Reading mode: Light Dark

Canon 100-400 Manual Focus Problem

Go to last post
B

BobAtlGa

Well-known member
Messages
199
Reaction score
0
Location
Atlanta, USA, GA, US
I need some help with the 100-400mm IS I just purchased off Ebay. The lens will autofocus perfectly. However, when you switch the lens to manual focus and turn the focus ring, it does nothing. The focus ring and be turned to infinity in either direction and nothing happens. When you switch back to autofocus, the lens will focus perfectly, with lighting speed.

I was under the impression that this lens also has full time manual focus, even when in autofocus. However that does not work either.

When I first got the lens, the focus ring was a tight as a vice and would not turn in either direction (when in autofocus or manual focus). Of course I did not try to force it, even when I had the switch in manual focus. However, I put the lens back to 100mm, and tried to turn the focus ring with the lens off the camera. Now it turns fine, but as I mentioned before does nothing and has no effect on the focus, even though it will turn freely.

This lens looks totally new, not a scratch; like it's never been used. Any help would be appreciated. My guess is that I'm going to be taking it to the Canon Service Center in Atlanta on Monday!

Thanks,

Bob
 
Make sure you are turning the rubber focus ring, and not the white metal zoom lock. That could be the problem; it's a common mistake.
BobAtlGa said:
I need some help with the 100-400mm IS I just purchased off Ebay.
The lens will autofocus perfectly. However, when you switch the
lens to manual focus and turn the focus ring, it does nothing. The
focus ring and be turned to infinity in either direction and
nothing happens. When you switch back to autofocus, the lens will
focus perfectly, with lighting speed.

I was under the impression that this lens also has full time manual
focus, even when in autofocus. However that does not work either.

When I first got the lens, the focus ring was a tight as a vice and
would not turn in either direction (when in autofocus or manual
focus). Of course I did not try to force it, even when I had the
switch in manual focus. However, I put the lens back to 100mm, and
tried to turn the focus ring with the lens off the camera. Now it
turns fine, but as I mentioned before does nothing and has no
effect on the focus, even though it will turn freely.

This lens looks totally new, not a scratch; like it's never been
used. Any help would be appreciated. My guess is that I'm going to
be taking it to the Canon Service Center in Atlanta on Monday!

Thanks,

Bob
Click to expand...
 
elmo said:
BobAtlGa said:
I need some help with the 100-400mm IS I just purchased off Ebay.
The lens will autofocus perfectly. However, when you switch the
lens to manual focus and turn the focus ring, it does nothing. The
focus ring and be turned to infinity in either direction and
nothing happens. When you switch back to autofocus, the lens will
focus perfectly, with lighting speed.

I was under the impression that this lens also has full time manual
focus, even when in autofocus. However that does not work either.

When I first got the lens, the focus ring was a tight as a vice and
would not turn in either direction (when in autofocus or manual
focus). Of course I did not try to force it, even when I had the
switch in manual focus. However, I put the lens back to 100mm, and
tried to turn the focus ring with the lens off the camera. Now it
turns fine, but as I mentioned before does nothing and has no
effect on the focus, even though it will turn freely.

This lens looks totally new, not a scratch; like it's never been
used. Any help would be appreciated. My guess is that I'm going to
be taking it to the Canon Service Center in Atlanta on Monday!

Thanks,

Bob
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Also, when the zoom lock is tight enough to keep the zoom from creeping, but loose enough to change the focal length, turning the focus ring sometimes causes the zoom lock to tighten, and then the focus ring doesn't turn.
--
Walter K
 
Thanks for the help. I am turning the rubber focus ring. Actually the zoom lock and focus ring turn togther, which I found was normal from reading other threads here. I can still loosen or tighten the zoom lock.

The focus ring actually feels "too loose" when you turn it. I just compared the manual focus to the focus ring on my 70-200 L will take effect whether in manual of AF setting. It turns smoothly, but not too easily. Those of you with this lens will know what I am referring to.

Since the focus ring on this lens literally does nothing, I guess there must be something mechanical broken since the lens focuses perfectly in autofocus.

Oh well, that's what I get for buying off Ebay!

Thanks

Bob
WalterK said:
elmo said:
BobAtlGa said:
I need some help with the 100-400mm IS I just purchased off Ebay.
The lens will autofocus perfectly. However, when you switch the
lens to manual focus and turn the focus ring, it does nothing. The
focus ring and be turned to infinity in either direction and
nothing happens. When you switch back to autofocus, the lens will
focus perfectly, with lighting speed.

