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!

[vigelantes]

hello all

i have same problem with my canon 18-55 is lens, i found out on this site that you have solved this problem, but i don't understand exactly how to do it.

can you please give me more details about how to proceed?

just"pulling on focus ring"is not enough for me, i am not very familiar with DSLR cameras, i just buy my first one and after 1 day i have this problem.

to pull outside until when? if it is at maximum i have ot force it?

[Waddizzle]

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@vigelantes wrote:

hello all

i have same problem with my canon 18-55 is lens, i found out on this site that you have solved this problem, but i don't understand exactly how to do it.

can you please give me more details about how to proceed?

just"pulling on focus ring"is not enough for me, i am not very familiar with DSLR cameras, i just buy my first one and after 1 day i have this problem.

to pull outside until when? if it is at maximum i have ot force it?

---

The problem that the posted procedure resolves is unjamming lens motors that have become stuck.  This situation usually arises when people attempt to turn the focus ring when the lens switch is in the "AF", auto focus, position. When the lens switch is in the "MF", manual focus, position, the focusing motors are disengaged from the focusing elements. 

It is easy for beginners to mistakenly turn the focus ring, when the lens is "AF" mode.  I know that I have done it before.  It is all too easy to turn the focus ring, instead of the zoom ring.

As far as attempting the posted procedure, do make sure that you lens exhibits the exact symptoms they describe.  Read the other posts by people who said they initially tried it, and failed.  But, then built up some courage and applied more force on the lens, and it worked.

If you are in doubt, let a professional in camera shop take a look at the lens.  Print out the procedure and let the pro see it.

[quadshooter]

My focus ring just turns and the lens doesn't move, neither auto or manual mode.

[Waddizzle]

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@quadshooter wrote:

My focus ring just turns and the lens doesn't move, neither auto or manual mode.

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Your issue sounds like it could be more severe than the issue this thread tries to address.  I suggest contact Canon Support for professional guidance.  Most of the 18-55mm lenses that are included in many Rebel Camera Kits are relatively inexpensive, and most will usually cost more to repair than to replace. 

But, not all 18-55mm lenses are created equally, as there have been new and improved versions of the lens released over the years.  Again, contacting Canon Support at 1-800-OK-CANON is your best course of action.

[nursesrockit]

Julius!!!!!! Genious! You just saved me $$$$$ too!!!! Fixed it!

[LtColPsych]

Thanks Julius!  It worked pefectly!

Greg

[Swiftcl]

The clicking I hear is the flash.

[Waddizzle]

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@Swiftcl wrote:
The clicking I hear is the flash.

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Remove the lens from the camera, and then shake it. 

[Blocksmith]

What a relief! Thank you for the advice. The fix took a matter of 30 seconds and saved me time, effort and money! Thank you!

[A11]

@Julius

Thank you! Fixed my problem immediately.