Canon 7D mark 1 autofocus inconsistent

[Jshemnitz]

Hi All,

I picked up a Canon 7D used recently and I'm having some really big problems with the autofocus. Basically, the autofocus is extremely inconsistent. It's happening on multiple lenses so I'm pretty sure it's the body and not the lenses. I've done a hard reset, cleared all the settings, cleaned the sensors, and done micro AF adjustments on all my lenses. I'll take a shot (single shot, manual single center point) and the focus will be too far out.. take another pic and the focus is fine.. take another pic and the focus is too far in. It's just all over the place and I'm not sure what's wrong...I'm basically losing my mind because I'll so the micro adjustment again thinking its fine and then it's off.. even taking multiple shots in the microadjustment process will he all over the place in the same session. Not sure what's going on. The body itself is in great condition and has a total shutter count under 40k

[Jshemnitz]

Is there a way I can clean it myself?

[ebiggs1]

".. it's outside of the microadjustments."

You as a lot of people misunderstand what this focus adjustment does. Number one mistake is, it makes the lens sharper. Even some long timers on this forum thought that but it does not. It can not correct lens malfunction focus issues. It does nothing to the lens. What it does is move the critical focus point the camera see as in focus either forward or backward a tiny bit. The lens doesn't know when it is in focus or not. All it does is move in and out and the camera tells it to stop. 

If you did the tedious testing I outlined and you saw the same focus misses, then the camera is probably faulty and needs service. There is nothing you can do to adjust it or fix it yourself. BTW, never stick anything smaller than a football inside the mirror box of a camera. A Rocket blower is the extent of what the average individual can safely do.

Addendum;

If you did not follow and do the testing I outlined then any repair is futile and pointless.

[NatalyaP]

Greetings Jshemnitz,

I can agree with the information that ebiggs1 has provided with troubleshooting the focus issue you are having. If the EOS 7D camera is still experiencing focus issues then this would be something that would require a repair, but I'm sorry to say that the EOS 7D camera has reached the end of its service life and repairs are no longer performed on this camera model. An alternative option is the Canon Upgrade Program.

The Canon Upgrade Program option allows you to replace your current camera with a new or refurbished Canon camera at a discounted price. If you would like to take part in the Canon Upgrade Program, please call our Sales Department at 1-866-443-8002 from Monday - Saturday between 9:00 am to 9:00 pm ET. Be sure to have your serial number for your camera available at the time of your call.

[ebiggs1]

Natalya best option at this point. 😊