Canon 550D focussing issue

Mystery57

Mystery57

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Andrew
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Hi - Im a newbie to photography, and had a 550D for a couple of months.

The problem I have is that the red focussing lights in the viewfinder have stopped appearing, I tried a camera reset but no luck.

Yet the camera still focusses. So is it a major problem, or is it likely to get worse.

Contacted Canon, and they will have a look at the camera and charge of course - because they say my warranty is invalid because the online retailer I bought from only gave me a printed paper receipt based on my Paypal payment to him.

I telephoned the retailer, and guess what the number no longer exists.

What can I do, and are Canon right to refuse to honour a warranty ?

Thanks in hope.
 
EspressoJunkie said:
Have you got it in continuous focus mode ( I'm not sure of the Canon term for this)?
Click to expand...

Servo mode...

Check the AF mode is set to 1 shot and you should see the AF point light up red when it has obtained a focus.

To double check other settings, make sure your on AF on the lens and not MF, if you put the mode dial to Tv for example you can then choose the individual AF points to make sure they're all lighting independently or if you've an issue with 1 of them.

Hope this helps...
 
EspressoJunkie said:
Have you got it in continuous focus mode ( I'm not sure of the Canon term for this)?

If I'm right this could cause the AF indicators to not display.
Click to expand...

AI Servo mode, although I'm pretty sure the af indicator will light when you first press the button, havnt got my camera with me to double check.
 
Brizzoluk said:
AI Servo mode, although I'm pretty sure the af indicator will light when you first press the button, havnt got my camera with me to double check.
Click to expand...

Seem to remember if your in an advanced mode and have say centre point active it does, but in a basic zone, all points are active and you don't get a confirmation in Servo mode - need to double check to be 100%
 
do you still get the focus confirmation beep?
this should come on in one shot mode assuming its not turned off
have you tried the button near the shutter that allows you to move the focus point around using the control wheel ?
You should be able to select the focus point
cant remember the details its been a while since I used my 550D but have a look in the manual
does sound like you have a problem tho is there a local camera shop that can look at it for you?:)
 
If you bought it new then go to the canon site and register the camera online, you will need the serial number from the bottom of the camera to do it, if it wont accept the serial number then its either used or a grey import and canon will refuse to honour the warranty.

If thats the case try and independent camera repair company such as colchester camera repairs as unlike canon they dont just offer a fixed fee repair, each repair is quoted based on the actual cost of parts and labour so for a small job such as replacing a focusing screen it comes out a lot cheaper.
 
Hi,

Have a look through the viewfinder, and then click the asterix button which should be in the top right of the camera, all the focus points should light up red. When they do, check to see if you can select each one.
If they do show up, then your focus points are working, you may just have them turned off.
 
Ok - have now tried everything suggested above still no lights.

Not getting any focus beep - all that happens is the viewfinder seems to sharpen when focus is attained.

If not focussed a green circle flashes in bottom right corner of viewfinder.

Pressing the start key / rotating the dial makes no difference still no lights.

My serial number was accepted on the Canon website - so I fail to see why they have issues with Paypal as a confirmation of purchase as surely the serial number will show when and where it was made etc.

Really at a loss now as I feel warranty should be honoured, but might have to consider alternative repairer if going to be cheaper - can anyone recommend any good reliable repairers, as there are none I can find here in North Devon.

Thanks
 
Mystery57 said:
Not getting any focus beep - all that happens is the viewfinder seems to sharpen when focus is attained.

If not focussed a green circle flashes in bottom right corner of viewfinder.
Click to expand...

Hi,

you have got this back to front. The green light in the bottom right flashes when focus is attained. You may have accidentally turned the focus beep off (most people turn it off as it's annoying!) and you can find this in the first menu tab below the 'Quality' setting, it's called 'Beep'...very imaginative!

On my 550d the red dots on the AF points...some work all the time, others only work intermittently. I'm learning how they are selected individually very quickly (so I don't have to take my eye off the viewfinder)! Sounds like you've a similar issue.

Gary
 
braveboy2012 said:
Hi,

you have got this back to front. The green light in the bottom right flashes when focus is attained.

Gary
Click to expand...

Hi Gary

No think he had it the right way - the focus light is on (steady) when focus lock is achieved and flashing when focus has not been achieved and in the basic settings, this will not allow a shot to be taken.
 
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