40D Rookie Needs Help

When shooting around for the past couple of evenings, there have been multiple times that the camera seems like it is trying to focus, but sort of takes on a life of it's own. The shutter speed in the viewfinder goes crazy and there isn't much that I can do except wait it out until it gets done doing it's thing.

I know that is likely that this is something that I am doing (have something set wrong, etc.) but I don't know how to prevent it.

I apologize in advance if this is a silly question, but this is my first DSLR so I am just trying to figure it out (I have only had a manual SLR (Nikon F3) in the past and have been shooting with a Canon G5 for the past 4 years).

Thanks in advance for your help.

Dave

PS - I am using the 40D with the kit lens. As I recall, this has happened mostly in AV mode in both daylight and low-light.

Can anyone help a rookie out?

I just went on a little photo shoot on my lunch hour and this time the camera started to do it's little thing when I was just walking around looking for subjects.

I hadn't depressed the shutter or anything.

When I looked through the eye piece it appeared that I could see the glass moving.

Is this normal? Should I run back to Best Buy to return the camera? Someone please help.

Dave

Initial thought - is it having a hard time obtaining focus, or is it something else?

darebell said:

When shooting around for the past couple of evenings, there have been
multiple times that the camera seems like it is trying to focus, but
sort of takes on a life of it's own. The shutter speed in the
viewfinder goes crazy and there isn't much that I can do except wait
it out until it gets done doing it's thing.

Click to expand...

Could you explain that in more detail? Describe "goes crazy". Discuss the lighting of the scene you're composing (is it dark with bright spots or lights within). Have you altered any of the custom functions? What exposure mode are you using?

While I might not be able to help, others would with a more elaborate description of what you're experiencing.

--
...Bob, NYC

http://www.pbase.com/btullis

You'll have to ignore the gallery's collection of bad compositions, improper exposures, and amateurish post processing.

darebell said:

I just went on a little photo shoot on my lunch hour and this time
the camera started to do it's little thing when I was just walking
around looking for subjects.

I hadn't depressed the shutter or anything.

When I looked through the eye piece it appeared that I could see the
glass moving.

Click to expand...

Is "the glass" the lens glass, or something between the lens and the eyepiece. If the latter, that could be the mirror or focusing screen.

darebell said:

Is this normal? Should I run back to Best Buy to return the camera?
Someone please help.

Click to expand...

It's starting to sound like you should do that, though I still can't quite envision what you're experiencing. But it's all odd enough. . .

--
...Bob, NYC

http://www.pbase.com/btullis

You'll have to ignore the gallery's collection of bad compositions, improper exposures, and amateurish post processing.

Bob,

Thanks for your help.

I just talked to a Canon rep and he seemed to think that there may be an issue with the IS on the lens and suggested that I return the camera.

He told me that it common for people to describe this as "vibrating" or the "image appears to be moving in the eyepiece". He did however tell me that withing a second or so that this should stop, but in my case it can last up to 5 seconds and I am unable to take a picture until the "vibration" stops.

Looks like I am heading back to Best Buy tonight. Unfortunately, they don't have any more in stock at my location.

Best Buy is usually fairly flexible. They may be willing to exchange the lens out of a 30D kit if they still have any.

Jim

IT's usually easier to convey such experiences via voice, so I'd say what the rep told you sounds reasonable, however unfortunate.

Good luck.

As Jim suggested, see if B.Buy might have that lens in stock as a separate item, and ask if they'd just exchange the lens. But if they go for it, do put it on the camera for a test before walking out. We presume it's the lens at fault here, but that's not been determined yet with any authority. If the body is at fault, doing such an exchange might complicate your options.

--
...Bob, NYC

http://www.pbase.com/btullis

You'll have to ignore the gallery's collection of bad compositions, improper exposures, and amateurish post processing.

take it back to Bestbuy and hopefully get another one. Make sure when you do, check if they have it in stock or another bestbuy in stock.