I was under the impression that this lens also has full time manual
focus, even when in autofocus. However that does not work either.

When I first got the lens, the focus ring was a tight as a vice and
would not turn in either direction (when in autofocus or manual
focus). Of course I did not try to force it, even when I had the
switch in manual focus. However, I put the lens back to 100mm, and
tried to turn the focus ring with the lens off the camera. Now it
turns fine, but as I mentioned before does nothing and has no
effect on the focus, even though it will turn freely.

This lens looks totally new, not a scratch; like it's never been
used. Any help would be appreciated. My guess is that I'm going to
be taking it to the Canon Service Center in Atlanta on Monday!

Thanks,

Bob
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Also, when the zoom lock is tight enough to keep the zoom from
creeping, but loose enough to change the focal length, turning the
focus ring sometimes causes the zoom lock to tighten, and then the
focus ring doesn't turn.
--
Walter K
Click to expand...
 
Manual focus with either of those cameras is hit and miss (mostly miss) to begin with. It was one of the most frustrating things until I got my 1D. I rather doubt there is anything anyone can do about it. It truly is MORE the camera than that lens, which really has no glaring problems....
BobAtlGa said:
I need some help with the 100-400mm IS I just purchased off Ebay.
The lens will autofocus perfectly. However, when you switch the
lens to manual focus and turn the focus ring, it does nothing. The
focus ring and be turned to infinity in either direction and
nothing happens. When you switch back to autofocus, the lens will
focus perfectly, with lighting speed.

I was under the impression that this lens also has full time manual
focus, even when in autofocus. However that does not work either.

When I first got the lens, the focus ring was a tight as a vice and
would not turn in either direction (when in autofocus or manual
focus). Of course I did not try to force it, even when I had the
switch in manual focus. However, I put the lens back to 100mm, and
tried to turn the focus ring with the lens off the camera. Now it
turns fine, but as I mentioned before does nothing and has no
effect on the focus, even though it will turn freely.

This lens looks totally new, not a scratch; like it's never been
used. Any help would be appreciated. My guess is that I'm going to
be taking it to the Canon Service Center in Atlanta on Monday!

Thanks,

Bob
Click to expand...
 
When you AF, does the focus ring turn? (It HAS to).

If it turns then, but can't be turned by hand . . . well, that's kinda hard to explain.
BobAtlGa said:
The focus ring actually feels "too loose" when you turn it. I just
compared the manual focus to the focus ring on my 70-200 L will
take effect whether in manual of AF setting. It turns smoothly, but
not too easily. Those of you with this lens will know what I am
referring to.

Since the focus ring on this lens literally does nothing, I guess
there must be something mechanical broken since the lens focuses
perfectly in autofocus.

Oh well, that's what I get for buying off Ebay!

Thanks

Bob
WalterK said:
elmo said:
BobAtlGa said:
I need some help with the 100-400mm IS I just purchased off Ebay.
The lens will autofocus perfectly. However, when you switch the
lens to manual focus and turn the focus ring, it does nothing. The
focus ring and be turned to infinity in either direction and
nothing happens. When you switch back to autofocus, the lens will
focus perfectly, with lighting speed.

I was under the impression that this lens also has full time manual
focus, even when in autofocus. However that does not work either.

When I first got the lens, the focus ring was a tight as a vice and
would not turn in either direction (when in autofocus or manual
focus). Of course I did not try to force it, even when I had the
switch in manual focus. However, I put the lens back to 100mm, and
tried to turn the focus ring with the lens off the camera. Now it
turns fine, but as I mentioned before does nothing and has no
effect on the focus, even though it will turn freely.

This lens looks totally new, not a scratch; like it's never been
used. Any help would be appreciated. My guess is that I'm going to
be taking it to the Canon Service Center in Atlanta on Monday!

Thanks,

Bob
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Also, when the zoom lock is tight enough to keep the zoom from
creeping, but loose enough to change the focal length, turning the
focus ring sometimes causes the zoom lock to tighten, and then the
focus ring doesn't turn.
--
Walter K
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
The Unofficial Photographer of The Wilkinsons
http://thewilkinsons.crosswinds.net
Photography -- just another word for compromise
 
Actually if you look in the window at the base of the lens, you can see it turning during autofocus. I just compared this to my 70-200. The difference between this lens and the 100-400 is that when you turn the manual rubber focus ring, you see the lens rotate insite the window as well. On the 100-400 lens, nothing moves inside the window when you turn the ring manually. This tells me there must be something broken because the manual focus ring is not "catching" the mechanism that turn the lens elements. Obviously during autofocus the USM motor is turning the lens elements, but the manual ring connection must be hosed.

