Is my camera broken or what is going on!

I still think the best idea is send it off for repair, they can calibrate camera and lenses with each other.
If you don't do that I would reset it to factory default, especially with regard to the micro adjust settings.
Heavens knows how many issues one click this way and two the other have caused.
Seen more people mess things up with that than have ever corrected a problem.
 
tijuana taxi said:
I still think the best idea is send it off for repair, they can calibrate camera and lenses with each other.
If you don't do that I would reset it to factory default, especially with regard to the micro adjust settings.
Heavens knows how many issues one click this way and two the other have caused.
Seen more people mess things up with that than have ever corrected a problem.
Click to expand...

A factory reset has been done also.
 
CraftyLlama said:
Indoors but in fairly good lighting. No flash. 1/160, ISO 250, f1.8
Click to expand...
Sorry, but that is not good lighting... that's something like EV 6 and a good 5-6 stops less than open shade daylight; 9-10 stops less than bright daylight. That means the contrast of the target is significantly reduced, which makes AF more difficult.
Also note that there can be a slight shift in focus aquire with a change in focus direction... i.e. always defocus in the same direction between test shots.

Edit: good light with good contrast should be more like 1/1600, 100, f/1.8; direct sun/max contrast would put it at around 1/6400, 100, f/1.8.
 
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I used to have a remote release that activated the AF when I pressed it - I'd recommend setting your camera entirely to manual focus on your tripod, use live view to zoom in and ensure focus is completely spot on and take a shot using the cameras shutter button. Then repeat this with the remote release (whilst still using exactly the same settings) These images should be completely identical as the camera is not given any chance to shift focus.

Then switch the focus mode to AF (being careful not to knock or move the camera at all) and take a shot with the remote release - if the image is not identical to the first two then you can at least narrow down what the problem may be - Steven gives good advice about the light levels too, get out in better light and repeat :)

Good luck - I can tell you that micro AF adjustments are definitely not something I miss since leaving DSLRs - hope you fix it (y)
 
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sk66 said:
Sorry, but that is not good lighting... that's something like EV-6 and a good 5-6 stops less than open shade daylight; 9-10 stops less than bright daylight. That means the contrast of the target is significantly reduced, which makes AF more difficult.
Also note that there can be a slight shift in focus aquire with a change in focus direction... i.e. always defocus in the same direction between test shots.

Edit: good light with good contrast should be more like 1/1600, 100, f/1.8; direct sun/max contrast would put it at around 1/6400, 100, f/1.8.
Click to expand...
^^^ this. We sometimes forget that our pupils constrict and dilate and what we sometimes see as ‘OK’ light is actually not great light at all.
 
OK, I realise this is only a small side business for you, and I'm really not trying to be rude, but surely you have to know what you are doing?

If a camera, lens, flash or any other piece of equipment fails, you need to identify the issue very quickly, work out whats wrong and what you are going to do about it.

And yes you should have backup equipment, no excuses.

and again without being rude you are only using a very low end camera for 'business' and from reading through the posts it either sounds like operator error, or the camera has gone faulty. On a professional business basis, you should be switiching to you backup. Or just switch to manual to complete the shoot and then get it fixed.
 
riddell said:
OK, I realise this is only a small side business for you, and I'm really not trying to be rude, but surely you have to know what you are doing?

If a camera, lens, flash or any other piece of equipment fails, you need to identify the issue very quickly, work out whats wrong and what you are going to do about it.

And yes you should have backup equipment, no excuses.

and again without being rude you are only using a very low end camera for 'business' and from reading through the posts it either sounds like operator error, or the camera has gone faulty. On a professional business basis, you should be switiching to you backup. Or just switch to manual to complete the shoot and then get it fixed.
Click to expand...

I agree mostly, but not about a low end camera.
Can have the best gear in the world, but it's useless if you can't use it properly.
 
tijuana taxi said:
I agree mostly, but not about a low end camera.
Can have the best gear in the world, but it's useless if you can't use it properly.
Click to expand...

