How to fix a canon rebel xsi that's not auto focusing?

Question

I have a canon rebel xsi that is not taking pictures on auto focus. It will take pictures on manual focus, but they're blurry. I changed my lens to a bigger one to see if it was the lens or camera, and it's the camera. I had the same problem with the other lens. I've tried cleaning it & turning the lens focus ring but is still doing it. Anyone know how to fix this problem?

Answer 1

Why are you using manual focus? The autofocus works so very well nearly all of time!!!

It would be a VERY useful bit of info right now to know if it does work on autofocus.



Go take a photo on autofocus, then look at it on your computer.



If it worked, then my guess would be that the little diopter adjustment on your viewfinder is wrong for your eye(s) and you simply need to adjust it (read your manual if you don't know what I'm talking about).



If none of your lenses work on autofocus, either, then you need to get the camera looked at. Hopefully it is still under warranty.

Answer 2

Unless you have a couple of the high-end L lenses--If you can turn the focus ring you have turned off auto-focus on the lens (lenses). There is a tiny switch (AF-MF) near the camera body, it HAS to be on AF.



Under manual focus, like others have said, there is no reason for blurry photos other than how you are using the camera.



Also, check how you have the focus priority set. Any one of the points in the viewfinder can serve as the priority point, or the camera can optimize the focus based on the maximum points it can resolve to focus.



The other (slim) possibility is the electrical contacts between the camera and lens are dirty and not making a good connection.



The sensors are in the camera, but the entire focus mechanism is built into each lens. They seldom go bad, and chances of both going out are slim.

Answer 3

What are you taking photos of?



The AF won't focus if whatever you're looking at is too close to the camera and if the AF won't focus then the camera won't let you take the photo. You may notice in the viewfinder (somewhere) a green circle that lights up when it's focussed. If it keeps flashing then the AF hasn't found a focus point.



You may also find that the AF won't work if you're looking at something that's not very contrasty, or there's not enough light.



In AF does the camera try to focus? Can you hear it, or see the focus ring moving back and forward?



Depending on the lens, some don't like it if you try and focus manually when you're in AF and you can break the focus mechanism.



You can takes photos in manual focus because the camera is relying on you to focus properly.



Again, what are you taking photos of & what shutter speed are you using? With MF, if what you're looking at is too close you won't be able to focus, lenses have a minimum focus distance. Move back until things are in focus.



If you're handholding with a slow shutter speed you'll get camera shake/motion blur.



When you are focussing manually is the image sharp in the viewfinder?

Answer 4

A few ideas!



Using the viewfinder?

Look in the viewfinder - are the numbers along the bottom of the view in focus? If not adjust the focus with the tiny scroll wheel at the right hand side of the viewfinder.



What shutter speed are you using? If you are using slow shutter speeds (slower than 1/50) then the blurring is caused by camera shake.



Are you using live view?

The usual autofocus doesn't work, you auto focus by pressing the "star" button (left hand button of the pair at the top right).



If you are using live view and waving the camera about at arms length then you can only use shutter speeds faster than 1/250 to avoid camera shake.

Answer 5

Have you checked the handbook? There is probably a control to allow the camera body to autofocus or manual focus. Set it to auto. Then check if the lenses have similar controls.

Answer 6

Have it looked at.