Thanks....
DavidP said:
If it turns then, but can't be turned by hand . . . well, that's
kinda hard to explain.
BobAtlGa said:
The focus ring actually feels "too loose" when you turn it. I just
compared the manual focus to the focus ring on my 70-200 L will
take effect whether in manual of AF setting. It turns smoothly, but
not too easily. Those of you with this lens will know what I am
referring to.

Since the focus ring on this lens literally does nothing, I guess
there must be something mechanical broken since the lens focuses
perfectly in autofocus.

Oh well, that's what I get for buying off Ebay!

Thanks

Bob
WalterK said:
elmo said:
BobAtlGa said:
I need some help with the 100-400mm IS I just purchased off Ebay.
The lens will autofocus perfectly. However, when you switch the
lens to manual focus and turn the focus ring, it does nothing. The
focus ring and be turned to infinity in either direction and
nothing happens. When you switch back to autofocus, the lens will
focus perfectly, with lighting speed.

I was under the impression that this lens also has full time manual
focus, even when in autofocus. However that does not work either.

When I first got the lens, the focus ring was a tight as a vice and
would not turn in either direction (when in autofocus or manual
focus). Of course I did not try to force it, even when I had the
switch in manual focus. However, I put the lens back to 100mm, and
tried to turn the focus ring with the lens off the camera. Now it
turns fine, but as I mentioned before does nothing and has no
effect on the focus, even though it will turn freely.

This lens looks totally new, not a scratch; like it's never been
used. Any help would be appreciated. My guess is that I'm going to
be taking it to the Canon Service Center in Atlanta on Monday!

Thanks,

Bob
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Also, when the zoom lock is tight enough to keep the zoom from
creeping, but loose enough to change the focal length, turning the
focus ring sometimes causes the zoom lock to tighten, and then the
focus ring doesn't turn.
--
Walter K
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
The Unofficial Photographer of The Wilkinsons
http://thewilkinsons.crosswinds.net
Photography -- just another word for compromise
Click to expand...
 
Canon could probably fix that relatively cheaply.

I hope you saved a lot by getting it on Ebay.
BobAtlGa said:
Actually if you look in the window at the base of the lens, you can
see it turning during autofocus. I just compared this to my 70-200.
The difference between this lens and the 100-400 is that when you
turn the manual rubber focus ring, you see the lens rotate insite
the window as well. On the 100-400 lens, nothing moves inside the
window when you turn the ring manually. This tells me there must be
something broken because the manual focus ring is not "catching"
the mechanism that turn the lens elements. Obviously during
autofocus the USM motor is turning the lens elements, but the
manual ring connection must be hosed.
Click to expand...
--
The Unofficial Photographer of The Wilkinsons
http://thewilkinsons.crosswinds.net
Photography -- just another word for compromise
 
Thanks for all the help. I paid $1000 for the lens on Ebay, which included the Canon new style case and a 77mm UV lens filter. The lens looks as if it has never been used. The tripod ring base appears as though this lens was never even mounted on a tripod...not a scratch.

How this could happen is a mystery to me. At least the autofocus works, and I'll use it the next two weeks while on vacation in Florida. I'll send it off to Canon after I return.

Thanks David....

Bob
DavidP said:
I hope you saved a lot by getting it on Ebay.
BobAtlGa said:
Actually if you look in the window at the base of the lens, you can
see it turning during autofocus. I just compared this to my 70-200.
The difference between this lens and the 100-400 is that when you
turn the manual rubber focus ring, you see the lens rotate insite
the window as well. On the 100-400 lens, nothing moves inside the
window when you turn the ring manually. This tells me there must be
something broken because the manual focus ring is not "catching"
the mechanism that turn the lens elements. Obviously during
autofocus the USM motor is turning the lens elements, but the
manual ring connection must be hosed.
Click to expand...
--
The Unofficial Photographer of The Wilkinsons
http://thewilkinsons.crosswinds.net
Photography -- just another word for compromise
Click to expand...
 
Lee Rothman said:
Manual focus with either of those cameras is hit and miss (mostly
miss) to begin with. It was one of the most frustrating things
until I got my 1D. I rather doubt there is anything anyone can do
about it. It truly is MORE the camera than that lens, which really
has no glaring problems....
Click to expand...
If you'd read his post properly Lee, you would have seen that the problem IS to do with that particular lens rather than seen it as an opportunity to knock the D30/60.

