topic Re: Help with AutoFocus on EOS Rebel T5i in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

Help with AutoFocus on EOS Rebel T5i

Loudaman — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 15:33:10 GMT

I was gifted a Rebel T5i with several lenses. I've slowly been learning how to use it and have enjoyed taking some really nice photos .. until last week. My camera no longer autofocuses while using the viewfinder; I have to use the live screen to have it autofocus. This happens with all the lenses that came with it. I also purchased a Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM and that also won't autofocus while using viewfinder. I've tried cleaning the contacts on both the camera and lenses and still same problem. What are my options at this point? Do I need another camera body? Thank you for your thoughts and ideas.

Re: Help with AutoFocus on Rebel EOS T5i

stevet1 — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 04:43:14 GMT

Loudaman,

What button are you using to autofocus when you are using the viewfinder?

Steve Thomas

Re: Help with AutoFocus on Rebel EOS T5i

Loudaman — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 04:45:06 GMT

I use the camera shutter button; pressed about halfway down.

Re: Help with AutoFocus on Rebel EOS T5i

stevet1 — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 04:57:41 GMT

Loudaman,

Is it possible that you have inadvertently reassigned your focus to another button in your menu setup, like the * button?

Steve Thomas

Re: Help with AutoFocus on Rebel EOS T5i

jrhoffman75 — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 12:40:37 GMT

@Loudaman wrote:
I was gifted a Rebel T5i with several lenses. I've slowly been learning how to use it have enjoyed taking some really nice photos .. until last week. My camera no longer autofocuses while using the viewfinder; I have to use the live screen to have it autofocus. This happens with all the lenses that came with it. I also purchased a Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM and that also won't autofocus while using viewfinder. I've tried cleaning the contacts on both the camera and lenses and still same problem. What are my options at this point? Do I need another camera body? Thank you for your thoughts and ideas.

The inadvertent button reassignment described by stevet1 is a strong possibility. Since iut was inadvertent perhaps other changes were made. I suggest you reset camera settings as described in the manual to be sure.

Re: Help with AutoFocus on Rebel EOS T5i

deebatman316 — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 12:48:56 GMT

I believe if back button AF is set up. It applies to both the viewfinder and live view. Very early cameras with live view don't support on image sensor AF. The AF-ON or * button must be used for AF. This drops the mirror and uses the dedicated viewfinder AF system. When AF is complete the mirror goes back into the lockup position.

Re: Help with AutoFocus on Rebel EOS T5i

Loudaman — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 15:18:31 GMT

I tried my camera just now and I heard the lens trying to autofocus while using the viewfinder. It made a sound then stopped. I will look through my full menu completely to see what my current settings are; and I am going to reset the camera and check the autofocus. Thank you.

Re: Help with AutoFocus on Rebel EOS T5i

Loudaman — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 15:21:32 GMT

I am definitely going to do this. I do remember re-setting it before but maybe not understanding exactly what I had done I could have changed something. I just turned on the camera and tried to autofocus through the viewfinder; the lens made a noise like it was working and stopped. I am going to take the lens off and going to reset the camera and check it again. Thank you.

Re: Help with AutoFocus on Rebel EOS T5i

deebatman316 — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 15:25:58 GMT

Can you manually focus the lens with the focus ring. This lens uses Nano USM which is focus by wire. The focus ring isn't physically connected to the focus elements in the lens. The focus ring has a digital encoder underneath of it. That tracks which way your turning the focus ring. Then sends commands to the camera so the AF motor can manually focus the lens. So you can turn the focus ring at anytime without any damage to lens. In order to use Full Time Manual focus you need to half press the shutter button (or the button configured for back button AF) and turn the focus ring. Make sure the camera is in One Shot AF mode. Full Time manual does NOT work with AI Servo.

Re: Help with AutoFocus on EOS Rebel T5i

Loudaman — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 15:26:16 GMT

When I first received the camera set-up it worked fine. I would put on the lens and it would autofocus with no problem when I pressed the shutter button halfway down. Now I get nothing. I am going to look at my current settings and then reset the camera and look at the settings again to see any differences; then I will try the lenses again. Thank you.

Re: Help with AutoFocus on Rebel EOS T5i

Loudaman — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 15:35:41 GMT

I will do this before I reset. I will post result as soon as possible. Thanks again.

