I have what appears to be a problem with my EOS 1n body. When taking photos from a fixed distance the focus light will sometimes blink (no focus) but the lens does not move (it is not trying to focus). The only thing I have found to be able to take a photo is to manually turn the lens way out of focus, then the camera will attain focus. Has anyone seen this problem before.

-- Joseph Buonomo (jbuonomo1@stny.rr.com), May 15, 2002

Answers

You didn't say what lens you were using, but I'll take a whack at what I think your problem may be.

Yeah, I've had this happen many times with slow variable aperture zooms like the EF100-300 5.6L, especially in low contrast/dim situations. Why? The center cross isn't enabled (it needs at least F2.8) and the camera doesn't have enough information to proceed. Like you, I found by playing with manual focus it can sometimes snag focus. However, the EOS 1N really designed to work best with fast glass, i.e., F2.8 or faster. In other words, the only way to get truly reliable AF on the EOS 1N is to use a F2.8 or faster lens.

I use an EOS 3 now and AF with slow zooms is better than the EOS 1N, but not as good as the Elans or EOS 5/A2E cameras which only need F5.6 for a fully enabled cross sensor.

Of course, if you are using fast glass, disregard my speculation and get thee to a Canon Service Center.

-- Puppy Face (doggieface@aol.com), May 15, 2002.

I hear you but I have been using this 28-105 3.5 canon quite a while and have shot at least 20 weddings with it, no problem. This problem first cropped up while shooting under studio lights with more than ample modeling lights. During wedding receptions, when it is quite dark, I sometimes have a hard time fousing but at least it is hunting. The failure mode I am talking about, it just blinks, no hunt or lens movement at all.

Thanks for your input, sorry my description was lacking

Joe

-- Joseph Buonomo (jbuonomo1@stny.rr.com), May 15, 2002.

Try another lens (something may be wrong with your 28-105). If this happens with all your lenses, you can probably assume the body needs to be repaired.

-- kenneth katz (socks@bestweb.net), May 15, 2002.