KRs
Chris
 
Are you really saying that the D30/D60 sometimes lock focus rings so they can't be turned? I find it very hard to believe that this is caused by the body, especially as a "hit or miss" problem.
Lee Rothman said:
BobAtlGa said:
I need some help with the 100-400mm IS I just purchased off Ebay.
The lens will autofocus perfectly. However, when you switch the
lens to manual focus and turn the focus ring, it does nothing. The
focus ring and be turned to infinity in either direction and
nothing happens. When you switch back to autofocus, the lens will
focus perfectly, with lighting speed.

I was under the impression that this lens also has full time manual
focus, even when in autofocus. However that does not work either.

When I first got the lens, the focus ring was a tight as a vice and
would not turn in either direction (when in autofocus or manual
focus). Of course I did not try to force it, even when I had the
switch in manual focus. However, I put the lens back to 100mm, and
tried to turn the focus ring with the lens off the camera. Now it
turns fine, but as I mentioned before does nothing and has no
effect on the focus, even though it will turn freely.

This lens looks totally new, not a scratch; like it's never been
used. Any help would be appreciated. My guess is that I'm going to
be taking it to the Canon Service Center in Atlanta on Monday!

Thanks,

Bob
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Hi Bob, I purchased the same lens for my 10d a few weeks ago and the manual focus worked fine. I just tried it again this afternoon and it now appears to be broken - I'm having the same problem you are.

I have no idea how it happened but I can confirm that the focus should work as you would expect.

The only thing I can think of was the lock ring was too tight when I used the autofocus??

Tom
 
I am currently considering buying a 100-400, probably second-hand, and so find this thread a little worrying.

There are a couple of points, based on comments made earlier in this thread, for which I would appreciate further information:

First, when using AF with the 100-400 does the external focus ring itself turn. I hope not because this is one of the things that I dislike about some third-party lenses -- you have to be very careful how you hold the lens when using AF so as not to impede the rotation of the focus ring. (In contrast, with other Canon lenses, such as the 28-135 IS USM, when using AF the external focus ring does not move.)

Second, and this is only a small point, there was mention earlier of the "new style case" for the 100-400 -- could someone please tell me what is the difference between the new and old styles and when did the style change. I ask because if I view some second-hand lenses this will give me some idea as to their ages.

Many thanks for any info ... Terry.
TomDK said:
Hi Bob, I purchased the same lens for my 10d a few weeks ago and
the manual focus worked fine. I just tried it again this afternoon
and it now appears to be broken - I'm having the same problem you
are.
I have no idea how it happened but I can confirm that the focus
should work as you would expect.
The only thing I can think of was the lock ring was too tight when
I used the autofocus??

Tom
Click to expand...
 
I just had my manual focus jam up two weeks ago. Because it is the "L" lense you have to send it directly to Canon Factory Service, I'm still waiting to get it back. Repair estimate was $178. Luckily I have an insurance rider on my equipment and it is covered. I just hope the lense comes back as sharp as a tack, like it was. I can't stand being without this lense....Hmmmm, maybe a 500mmL as a spare would be good...
BobAtlGa said:
I need some help with the 100-400mm IS I just purchased off Ebay.
The lens will autofocus perfectly. However, when you switch the
lens to manual focus and turn the focus ring, it does nothing. The
focus ring and be turned to infinity in either direction and
nothing happens. When you switch back to autofocus, the lens will
focus perfectly, with lighting speed.

I was under the impression that this lens also has full time manual
focus, even when in autofocus. However that does not work either.

When I first got the lens, the focus ring was a tight as a vice and
would not turn in either direction (when in autofocus or manual
focus). Of course I did not try to force it, even when I had the
switch in manual focus. However, I put the lens back to 100mm, and
tried to turn the focus ring with the lens off the camera. Now it
turns fine, but as I mentioned before does nothing and has no
effect on the focus, even though it will turn freely.

This lens looks totally new, not a scratch; like it's never been
used. Any help would be appreciated. My guess is that I'm going to
be taking it to the Canon Service Center in Atlanta on Monday!

Thanks,

Bob
Click to expand...
 
Hi Terry, I can't remember if it turned when using autofocus but I thought that it did.

As far as the new case goes, it's silvery white and has a belt loop on it. The end is black and has LZ1324 stamped on it. It also comes with a really cheap strap less than a half inch wide. Not sure what the old case looks like.
Terry Sessford said:
There are a couple of points, based on comments made earlier in
this thread, for which I would appreciate further information:

First, when using AF with the 100-400 does the external focus ring
itself turn. I hope not because this is one of the things that I
dislike about some third-party lenses -- you have to be very
careful how you hold the lens when using AF so as not to impede the
rotation of the focus ring. (In contrast, with other Canon lenses,
such as the 28-135 IS USM, when using AF the external focus ring
does not move.)

