Canon 500D/T1i Viewfinder/Autofocus Doesn’t Match Live View or Final Image

[JacksonBeaven]

I know it is an older camera, but a friend had dust inside the sensor so I took it apart and cleaned it. The dust removal seemed to go smoothly, or so I thought, but now the focus appears to be off. I had to remove the sensor to reach the dust that had somehow made its way inside, and it was my first time attempting something like this. I also performed a full settings reset. 

Now, when I use the viewfinder, autofocus appears to lock correctly and everything looks sharp through the viewfinder. However, when I take the photo, the resulting image is completely out of focus. Live View and the final image do not match what I am seeing through the viewfinder or what the autofocus is locking onto. If I focus using Live View and then take a photo using manual focus, the image comes out normal. Autofocus does not seem to work at all in Live View. 

I am trying to work out whether this is something I may have caused during the repair, possibly by altering the distance between the lens mount and the sensor, and whether it is something I can fix myself. The settings reset is the only other thing that I had done to it. Any help would be greatly appreciated. 

[deebatman316 · Accepted solution]

@JacksonBeaven what do you mean by you took out the sensor? How did you clean the camera? The AF sensor for viewfinder shooting is under the mirror. What lens are you using please provide the full name of the lens. How are you trying to use AF in Live View. If you're trying to use the shutter button to activate AF that's NOT correct button. The "*" is the correct button to activate AF in Live View shooting mode. So it appears the camera is functioning correctly. I have pictures below to help you identify the lens you're using and how to find the Full and complete name.

[JacksonBeaven]

Thanks for the reply. 

removed as in - took off the rear pcb and the sensor block to clean dust that was unable to be cleaned with the manual sensor cleaning setting in the menu due to being on the other side of the glass. 

I had no idea about the * key focusing in live view. Thank you for clarifying that.

It seems to have fixed itself after a firmware update. No idea what happened. Thanks again for the reply, appreciate it. 

[shadowsports]

@JacksonBeaven 

It's time for a new camera.  While you might have had good intentions, what you tried didn't work.  Cameras are delicate and intricate.  You can't just take them apart and put them back together without training or knowledge.

A working T1i replacement costs around $50.  Factor in your lost time and you are in the hole.  You still don't have a working camera.  Time and money best spent would be working towards a new device.  Choice is yours.

Edit, sounds like ****Miraculous recovery***. 😂 Hope it works out.  🤔

[JacksonBeaven]

Thanks for the advice!

I’ve got my own kit and a spare 600D collecting dust, so worst case I would’ve just replaced my friend’s body. It was more about having a look at the inner workings and seeing if I could clean it myself. I work in the film industry, so it was a fun little learning project opening up a pretty old camera (that is probably worth upgrading regardless). 

It seems to be working now, so definitely worth the time spent. 

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

Indeed.  I'm happy for you but you are extremely lucky.  We hear stories like this fairly often.  The simplest of repairs can end with a device or lens that is no longer functioning.  Your tear down was much more involved.  I'm glad things appear to have worked out.