Help!! Broken Autofocus

[mdavies18]

I have a canon rebel. 

Recently the autofocus stopped working completely. The lens will zoom in and out and eventually give up trying to focus, I can't take a photo at all!

The camera has had no damage as I am aware.

I have tried more than one lens and it is still the same problem. So im assuming its the main body.

I've cleaned the sensors mirror contacts etc and done a factory reset.

The camera works fine in Manual focus AND if its set to live view mode. If its set to autofocus through the viewfinder it will not work.

What could be wrong?! Any suggestions on what to do?! I'm so bummed as I have only had the camera a year and a half.

Canon estimate for repair was near $300....I have no warranty on the camera 

Please help!

[NatalyaP]

Greetings mdavies18,

Per your description, you have performed the troubleshooting steps that we would have recommended. You're able to confirm that auto focus works when shooting through the Live View function which does use a different auto focusing system than the one used by the viewfinder.

I'm sorry but the next step would be to suggest to send the EOS Rebel camera to our facility for repair. Please complete the repair request online and send in your camera body to our facility. Repairs do include a 6 month repair warranty on the repair that is carried out on the equipment.

Alternatively, you may check to see if you may be eligible for 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 see if you are eligible for 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.

[mdavies18]

Thankyou for the response!

I will look into that 

[Tronhard]

This is a rather desperate suggestion, but it might be worth checking that your camera is not set to macro mode, either on the dial or in the menus.  I came across a similar situation some time ago, and the camera was desperately looking for some very close-up object to focus on before giving up in disgust.

[mdavies18]

Thankyou for the reply. I will double check, but another thing I've done is a factory reset, would this not set everything as it should be? 

[Anthony1528]

1 – Remove and remount the lens. This is probably the most common reason that your camera won't focus. 
2 – Check the AF/M switch on the lens. 
3 – Aim your focus point at an area of contrast. 
4 – Use the center focus point. 
5 – Make sure you aren't too close. 
6 – It's too dark.

Myjdfaccount

[mdavies18]

Tried all these already but thanks for the reply!

[MikeSowsun]

Check the AF sensor “field lens” under the mirror for excess dirt or dust, or physical damage. It is located at the bottom of the mirror box under the mirror. Gently lift the mirror to see it.  If it is dirty or damaged, it could be the problem. 

When you lift the main mirror, you should also see the “secondary” or “sub-mirror” swing out of the way. Check to see that the “sub-mirror”, under the main mirror,  is working properly and is not missing or damaged. 

In order for the AF to work, the light must pass through the main mirror, reflect off the secondary mirror, and then enter the “field lens”. If the light path is degraded along the way due to dirt or misalignment, your AF is going to be compromised.

[mdavies18]

Thankyou, I will try this. How do you suggest I lift the mirror? Like with a q-tip?

[MikeSowsun]

A Q-tip would work, but try not to leave in fibres behind. You can also just use a finger on the edge of the mirror.