Of course, but like in any profession, you buy quality tools and familiarise yourself how to use them.
 
riddell said:
OK, I realise this is only a small side business for you, and I'm really not trying to be rude, but surely you have to know what you are doing?

If a camera, lens, flash or any other piece of equipment fails, you need to identify the issue very quickly, work out whats wrong and what you are going to do about it.

And yes you should have backup equipment, no excuses.

and again without being rude you are only using a very low end camera for 'business' and from reading through the posts it either sounds like operator error, or the camera has gone faulty. On a professional business basis, you should be switiching to you backup. Or just switch to manual to complete the shoot and then get it fixed.
Click to expand...

Well, to be honest yes you are being rude. I've not asked for any advice or opinions on my business. I've stated that I do not have and can not currently afford a backup camera. I can no simply magic money/a backup camera out of the air. Perhaps I will take on board previous posters advice that I need a second one, but there's nothing I can do about that right now.

Right now, I'm looking for similar experiences and advice to figure out if there is something I can do to fix this/work out the exact issue before I proceed.

If you have nothing helpful to say/that has not already been said, then say nothing. Thanks.
 
riddell said:
and again without being rude you are only using a very low end camera for 'business' and from reading through the posts it either sounds like operator error, or the camera has gone faulty. On a professional business basis, you should be switiching to you backup. Or just switch to manual to complete the shoot and then get it fixed.
Click to expand...
In what way is the 7D mark II a low end camera?
 
@CraftyLlama

Sorry if I missed it but the fact that you are testing just when under what conditions did you notice an AF problem. And did the usage change around the time you had focusing issues. In other words is the issue related to a change of use and as such more challenging AF demands???

Knowing what worked and the circumstances of the problem can shed light on the potential problem and hence possible diagnosis.
 
CraftyLlama said:
Right now, I'm looking for similar experiences and advice to figure out if there is something I can do to fix this/work out the exact issue before I proceed.
Click to expand...

Do you not agree that a pro photographer should be capable of diagnosing a fault and compensating / fixing in just a few seconds?
and that in the event of a diagnosis of a fault that requires a replacement piece of equipment, that they should get that equipment out and carry on shooting? What happens in the situation that this occur in the middle of a professional shoot?

You passed along very little info to diagnose any issue, nor have posted any images so we can see what is happening.
With that in mind, my guess would be that you are using a catch all autofocus for some reason, and that its searching and focusing on a different focus point each time, couple that with shooting wide open at f1.8 and I wouldn't be surprised that you have this issue.

Does it exhibit this in manual focus? Does it exhibit it if you correctly select a focus point?

I'm also very curious why these two statements contrast so much?

> I actually have a photography business, which is rapidly going down the drain because I don't feel I can reliably take in focus photos anymore, and this
> test has made me trust the camera even less...

which then changes to -

> Business is super slow right now anyways so there's no major rush for perfectly working equipment.
> It's just something I do for fun on the side of two other jobs.

Why can't you use manual focus? What kind of photography are you doing?
 
This virtual fault finding is in most cases a waste of time.
Please send it off for a service, endless blind testing is guaranteed to end in frustration .
If you don't have confidence in your gear you will spend hours convincing yourself something isn't right.
 
riddell said:
Do you not agree that a pro photographer should be capable of diagnosing a fault and compensating / fixing in just a few seconds?
and that in the event of a diagnosis of a fault that requires a replacement piece of equipment, that they should get that equipment out and carry on shooting? With that different focus point each time, couple that with shooting wide open at f1.8 and I wouldn't be surprised that you have this issue.

Does it exhibit this in manual focus? Does it exhibit it if you correctly select a focus point?

I'm also very curious why these two statements contrast so much?

> I actually have a photography business, which is rapidly going down the drain because I don't feel I can reliably take in focus photos anymore, and this
> test has made me trust the camera even less...

which then changes to -

> Business is super slow right now anyways so there's no major rush for perfectly working equipment.
> It's just something I do for fun on the side of two other jobs.

