AF unresponsive problem

[Oly5050]

Have any of you noticed this problem? I encountered it during an outdoor model shoot using a 40-150 mm lens. It happened twice where the AF did not work. At first I thought the card was full, but it was not. Then I though perhaps I was too close and the focus did not work. But it was not. So eventually, I switched off and then switched on again and it was OK. I think all in all, happened twice during the 600 shots taken. What could be the problem? Could it be overheating? Or is it something to do with the focus ring? Thanks.

[Mikefellh]

Make sure your lens is locked properly...if the lens isn't locked properly, or if you are (accidentally) pressing the lens release button, the lens won't autofocus and the aperture will display -.- instead of a number. First of course don't press the lens release button while using the camera. Second, don't hold down the lens release button when attaching the lens as it will allow you to turn the lens PAST the locking point and the lens won't work...the solution to this is the turn the lens (without touching the lens release button) until it locks.

[Blu-By-U]

Was the Flash attached? If so, it could be the flash is still charging, the camera won't fire. However, there is a setting in the camera which will allow the camera to fire even if the flash is not ready.

[Oly5050]

No flash was attached and I think the lens was locked on right. It had happened only after taking quite a number of shots.

[OlyFlyer]

Can be that the camera is set to Shutter priority = OFF. In that case the camera will not fire if the focus is not ready and in a few cases that can take some more time than you expected.

[Blu-By-U]

Originally Posted by OlyFlyer ....Shutter priority = OFF. ...

Unc Olyflyer, if I set that to ON, will it mean the shutter will fire irregardless of everything? ie AF not lock, Flash not ready and so on?

[lkm51]

yup.. i has this problem too with the new 40-150mm with my e-410.. however the last time this occur was few months back..switch it off and on back

during this problem i notice the F is stated as --

[Oly5050]

Finally....someone who knows what I experienced...

But mine is the old 40-150 mm.

Wonder what gives tho'. Should I bring it back?

[OlyFlyer]

Originally Posted by lkm51 yup.. i has this problem too with the new 40-150mm with my e-410.. however the last time this occur was few months back..switch it off and on back during this problem i notice the F is stated as --

... but in that case the answer is easy. You have inevidently pressed the lens release button which cause the f number to show -- Only in that case, the AF should not respond at all. But, again, if you keep pressing and releasing the button, the lens comes back and goes again and may give the impression that the AF is occasionally sluggish, slow to respond and behaves strange.

[OlyFlyer]

Originally Posted by Blu-By-U Unc Olyflyer, if I set that to ON, will it mean the shutter will fire irregardless of everything? ie AF not lock, Flash not ready and so on?

If set to ON the camera will fire even if the subject is not in focus. I think there is a separate for the flash, but you can try it out. When I use flash, I don't want my camera to fire if the flash is not ready.

[lkm51]

once a while only i got this problem occur.. but since updated to latest firmware.. i have yet to get that problem..

[Mikefellh]

Originally Posted by lkm51 once a while only i got this problem occur.. but since updated to latest firmware.. i have yet to get that problem..

Oly5050, what firmware is your 40-150mm lens?

[Oly5050]

Mine not updated yet. Should I then?

[Mikefellh]

The 40-150mm should be updated to 1.1.

[lkm51]

Originally Posted by Mikefellh The 40-150mm should be updated to 1.1.

tat apply to the old 40-150

the new 40-150 no new firmware wor

[troyjbon]

Hmm. Same problem for mine for my kit 14-42mm lens. But that one occured when I dropped the lens and the plastic mount broke making the lens a bit loose.

You might want to check the mounting circuit connection if its a bit dirty. Brush it off a bit. Also happens on my 14-45mm E500 kit lens. Once in a while wont AF. Switch off and on then can.

But works 98% of the time.

[OlyFlyer]

Originally Posted by troyjbon Hmm. Same problem for mine for my kit 14-42mm lens. But that one occured when I dropped the lens and the plastic mount broke making the lens a bit loose.

Of course, if you drop your lenses, you may get some problems.

Originally Posted by troyjbon You might want to check the mounting circuit connection if its a bit dirty. Brush it off a bit. Also happens on my 14-45mm E500 kit lens. Once in a while wont AF. Switch off and on then can. But works 98% of the time.

My lenses work 100% of the time, except if I by accident push the lens release button, which has happend once or twice. I'd be very unhappy if my lenses would only work 98% of the time.

No, don't ever brush the contacts or use any solvents to clean. If you do that, soon you WILL have problems, and the warranty won't even cover them. Use lens cap, don't intentionally touch the contacts. That is the key. The contacts normally never need to be cleaned, unless your fingers are very greasy or dirty, in which case it is better to wash the hands instead. I think most lens problems are caused by careless users or not attaching the lens properly, or pushing (touching) the lens release button. In rare cases, there may be lens or camera error, in that case it is time to claim warranty service if you still have it. I'd definitely do that if I had a 2% failure. When my lenses refuse to focus or display -- as aperture, I know it is pure user error, and I just move my fingers from the lens release button and everything is fine.