliz2468,

This may be a communication issue between the camera and the lens. Try removing the lens, then cleaning the electrical contacts with a soft microfiber cleaning cloth.

Does the camera still not focus and take a picture?
Does this happen with other lenses?
If you switch the focusing mode on the lens to MF instead, does the camera take the picture?

If this is a time sensitive-matter, additional support options are available at Contact Us.

Re: Camera saying busy and won't take pictures

mliz2486 — Thu, 15 Aug 2013 02:10:33 GMT

I cleaned the electrical contacts with a microfiber cloth.

1. The camera will still not focus and take a picture.

2. This happens with other lenses as well.

3. If I switch the focusing mode on the lens to MF, the camera will take a picture.

Re: Camera saying busy and won't take pictures

TCampbell — Thu, 15 Aug 2013 03:26:31 GMT

A few questions...

The "default" shooting mode of the camera for focus is called "One Shot" AF. This mode has a nuance called "focus priority". Focus priority says that the priority for the camera is to lock focus and THEN take the image.

If you were shooting action shots, you might switch it to "AI Servo" mode... which has a nuance called "release priority". Release priority says that the priority for the camera is to take the shot WHEN you press the shutter button down completely (whether the camera was able to successfully lock focus on something or not... it WILL take that picture. It may be a blurry picture if it never focused, but it will still take it.)

I'm trying to determine if your camera isn't taking a photo simply becuase it cannot lock focus. It will help if we can narrow that down.

You can switch the auto-focus swtich on the side of the lens to the MF (manual focus) position. In that mode, the camera will not attempt to focus and it should take the image when you fully press the shutter button whether the camera was focused or not. (it would also do this if you switched to "AI Servo" mode, but simply flicking the AF/MF switch on the lens to the MF position would be an easy and quick test.)

Would you please test that and report back if it makes a difference?

This will help us determine if the issue is with your lens and auto-focus vs. an issue with your camera.

It's also helpful to know some information about your lens and shooting circumstances.

What lens are you using? Is this the "kit" lens included with the camera (e.g. the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens?)

Where were you shooting and what sort of lighting was available? E.g. was this "outdoor" and "daytime" on a sunny day? Was this "indoor" and using only available light in the room?

I ask these questions because in order to lock focus, the camera needs adequate light and a subject with detail and contrast. Some of Canon's speedlite flashes have a "focus assist" beam which projects a somewhat grid-shaped pattern of red light, but its purpose is to make it relatively easy for the camera to lock focus accurately even in poor lighting situations.

Re: Camera saying busy and won't take pictures

mliz2486 — Thu, 15 Aug 2013 22:18:04 GMT

I am not sure if this is answering your question, but my camera will take pictures in MF. However, it will not take pictures in AF.

I am using the "kit" lens. (EFS 18-55mm). However, it will not work with another lens either.

My camera won't shoot anywhere. There is not one particular thing I was trying to shoot. It just won't take any pictures in AF mode.

Thanks!

Elizabeth

Re: Camera saying busy and won't take pictures

TCampbell — Fri, 16 Aug 2013 03:29:53 GMT

It will it will shoot in MF mode, then it most likely means the camera is unable to lock focus.

This could mean it's having a problem with a specific AF point. Are you asking the camera to use a specific AF point or are you allowing the camera to auto-select the AF point?

If you are allowing it to auto-select, you might try to tell the camera to use a specific AF point and test the various points to see if you can pin this issue down to any specific point that's failed.

Re: Camera saying busy and won't take pictures

mliz2486 — Sat, 17 Aug 2013 13:07:44 GMT

Thanks so much! I have decided to take it to a professional that knows a lot more about cameras than I do and see if I can get it fixed. Everyone has been of great help, but I believe this is a bigger problem than I am going to be able to handle on my own. Plus, I want my camera back to working so I capture some sweet memories. I will definitely use this board again if needed.

Have a great weekend!