Why can't you use manual focus? What kind of photography are you doing?
Click to expand...
riddell said:
With that in mind, my guess would be that you are using a catch all autofocus for some reason, and that its searching and focusing on a different focus point each time, couple that with shooting wide open at f1.8 and I wouldn't be surprised that you have this issue.
Click to expand...
That’s a good point, I just made the assumption that a single point was being used.

OP are you using single point AF or ‘auto point’ AF?
 
snerkler said:
That’s a good point, I just made the assumption that a single point was being used.

OP are you using single point AF or ‘auto point’ AF?
Click to expand...

Indeed, I'm guessing factory reset would default to multi AF points.
 
tijuana taxi said:
This virtual fault finding is in most cases a waste of time.
Please send it off for a service, endless blind testing is guaranteed to end in frustration .
If you don't have confidence in your gear you will spend hours convincing yourself something isn't right.
Click to expand...
snerkler said:
That’s a good point, I just made the assumption that a single point was being used.

OP are you using single point AF or ‘auto point’ AF?
Click to expand...
tijuana taxi said:
Indeed, I'm guessing factory reset would default to multi AF points.
Click to expand...

He @CraftyLlama asked for insight from anyone having similar issues and @soupdragon explained in nice details what he had and determined but @CraftyLlama , although I and others have asked for comprehensive details but none have been forthcoming.

The whole series of replies have been a combination of logical suggestion and speculation......but still no more details from him! I have not got the foggiest what he expects from TP members based on his pausity of details and poor engagement with folk here???
 
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Box Brownie said:
@CraftyLlama

Sorry if I missed it but the fact that you are testing just when under what conditions did you notice an AF problem. And did the usage change around the time you had focusing issues. In other words is the issue related to a change of use and as such more challenging AF demands???

Knowing what worked and the circumstances of the problem can shed light on the potential problem and hence possible diagnosis.
Click to expand...
riddell said:
Do you not agree that a pro photographer should be capable of diagnosing a fault and compensating / fixing in just a few seconds?
and that in the event of a diagnosis of a fault that requires a replacement piece of equipment, that they should get that equipment out and carry on shooting? What happens in the situation that this occur in the middle of a professional shoot?

You passed along very little info to diagnose any issue, nor have posted any images so we can see what is happening.
With that in mind, my guess would be that you are using a catch all autofocus for some reason, and that its searching and focusing on a different focus point each time, couple that with shooting wide open at f1.8 and I wouldn't be surprised that you have this issue.

Does it exhibit this in manual focus? Does it exhibit it if you correctly select a focus point?

I'm also very curious why these two statements contrast so much?

> I actually have a photography business, which is rapidly going down the drain because I don't feel I can reliably take in focus photos anymore, and this
> test has made me trust the camera even less...

which then changes to -

> Business is super slow right now anyways so there's no major rush for perfectly working equipment.
> It's just something I do for fun on the side of two other jobs.

Why can't you use manual focus? What kind of photography are you doing?
Click to expand...

Why are you so interested in my business? I've not asked for help with my business. Merely mentioned that I had one. I wish I had not mentioned this. It's irrelevant, I'm asking for help with the camera. It doesn't matter what I am photographing. It doesn't matter that I could use manual focus. That's simply avoiding the problem. I have an issue with the auto focus. That is what this thread is about.

I've passed along all the info that has been asked of me as far as I'm aware regarding the issue/set up. I have posted images. You have not read the thread properly.
I am using single point focus.


snerkler said:
That’s a good point, I just made the assumption that a single point was being used.


OP are you using single point AF or ‘auto point’ AF?
Click to expand...
Yes, single point.

Box Brownie said:
He @CraftyLlama asked for insight from anyone having similar issues and @soupdragon explained in nice details what he had and determined but @CraftyLlama , although I and others have asked for comprehensive details but none have been forthcoming.

