Canon Lens won't autofocus...??

[kybo]

Help required, plz.

Lens in question is the Canon 28-135mm IS married to an EOS 350D.

I took this combo on holiday with me and the darn thing would not take a photo in any of the basic zones, full auto or the creative modes. Only in 'M' would it shoot. All this because it would not AF. However, if I use the lens ring to focus manually I get the in camera beep to tell me it's focused on the subject and I can take the shot (in any mode). I have flicked the lens switch from AF to M and back again so many times...

I have taken the lens off and cleaned the connections on both lens and body. I have removed the UV filter but nothing has made a difference. I have triedmy trusty Sigma 28-300 on the body and it worked perfectly.

I am giving the lens to a mate tomorrow (with a 450D) to give it a thorough test for me, just wondered if anyone had any idea what the problem could be?

Thx in advance,

Scott

[Steve Evil]

kybo said:

...just wondered if anyone had any idea what the problem could be?

Thx in advance,

Scott

Sounds like a problem with the Autofocus system...

How long have you had it? If it's within warranty (and even if not) I'd contact the place you bought it from and enquire about getting it fixed/replaced.

[kybo]

Steve Evil said:

kybo said:

...just wondered if anyone had any idea what the problem could be?

Thx in advance,

Scott

Sounds like a problem with the Autofocus system...

I'll give ya that one...

...kinda walked into it, didn't I

hoping someone could be a little more specific, if at all possible. So we don't think it's a camera body problem? I have no idea how they work, what drives what, if you know what I mean, sorry.

Bought new off Ebay (seller: 'emilyandlily' I think, if anyone's used them before) just over a year ago.

Thx,
Scott

Edited by kybo on Tuesday 30th September 14:17

[Gemm]

It's very strange that it can only work in 'M', as 'M' is a metering mode and is nothing to do with AF.

[tangerine_sedge]

Gemm said:

It's very strange that it can only work in 'M', as 'M' is a metering mode and is nothing to do with AF.

I presume the other metering modes don't let you fire the shutter unless you have focus confirmation. I'm guessing that 'M' doesn't require focus...

I suggest contacting the ebay shop you bought it from, but I wouldn't even expect them to respond

[havoc]

Gemm said:

It's very strange that it can only work in 'M', as 'M' is a metering mode and is nothing to do with AF.

I suspect he means manual focus, as he talks about "M to AF"...

[cirks]

tangerine_sedge said:

I suggest contacting the ebay shop you bought it from, but I wouldn't even expect them to respond

I bought a slide scanner from them a few years ago - they responded and acted quite well (the packaging was badly damaged on arrival and the transformer was broken. They covered part of the cost. Not all ebayers are the same!

However, probably far easier for the OP to pop into a Canon repair centre....

[kybo]

Hi,

I meant 'M' on the mode dial, not the manual switch on the lens. A friend has tested it tonight and told me that it didn't focus for him so maybe the AF switch or motor on the lens is faulty. I'll try contacting 'emilyandlily', see what they say, if I get a reply (I emailed them several times prior to buying the lens and had no rsponse so very doubtful I'll get a satisfactory result), it's worth a go.

Anyone had a similar problem and could advise a cost estimate if it went to a repair centre?

Thanks all for the replies,

Scott

[kybo]

Had the cost to repair autofocus from Lehmann's of Stoke on Trent - £80-120.

However, I have checked my Paypal account and I have not had the lens a year yet. I have emailed the seller to the email account I have from the Paypal transaction BUT DO I NEED TO DO anything through Ebay? I don't use it very often and I have never had to return anything before.

Many thanks,
Scott

[Simpo Two]

I'd say the contract is between you and the seller. eBay certainly won't mediate, they're only interested in getting the fees. As far as they're concerned, the transaction was successful. Mail the seller directly and see what the warranty says (if there is one).

NB The seller has a feedback of 383,827 which is pretty impressive!

Edited by Simpo Two on Saturday 4th October 00:35

[Gemm]

Yes, I'd contact the seller first, then you can make a complaint to PayPal if it doesn't get you anywhere. They would usually ask you to provide a confirmation that it is faulty (from an authorised repairer). It is a pretty long process but it is the only way if the seller refuses to admit the fault.

EDIT: Sorry I just noticed that you've had the lens for a while and it's just developed this fault? Then it's not seller's fault. It only applies if you were sold faulty goods. If it's under 1 year, it should be covered by warranty?

Edited by Gemm on Saturday 4th October 09:20