EOS 80D Autofocus won't work in P, Tv, Av, or M; other modes OK

[WandaDean]

I have an 80D.  

Autofocus will work in Automatic mode, C1 and C2  but not in Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, or Manual.

Yes, I am in panic mode because I will soon leave for a photography class.

[Tronhard]

It sounds like you have turned off Autofocus in the camera settings.  You don't mention what lens, but if you can autofocus in some modes one assumes that lens AF is on.

I would suggest doing a camera reset to default settings. 

If you still have the issue, when you get to your class, talk to the tutor, that's what they are there for.

[WandaDean]

Thank you for your response.  I tried your suggestion and it did not resolve the problem.  The problem with taking it to my class is that the class is in South Africa and I do not want to take a camera if I don't know it is working properly.  Other suggestions?

[Tronhard]

Thanks for your response Wanda.  So, are you not living locally to the venue for the class?  Where are you?

Is this camera/lens combination one you have had for a while, or is it new to you?
What lens are you using and if you can could you try another lens please?

Since you say that it works in C1 mode, can you go to the Q menu and check all of the settings displayed, then compare them to the settings in Av mode, for example.  See if there is a different setting for focus - for example, i n C1 mode it might be using spot focus, or servo.

[p4pictures]

You say AF doesn't work in P/Tv/Av/M modes, are you trying to activate AF by pressing the shutter button?

It could be that the camera has been configured with back button AF, so that focus is only activated with the AF-ON button on the back of the camera. This configuration can be made for P/Tv/Av/M modes but auto modes do not work with back button AF. The custom modes can have different custom controls to the other modes so this might account for the lack of AF in the P/Tv/Av/M modes.

Turn the mode dial on the camera to P mode, then go to the custom functions settings and find custom controls, then ensure that the shutter button is configured for AF and metering. 

[Tronhard · Accepted solution]

I was wondering about that, hence the start of my inquiry about the settings of the different modes.  It certainly makes sense to me, although I would personally keep BBF and learn to use it! 🙂

[WandaDean]

You guys are great.  Thank you so much.  I fixed the problem and learned a lot about my camera in the process.  I really appreciate you.  Next stop, South Africa.