The whole series of replies have been a combination of logical suggestion and speculation......but still no more details from him! I have not got the foggiest what he expects from TP members based on his pausity of details and poor engagement with folk here???
Click to expand...

What details have I not provided? Plenty of people have been very helpful and made useful suggestions. Others - less so.
 
Having read all the posts n replies I can't think of anything I can add. Hope you get it sorted soon and can get back to taking pictures
 
CraftyLlama said:
Yes, single point.
Click to expand...
In that case try live view see what that gives and then pass that info on to the repairers to help them narrow down the fault.

From the answers you’ve given it doesn’t appear to be user error, and whilst the light wasn’t great I’d still expect it to find focus using the centre point, after all it’s rated to -3ev.
 
@CraftyLlama

I don't recall even mentioning or enquiring about your business and frankly as this is not the Business sub-fora I care not about it in any way as you infer I did!

All I am concerned about is helping to resolve your AF issues.

Details provided?
Please let me explain as I see it from an analytical point of view in regard to troubleshooting your problem:-
We know where you are trying to get to.............you have repeated it often enough but you have told us, AFAIK, nothing of where you have come from:-
  1. Did the camera originally AF properly and if so with which lens or lenses?
  2. If yes to point1
    What was it about the camera behaviour changed and was this in some way related to changes in the sort of subject you were photographing or the lens choice(s). (NB this is not a subtle enquiry about your business, if you think so then that is your problem not mine)
    Did you in way drop it or bang it against anything? In other words was there a definable event that affected the AF functioning?
  3. You say you have answered all questions by TP posters.
    But somewhere I think you phrased one summary as in 'I have answered in a way that tells you what you need to know and what I am prepared to share...' NB I'm not quoting you, it is my precis of what I read.
  4. In regard to the focus testing you did it has been pointed out by amongst others @sk66 that you are not doing so in a bright enough environment to get a really good "contrast" on the target for AF to lock onto in a reliable and consistent manner.
I sincerely hope you get the problem solved and sorted out but as mentioned by another poster above, please get in touch with Canon at Elstree and get it examined and repaired as appropriate.

All the best in finding satisfaction with the AF issue.
 
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If my car had a problem I would take to the dealer to get it fixed. The days of I can fix myself have long gone. If my camera had a fault I would send it to the dealer and get it fixed. There are no cheap solutions in today’s complex electronic systems
 
CraftyLlama said:
Why are you so interested in my business? I've not asked for help with my business.
Click to expand...

Simple. Because when I reply to people on a forum, I'd potentially reply with different answers dependant upon someone skill, experience and usage.
I'm not going to bamboozle or confuse the average hobbyist with the techniques and methods used by professional photography, same as I don't want to insult a skilled photographer with very basic info.

You've had absolutely loads of good advice, but are not only contradicting yourself, but are making a major confusion out of the post.
 
riddell said:
Simple. Because when I reply to people on a forum, I'd potentially reply with different answers dependant upon someone skill, experience and usage.
I'm not going to bamboozle or confuse the average hobbyist with the techniques and methods used by professional photography, same as I don't want to insult a skilled photographer with very basic info.

You've had absolutely loads of good advice, but are not only contradicting yourself, but are making a major confusion out of the post.
Click to expand...

Well I'm sorry you feel I'm contradicting myself. I fail to see how I have done that. The only confusion is being created by you that I can see, by providing unhelpful posts belittling my choice of gear. Yes I have had some good advice by others, but not by you.
 
Box Brownie said:
@CraftyLlama

I don't recall even mentioning or enquiring about your business and frankly as this is not the Business sub-fora I care not about it in any way as you infer I did!

No not you, another poster

All I am concerned about is helping to resolve your AF issues.