Second, and this is only a small point, there was mention earlier
of the "new style case" for the 100-400 -- could someone please
tell me what is the difference between the new and old styles and
when did the style change. I ask because if I view some
second-hand lenses this will give me some idea as to their ages.

Many thanks for any info ... Terry.
TomDK said:
Hi Bob, I purchased the same lens for my 10d a few weeks ago and
the manual focus worked fine. I just tried it again this afternoon
and it now appears to be broken - I'm having the same problem you
are.
I have no idea how it happened but I can confirm that the focus
should work as you would expect.
The only thing I can think of was the lock ring was too tight when
I used the autofocus??

Tom
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
I too just purchased a used 100-400 so after reading this thread went to check its focus performance. The ring does not turn during autofocus. Mine does manual focus without issue and is available full time.

Hope that helps...

--
Living on the horns of a dilemma: film and digital
 
Got mine yesterday, same observation.

What I do NOT like about the lens is that the push and pull zoom is still a little tight, even after rotating the zoom lock all the way to the left (several times around the lens, in fact). If you apply the same force (pushing or pulling) it will not move completely smoothly, as, for example, the zoom on the 70-200 (which is not a push and pull).

As is, I wonder if I like the lens enough to keep it... then again, I am thinking, that, with use, this should get smoother as some of the "rough edges" wear off? Any comments from those with a formerly new 100-400 after it becomes "experienced"?
dbspeer said:
I too just purchased a used 100-400 so after reading this thread
went to check its focus performance. The ring does not turn during
autofocus. Mine does manual focus without issue and is available
full time.

Hope that helps...

--
Living on the horns of a dilemma: film and digital
Click to expand...
 
Mine got smoother with age. I love the lense, it is on my camera 90% of the time. I think a screw losened up inside and got in the manual focus groove, to jam it up. Otherwise, it has been perfect, I would definately recommend it.
Stefan Bruckel said:
What I do NOT like about the lens is that the push and pull zoom is
still a little tight, even after rotating the zoom lock all the way
to the left (several times around the lens, in fact). If you apply
the same force (pushing or pulling) it will not move completely
smoothly, as, for example, the zoom on the 70-200 (which is not a
push and pull).

As is, I wonder if I like the lens enough to keep it... then again,
I am thinking, that, with use, this should get smoother as some of
the "rough edges" wear off? Any comments from those with a
formerly new 100-400 after it becomes "experienced"?
dbspeer said:
I too just purchased a used 100-400 so after reading this thread
went to check its focus performance. The ring does not turn during
autofocus. Mine does manual focus without issue and is available
full time.

Hope that helps...

--
Living on the horns of a dilemma: film and digital
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Stefan, when you say you turn the zoom lock all the way to the left, several times around the lens, are you holding the focusring staionary? My zoom lock only turns just over a 1/4 turn with the focus ring held tight.

Tom
Stefan Bruckel said:
What I do NOT like about the lens is that the push and pull zoom is
still a little tight, even after rotating the zoom lock all the way
to the left (several times around the lens, in fact). If you apply
the same force (pushing or pulling) it will not move completely
smoothly, as, for example, the zoom on the 70-200 (which is not a
push and pull).

As is, I wonder if I like the lens enough to keep it... then again,
I am thinking, that, with use, this should get smoother as some of
the "rough edges" wear off? Any comments from those with a
formerly new 100-400 after it becomes "experienced"?
dbspeer said:
I too just purchased a used 100-400 so after reading this thread
went to check its focus performance. The ring does not turn during
autofocus. Mine does manual focus without issue and is available
full time.

Hope that helps...

--
Living on the horns of a dilemma: film and digital
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Stefan Bruckel said:
What I do NOT like about the lens is that the push and pull zoom is
still a little tight, even after rotating the zoom lock all the way
to the left (several times around the lens, in fact).
Click to expand...
Something sounds wrong here. You can't do that, you must be turning the focus ring and not the tension ring. This really happens a lot.

Jason
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Keyboard shortcuts

f
Forum
m
My threads
Mobile site
About
Editorial content
Cameras & Lenses
Community
All content, design, and layout are Copyright © 1998–2025 Digital Photography Review All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
©GPS Media - Guides, Products, Services.
Back
Top