Elizabeth

Re: Camera saying busy and won't take pictures

Artylady — Wed, 09 Oct 2013 19:25:41 GMT

Isn't it possible this is a lighting problem? I am having the same problem, and trying to learn. I, too, switche to manual focus. I also switched to Auto ISO. Sometimes I can take a picture and sometimes I cannot. It does that focus/busy thing but won't take the picture. (Canon T3i)

Re: Camera saying busy and won't take pictures

TCampbell — Wed, 09 Oct 2013 19:53:23 GMT

This is a great set of videos that will help you understand the Canon autofocus system. It's in 3 parts.

These are presented by Canon's Rudy Winston.

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAx86nblZ2g

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_F7lCvp5DI

Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WTWiN9kLts

If the lighting is particularly low or the subject lacks contrast (e.g. plain surfaces) or both then the camera will have a more difficult time locking focus. It can more easily lock focus if it is using the center point or allowed to use all points then if it's just using one of the points around the periphery of the frame (on a T3i and earlier cameras -- because only the center point is a "cross type" point on a T3i and the periphery are all single-axis points. This is not true of the T4i, T5i, 60D, 70D, or higher end bodies.)

If you want to "test" the auto-focus system to make sure it's working correctly, give it a high-constrast target (e.g. a sheet of newsprint works well) in _excellent_ lighting.

Re: Camera saying busy and won't take pictures

laurac — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 14:48:45 GMT

Hi Elizabeth

I was following your question because I'm having the exact same issue. I am a mother of 2 little boys and have a Canon Rebel T1 EOS that i've been using for about 3 years to capture my boys. I always use automatic mode and have loved this camera for it's quality photos, but suddenly the other day it did the same thing yours did....just stopped shooting. says busy...sounds like it's trying to focus but won't shoot. and will shoot inMF mode. I didn't drop it or damage it in any way and of course am now out of warranty. I know if I take in for service it will likely be $100s and I"m wondering if I may be better off buying a new bundle. i think it's rediculousto have to consider that after only 3 years but i suspect these just aren't built to last anymore and my money may be better spent on new stuff. Have you taken yours in yet? if so what did they say?

I'm also in limbo like you and missing moments without my good camera around.

Thanks for your input.
Laura

Re: Camera saying busy and won't take pictures

TCampbell — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 15:35:51 GMT

laurac, if your camera _will_ take a photo in MF mode but will not in AF mode then it usually means the camera is not able to lock focus.

There can be a few reasons:

1) Not enough light -- test your camera in an exceptionally well lit shooting circumstance and see if the issue goes away. E.g. shooting outdoors during the daytime, etc. would certainly be enough light to focus. A camera will typically struggle to focus in dim/dark settings. The choice of lens can also make a difference since some lenses collect substantially more light than others.

2) Low contrast target -- a camera will typically struggle to focus if the subject (specifically the points on the subject where the auto-focus points are attempting to focus) are bland. Plain walls or plain blue sky, etc. can lack enough contrast for the focus system to work. The phase-detect focus system on the camera is a bit like taking a photo, printing, then cutting the image into two halves... now slide one half slightly out of alignment (out of phase) with the other half. The camera is basically comparing the pixels along the edges of the two "halves" and when the patterns match, it's focused. That's basically the short version of how phase-detect auto-focus works... except the sensors are only looking at small areas of the scene... not the entire scene.

3) Lens malfunction -- the focus motors are in the lens itself. It's possible to have a focus problem that only occurs with one specific lens... but another lens works fine. If you have another lens to test, I suggest swapping lenses and testing.

It is possible that it's the camera itself... but that's actually fairly unlikely. The #1 reason (not enough light) is usually the culprit (this will happen to a camera in perfect working order.)

Incidentally your camera does actually have two separate focus systems. If the phase-detect AF system is not working, switch to "Live View" mode on the camera and try again... that system uses "contrast detect" AF rather than "phase detect" AF. It is a COMPLETELY different system. e.g. if there were a problem with your phase detect sensors then it would not impact the contrast detect system (the contrast detect system is not nearly as fast and may need to "hunt" for focus... so the phase-detect system is preferred.)

