Can't focus on XF400

[AngelXF]

My XF400 camcorder can not focus when lens is wide open (f2.8 - 4). The problem is noticeable only as you zoom past 10X (zoomed wide the problem is not noticeable at all). If I close the iris to f8 or more, the camera can focus fine. This happens with manual and auto focus. During this, the camera will not show PEAKING. Auto focus will lock into a soft and out of focus image. Lens looks to my naked eyes clean of fungi and dirt.

Any ideas of what can be wrong or how can I fix it?

[Spud1]

I have a similar issue with my XF400. Did you end up finding a fix?

[AngelXF]

It went into the trash. They quoted $1,500 to fix and returned it in worst condition... Not usable at all. Do not send it to repair unless you are willing to pay... they will trash it before returning it.

[Jayrem]

Same! Pretty crazy this is a canon forum and no rep has responded at all!!

[AngelXF]

IO sent mine to Canon for repairs. They coated $1,500 to fix. I asked to get it back and they sent it TOTALLY BROKEN. They did not put it together, just jammed the different elements inside the lens and returned it. They turned a camera that wasn't focusing right when you zoom to one that did NOTHING. It went into the trash. I will never purchase another Canon product... NEVER. I HATE CANON.

[Danny]

We can understand your concern, AngelXF, and if you can still get a hold of your camcorder, we'll be glad to see what might have happened here and how we might be able to help.  Have your repair number handy and give our Factory Service Center support team a call at 1-866-510-1335.  They're open Monday through Friday.

Hope to talk to you soon!

[AngelXF]

Concerning no presence from Canon in THEIR COMMUNITY... you are right. They just do not care.

[bd2s]

Hi, three years later but I have the exact same problem.

What is wrong with this camcorder ?

[Spud1]

I sent mine in for repair in the end. Cause was quoted as "a detached front internal optic in the lens assembly". I haven't had any further problems since although it does seem to be a somewhat common issue. 

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

I spend a lot of time on these forums and others.  If this is such a common problem, how come when I search google this is not something that I get hits on?  Maybe I'm not using the correct search terms?

@angelxf, you completely ignored Danny's offer to help.  Sitting on a broken device for years is not a way to get a problem resolved.  Spud1, glad you got your camera fixed.   

The community is hosted by Canon.  The majority of its visitors are fellow users and photography enthusiasts like yourself.  The community is moderated, and frequented by product experts, but it is not staffed by support personnel. 

Canon has an excellent support organization.  How to request help and get support is clear.  It looks like you started the process, but declined repair.  I cannot comment on that, nor will I speculate on the condition or circumstances.  With a CarePak you probably could have avoided this entirely.    

My experience has been very different than yours.  Canon is a good company, with good people.  People who care and want to help.  If you call or contact them, they are / would be happy to speak with you.  They are a customer centric company.