Re: Help with AutoFocus on EOS Rebel T5i

Loudaman — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 18:52:58 GMT

UPDATE:

No luck fellow enthusiasts. I have tried all suggestions with actually reloading the update and resetting the camera. Nothing has worked. I only get autofocus on Live View; camera won't even take a photo if autofocus is on. I have checked the button configurations and they are all geared towards my pressing the shutter button halfway down to get autofocus started and completed. I know I'm a noob, but could it be the contact points on camera/lens? Damaged, corroded, or just not working? Thanks again guys for all your help. Without your suggestions I would have went crazy thinking what to do. At least now I have some options. 🤔👍

Re: Help with AutoFocus on EOS Rebel T5i

deebatman316 — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 19:22:43 GMT

Does manual focus work with the EF-S 18-135mm lens. Do you have any other lenses you can test whether that be EF or EF-S. It sounds like there maybe dust in the AF sensor that's causing this problem. Live view uses a different method for AF. If you have a bulb blower you can blow out the dust from the AF sensors. The AF sensors are located under the mirror on the bottom of the camera. The camera will need to be in mirror lock up for this. DO NOT under ANY circumstances use canned air.

Re: Help with AutoFocus on EOS Rebel T5i

Loudaman — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 19:46:27 GMT

Yes, I have several lenses, including the EFS 10-18mm. Manual focus does work with all the lenses, it's just the autofocus. When I cleaned the contacts on both the camera and the lenses, the lens initially reacted to the shutter button press, but then made a noise in the lens and just stopped.

I am going to do as suggested, and I definitely DO NOT use canned air anywhere near my camera or lenses 😀 . I know how damaging that can be. And thank you for reminding me; that's a very important aspect of all this. 👍

Re: Help with AutoFocus on EOS Rebel T5i

deebatman316 — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 20:09:26 GMT

The EF-S 10-18mm F/4.5-5.6 IS STM lens is also focus by wire that's why manual focus isn't working either. What other lenses do you own other than the EF-S 18-135mm and the EF-S 10-18mm lenses. If the lens says "STM", "Nano USM" or simply "USM". Some USM lenses are focus by wire too. Manual focus is driven by the AF motor in the lens. If the camera isn't communicating with the lens, manual focus WILL NOT WORK. Not not every USM lens Canon has released supports full time manual. These lenses use what Canon calls "Micro Motor USM". Its very easy to tell if the lens in question uses micro motor USM. These lenses lack the focus distance scale window on the lens. The lens also spins the manual focus ring while AF is being performed. Except the EF 50mm F/1.4 USM this lens uses micro motor USM but supports manual focus override in AF mode. This is due to the lens using a clutch under the focus ring.

Re: Help with AutoFocus on EOS Rebel T5i

jrhoffman75 — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 20:08:09 GMT

Unfortunately, based on all the testing you have done, it sounds like the camera may have failed.

Re: Help with AutoFocus on EOS Rebel T5i

Loudaman — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 20:24:37 GMT

I'm sorry if I didn't post or clarify, but the manual focus IS working on the lenses. I do have other lenses but all work (or don't work) the same way. I take off the function via the lens switch and focus with the ring and the camera takes a photo. The only thing that does not seem to work is the actual autofocus via the lens. The Live View works but not the lens by itself. I'm honestly thinking that the contacts have gone kaput. I will have to use Live View from now on (maybe I'll get a used T6i; I really like Canon😁) . Thanks for everything. Even though I haven't been able to correct my problem, this community has given me so much help. I am glad that I joined!!!

Re: Help with AutoFocus on EOS Rebel T5i

deebatman316 — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 20:30:04 GMT

Do you have a budget to spend on a new camera since your current one has failed.

Re: Help with AutoFocus on EOS Rebel T5i

Loudaman — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 20:36:04 GMT

I've seen a BNIB T6i for $300 (comes with standard lens). I think it's basically an upgrade to my T5i and just as easy to use. I know I can still use my T5i with the Live View, but I'm used to using the viewfinder to take photos .. if it gets any worse I'll work on getting something else compatible.

Re: Help with AutoFocus on EOS Rebel T5i

deebatman316 — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 20:41:02 GMT

Only buy used gear from reputable places. Amazon and eBay are NOT reputable places to buy camera gear. KEH Camera is a reputable company. They test and ensure used gear works correctly. They warranty the gear too.