Details provided?
Please let me explain as I see it from an analytical point of view in regard to troubleshooting your problem:-
We know where you are trying to get to.............you have repeated it often enough but you have told us, AFAIK, nothing of where you have come from:-
  1. Did the camera originally AF properly and if so with which lens or lenses? Yes, with all of my lenses Sigma Art 18-35 f1.8. Tamron 70-200 g2, and a canon 85mm f1.8.
  2. If yes to point1
    What was it about the camera behaviour changed and was this in some way related to changes in the sort of subject you were photographing or the lens choice(s). (NB this is not a subtle enquiry about your business, if you think so then that is your problem not mine) Less and less of the photos were coming up perfectly in focus - but I was assuming this was user error until I did the test and realised that it may actually be the camera.
    Did you in way drop it or bang it against anything? In other words was there a definable event that affected the AF functioning? Not that I'm aware of
  3. You say you have answered all questions by TP posters.
    But somewhere I think you phrased one summary as in 'I have answered in a way that tells you what you need to know and what I am prepared to share...' NB I'm not quoting you, it is my precis of what I read. The only thing i haven't shared is what I am photographing - mainly because the person that asked about this did so in such an incredibly rude way and clearly hadn't actually bothered to read all the posts.
  4. In regard to the focus testing you did it has been pointed out by amongst others @sk66 that you are not doing so in a bright enough environment to get a really good "contrast" on the target for AF to lock onto in a reliable and consistent manner. I will aim for better light next time. However I was under the impression that consistent light should provide consistently out of focus shots if that was the issue. Is this incorrect?
I sincerely hope you get the problem solved and sorted out but as mentioned by another poster above, please get in touch with Canon at Elstree and get it examined and repaired as appropriate.

All the best in finding satisfaction with the AF issue.
Click to expand...

Thank you, when funds allow I will of course consider getting it repaired/replacing it but right now that simply isn't an option hence me coming on here. Certain posters have made me rather wish I didn't! However I've definitely had some helpful advice from others.
 
CraftyLlama said:
Thank you, when funds allow I will of course consider getting it repaired/replacing it but right now that simply isn't an option hence me coming on here. Certain posters have made me rather wish I didn't! However I've definitely had some helpful advice from others.
Click to expand...

In regard to testing it is not just consistent light but bright enough illumination.

This page though not your make & model covers the "structured procedure.
https://www.photographylife.com/how-to-quickly-test-your-dslr-for-autofocus-issues/amp
Including the need for good light on the target.
 
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Hello again Stacey.

I just looked at your sample images again and for all the world it looks like motion blur.
If the camera was missing focus I would not expect any parts of the test target sharper than others yet, if you look, you can see that one side of the black wedges is sharpish and the other is smeared.

Just sayin.
 
snerkler said:
In that case try live view see what that gives and then pass that info on to the repairers to help them narrow down the fault.

From the answers you’ve given it doesn’t appear to be user error, and whilst the light wasn’t great I’d still expect it to find focus using the centre point, after all it’s rated to -3ev.
Click to expand...
My understanding is that the EV -3 rating on the 7Dii is a bit optimistic. Either way, that rating doesn't say what can be focused on in low light... finer details/smaller size results in less contrast and will be harder to focus on (in any lighting condition, but low light compounds the issue). I.e. if the images posted are very hard crops of a small section of the target (and they should be), the details may be small enough to be problematic.
It's also relevant to note that the PDAF sensor compares *TINY* images for position (phase)... On the focus sensor those targets probably appear more/less as a single dot given the lighting... it very well might focus better if the focus point was placed at the edge rather than the center.

But this is all speculation... my best suggestion is to find what it can focus on and then determine when/if the limitation arises. I.e. start with a bold high contrast target in very good light. If it can't consistently focus in that situation then I would feel confident in saying it's not user error. As it is, with the information provided I'm more inclined to say it is user error... it normally is...
 
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I think it was Snerkler who suggested Live View so what’s the result?

As AF is in one shot (but not live view), did the camera beep to confirm focus?

In the menu is it set to shutter release speed priority or focus priority.

Is shutter button set for release only (ie BBF) or focus and shutter release?

Agree with responses already that need more info (& likely send off for service).
 
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