Re: Camera saying busy and won't take pictures

laurac — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 16:01:23 GMT

Hi Tim

Thank you for your reply. I created a new post with my question to the forum since I didn't know how this worked. I do not have an alternate lens to switch to so can't test that but have tested lighting and can manage to capture a rare shot if i set up perfect circumstances outside with a contrasted target.

I know there is some malfunction that needs repair because as i stated before I've been shooting with this camera for 3 years in all types of lighting without any difficulty. I'm really just trying to decide if this worth paying to repair or am I better off putting my money towards a new camera bundle. It's very disappointing to me that such an expensive camera isn't working after 3 years of gentle use, but i hate to pour more money into a problem that might persist.

thanks

laura

Re: Camera saying busy and won't take pictures

AndreaPokorny — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 01:53:54 GMT

Same exact issue for me. I've had mine for just over one year!

EOS Rebel T3

My camera no longer takes (clear) pictures in AF, using any of the basic zone modes or other modes. I've tried in good lighting. The flash flashes sporadically, it attempts to adjust (by making clicking noises), a little green circle flashes in the lower right hand corner and ultimately either a blurred picture comes out or it doesn't ever click a picture.

Basically, the same exact issues as the previous two.

Re: Camera saying busy and won't take pictures

TCampbell — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 02:56:07 GMT

Hi Andrea,

Whenever someone experiences this issue, I suggest performing a few tests:

1) Switch the lens to the "MF" (manual focus) mode (don't use "AF") and just see if it will take a photo.

2) Switch the lens back to "AF" (auto-focus) BUT... use the "Live View" feature to take the photo (compose the shot using the LCD screen preview instead of using the viewfinder.)

If the camera WILL focus and take the shot in "Live View" mode, but will NOT take the shot in normal mode (using the viewfidner), then this is probably an indication of a problem in the camera body with the phase-detect focus sensors. In this case, it's probably the camera body that needs service.

If the camera will NOT focus and take the shot either while looking through the viewfinder (normally) or in "Live View" mode, but WILL take the shot if you switch the lens to "MF" then this is a likely indication that the focus is malfunctioning in the lens itself (not the camera body). In this case the camera body is probably fine, but the lens likely needs service.

The camera has two independent focus systems... a "phase detect" system (using special sensors on the floor of the camera) as well as a "contrast detect" system which uses the main sensor to find focus. If both systems fail, then it's likely that a malfunction of the lens is to blame (the focus motors are always in the lens on Canon EOS lenses). Conversely, if either focus system can reliably work but the other failes, then it's an indicator that the lens' focus motors are probably fine, and the issue is likely isolated to a fault in the camera body -- hence the body needs service.

Since all the "moving parts" are in the lens and not the body... most of the time when this happens, it's the lens (this assumes there is plenty of light... if there's simply not enough light then all modes can fail but this would not be an equipment defect.)

Re: Camera saying busy and won't take pictures

Bbc123 — Sat, 07 Dec 2013 16:49:56 GMT

Can you tell me what the issue was? I am having the same problem.

Re: Camera saying busy and won't take pictures

AndreaPokorny — Sat, 07 Dec 2013 18:53:31 GMT

It was my lens. I swapped it out & put a different lens on & it works perfectly again.

Re: Camera saying busy and won't take pictures

laurac — Sun, 08 Dec 2013 18:46:29 GMT

FYI

Mine was my lens as well. I tried someone elses lenses on my camera body and it functioned well again so now i know my kit lens 18-55 was the problem.

Re: Camera saying busy and won't take pictures

Mykolas — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 15:09:49 GMT

If swapping to another lens works, at this point the original lens you were using will need to be evaluated by our Factory Service Center.

To start the service process, you'll need to complete a Repair Request on our website.