Autofocus not working. (18-55mm lens)

[marcosochoa]

Hello,

The autofocus on my Canon 18-55mm is malfunctioning and I'm afraid it may be broken.

All the internet research I've done points to issues electronic, but I believe this to be mechanical simply because of the noise it makes. With the lens set to AF, it does nothing, but makes a slight whirring sounds as if the camera is trying to, but can't focus the lens. In MF, turning the focus ring makes soft clicking sounds.

The autofocus works fine on the other lens I have.

The lens has not been dropped. I take really, REALY good care of my stuff!  Any other recommendations or bits of advice are much appreciated!

[crystal]

Hi....I had the same problem with my AF lens not working. I found on another forum someone who suggested to do this:
"Pulling gently on the focus ring worked for us. Slight pop, maybe 1/16" movement, and the lens is working again!"

I tried it and INSTANTLY my lens is working. I continued reading just a few more comments to see if others related to it and there were SEVERAL people who stated that it worked for them also. I AM THRILLED that I won't have to purchase a replacement lens. DEFINITELY TRY IT. I twisted it (slightly hard because what did I have to loose at that point) and it gave a loud pop but it did the trick!!!

[RobertTheFat]

---

@crystal wrote:
Hi....I had the same problem with my AF lens not working. I found on another forum someone who suggested to do this:
"Pulling gently on the focus ring worked for us. Slight pop, maybe 1/16" movement, and the lens is working again!"

I tried it and INSTANTLY my lens is working. I continued reading just a few more comments to see if others related to it and there were SEVERAL people who stated that it worked for them also. I AM THRILLED that I won't have to purchase a replacement lens. DEFINITELY TRY IT. I twisted it (slightly hard because what did I have to loose at that point) and it gave a loud pop but it did the trick!!!

---

I think I'm glad I don't own that lens.

[crystal]

LOL!!!

[Amaysme]

Ohh, thank you all so much, this last little trick worked for me. This lens is only 3 years old and has never been abused. But I tried the GENTLE tug on the focus ring and heard the tiniest little click, re-attached it to the camera and VIOLA IT IS NOW WORKING!!!

[Brittany]

Hi Crystal,

  I have been having the same problem with my 18-55mm lens.  I am not sure if I am pulling the focus ring how I should.  Can you offer any further advice?

  Thank you

[kickinit]

Crystal! It worked! Here I've allways prided myself as being a hi tech cowboy. Of course i tried everything before going to the net. & of all things...all i had to do is pop a top! haha! TKU ! TKU ! TKU! I owe u a squeeze...i mean a hug..lol

[annabelledaffod]

Crystal:

Thank you for your brilliant suggestion, my autofocus is now working again!  I had tried the suggestions from Julius but no success, so I had nothing to lose by trying the gentle pulling on the focus ring and it worked - totally made my day!

I also took note of the comments saying that the main reason the problem occurs in the first place is the user is focussing manually when the AF is engaged - I'm sure I've been guilty of this in the past, without even thinking about it, so I will be more careful to avoid doing that in the future!

I also appreciate the comment stating that it's a good idea to put the lens in the MF mode when it's not in use, I will add that suggestion to my repertoire...

[Phillylady]

I'd given up hope, and tried this several times until I understood the description!  SUDDENLY my auto focus works again!

I'm thrilled!

[YDuck]

That click was scary, but it worked for me!

Thanks so much for the suggestion.

No need for a new lens, YAY!

[HeatherML]

Crystal!!! You're the best! I tried about 15 other less scary sounding things to get my AF to work again but pulling on the focus ring till it "popped"was what worked!!