Help with AutoFocus on EOS Rebel T5i

[Loudaman]

I was gifted a Rebel T5i with several lenses. I've slowly been learning how to use it and have enjoyed taking some really nice photos .. until last week. My camera no longer autofocuses while using the viewfinder; I have to use the live screen to have it autofocus. This happens with all the lenses that came with it. I also purchased a Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM and that also won't autofocus while using viewfinder. I've tried cleaning the contacts on both the camera and lenses and still same problem. What are my options at this point? Do I need another camera body? Thank you for your thoughts and ideas.

[Loudaman]

When I first received the camera set-up it worked fine. I would put on the lens and it would autofocus with no problem when I pressed the shutter button halfway down. Now I get nothing. I am going to look at my current settings and then reset the camera and look at the settings again to see any differences; then I will try the lenses again. Thank you.

[Loudaman]

UPDATE:

No luck fellow enthusiasts.  I have tried all suggestions with actually reloading the update and resetting the camera. Nothing has worked. I only get autofocus on Live View; camera won't even take a photo if autofocus is on. I have checked the button configurations and they are all geared towards my pressing the shutter button halfway down to get autofocus started and completed. I know I'm a noob, but could it be the contact points on camera/lens? Damaged, corroded, or just not working? Thanks again guys for all your help. Without your suggestions I would have went crazy thinking what to do. At least now I have some options. 🤔👍

[deebatman316]

Does manual focus work with the EF-S 18-135mm lens. Do you have any other lenses you can test whether that be EF or EF-S. It sounds like there maybe dust in the AF sensor that's causing this problem. Live view uses a different method for AF. If you have a bulb blower you can blow out the dust from the AF sensors. The AF sensors are located under the mirror on the bottom of the camera. The camera will need to be in mirror lock up for this. DO NOT under ANY circumstances use canned air.

[Loudaman]

Yes, I have several lenses, including the EFS 10-18mm. Manual focus does work with all the lenses, it's just the autofocus. When I cleaned the contacts on both the camera and the lenses, the lens initially reacted to the shutter button press, but then made a noise in the lens and just stopped.

I am going to do as suggested, and I definitely DO NOT use canned air anywhere near my camera or lenses 😀 . I know how damaging that can be. And thank you for reminding me; that's a very important aspect of all this. 👍

[deebatman316]

The EF-S 10-18mm F/4.5-5.6 IS STM lens is also focus by wire that's why manual focus isn't working either. What other lenses do you own other than the EF-S 18-135mm and the EF-S 10-18mm lenses. If the lens says "STM", "Nano USM" or simply "USM". Some USM lenses are focus by wire too. Manual focus is driven by the AF motor in the lens. If the camera isn't communicating with the lens, manual focus WILL NOT WORK. Not not every USM lens Canon has released supports full time manual. These lenses use what Canon calls "Micro Motor USM". Its very easy to tell if the lens in question uses micro motor USM. These lenses lack the focus distance scale window on the lens. The lens also spins the manual focus ring while AF is being performed. Except the EF 50mm F/1.4 USM this lens uses micro motor USM but supports manual focus override in AF mode. This is due to the lens using a clutch under the focus ring. 

[Loudaman]

I'm sorry if I didn't post or clarify, but the manual focus IS working on the lenses. I do have other lenses but all work (or don't work) the same way. I take off the function via the lens switch and focus with the ring and the camera takes a photo. The only thing that does not seem to work is the actual autofocus via the lens. The Live View works but not the lens by itself. I'm honestly thinking that the contacts have gone kaput. I will have to use Live View from now on (maybe I'll get a used T6i; I really like Canon😁) . Thanks for everything. Even though I haven't been able to correct my problem, this community has given me so much help. I am glad that I joined!!!

[deebatman316]

Do you have a budget to spend on a new camera since your current one has failed.

[Loudaman]

I've seen a BNIB T6i for $300 (comes with standard lens). I think it's basically an upgrade to my T5i and just as easy to use. I know I can still use my T5i with the Live View, but I'm used to using the viewfinder to take photos .. if it gets any worse I'll work on getting something else compatible.

[deebatman316]

Only buy used gear from reputable places. Amazon and eBay are NOT reputable places to buy camera gear. KEH Camera is a reputable company. They test and ensure used gear works correctly. They warranty the gear too.

[Loudaman]

After checking and re-checking, nothing works to get auto-focus back up. I am trying to get another used Canon body, but what I can find might as well be brand new because everything is out of my cost-range.  Unfortunately, my incursion into DSLR's is going to be sidelined for the foreseeable future. Thanks for all your help, everything was truly appreciated.