HELP! S5 Auto-Focus Problems (No AF)

In the middle of a portrait session my AF suddenly died on me. Amazingly, when this happened, i switched to my second S5 and now it too won't AF.

Panic! I have some assignments next week and don't know what to do because unless Fuji-Service repairs both cams immediately, I'm lost.

Any suggestions? - Perhaps it's only something the system settings - any suggestions would be much appreciated especially if any of you guys have had priorr experience with S5 AF problems.

Herbert Bishko

Are you using the same lens? If so this may be your problem instead of the camera.

Hello Gordon,

Thank you for your input. I was using two different lenses - both of which had worked perfectly with AF in the past.

But I have just discovered the fault - and in both cases with both S5s it is mine: When changing lenses i had inadvertently changed the AF buttons on both F5s to Manual Focus. How utterly embarrassing!

Thanks though Gordon

Herbert

Hello Guys,

I am so embarrassed. I was using two lenses, two cams, flashes and people milling all around - A surprise visit from a grandson. Hectic!

I have just discovered the fault - and in both cases with both S5s it is mine:

When changing lenses i had inadvertently changed the AF buttons on both F5s to Manual Focus. How utterly embarrassing!

So yes I am glad to thankfully say that everything seems to be working OK again. Everything of course, except ME. How could I be so stupid? And I really do have enough experience not to make these kind of silly mistakes. Ah well!

So please, to save me further shame - I ask that we KILL this thread.

Thanks…

Herbert Bishko

Glad you found the problem. If it will make you feel better I once spent 15 minutes at a Prom trying to put a Canon lens on a Nikon camera.
Having fun on Hilton Head Island.
Gordon

Don't sweat it! We've all been there. Can't tell you how many times I've inadvertantly switched my S5 to manual without knowing, thinking I was shooting AF.

I had locked the battery grip AF button on my D3, so whenever I switched from horizontal to portrait mode in a session I couldn´t focus. I was totally nervous and embarrassed when I noticed that nothing was wrong with the camera.

Good to hear you´re S5´s are still doing fine, Herbert! I´m still thinking of your tea flower once in a while
--
Greetings from Germany,
Pam
http://www.model-kartei.de/sedcard/fotograf/184280/

HawainPunch and Pam,

Thanks for you sympathetic comments and Pam, for the tea-bag walk down memory-lane.

I am so lazy when it comes to posting here - yet, truth be told, I do it all the time when i send proofs to clients. I should really make the effort because my work sometimes takes me through interesting places and images.

History: When both AF systems failed on both S5's at once, I was convinced that it was because of the inexpensive 'Cactus' radio-flash triggers that I was using. Actually I LOVE them especially in heavy people situations. Now only i can set off my slaves and and also no more cables or frustrating worn-out contacts. We've come a long way. Now I actually love being a slave-owner.

In my mind I was convinced that the cheapo radio triggers had somehow fried the electronics of both S5's. Thankfully I was wrong but briefly as in a very bad dream, I saw myself having to migrate immediately to Nikon to complete my assignments - and ugh, having to deal with Nikon color & DR. Fortunately I was wrong.

Best wishes,

Herbert Bishko

Glad that you solve the problem!. It only happened to me once, and I assume that was by accident,i.e. the toggle was switched to MF when I put the camera in the bag. However, I have an opposite story which was frustrating but embarassing too. A few months ago, I went up to the North and was hoping to catch aurora (northern light) shots. I have the camera set for AF as usual. The night was dark, and only lighted by stars and the glow of the lights... a perfect photos, as I also brought a tripod. Then, when I started to shoot the sky, the camera could not focus, as it was really pitch dark. At that moment, my brain thought that I should have brought an old manual lens with me, instead of an auto focus lens. So, with regrets, I did not take any pictures of the stars nor the northern lights. Once I was at home the day after, I started to realize that I should have switched the toggle on the camera to the MF position. I just simply did not cross my mind, as I was upset then. This was despite the fact that every time I change a lens, I always see that piece of steel that in and out of the hole at the mount of the camera (bottom, right side). I think if you switch to manual MF, the steel piece will go inside (not protruding) beyond the mount rim. I knew this all the time (hence the MF and AF button, but I just simply did not think that night, that I should have switched it to MF.
Anyway, just a story of my stupidity!

You pros are starting to make a newb like me feel much better and confident. I just need to quit trying to shoot pictures with my lens cap on.

bloomoose said:

I had locked the battery grip AF button on my D3, so whenever I switched from horizontal to portrait mode in a session I couldn´t focus. I was totally nervous and embarrassed when I noticed that nothing was wrong with the camera.

Click to expand...

That has happened to me with the D2x as well. Then again, sometimes when the camera is hanging by its strap on my side, a very light touch is enough trigger the portrait grip shutter release and the camera takes a picture by itself. It's not the most silent camera in the world, either. I've also inadvertently locked the focus point selector and silently cursed the "bleep" faulty camera before realizing what's going on...

The first time I used the Optech case for the D2x I also realized something was wrong; the autofocus wasn't operating quite as it was supposed to. I had a look and instead of C for continuous it was on S, no wonder it wasn't tracking a galloping horse so well. Somehow, putting the camera in the case had also been enough to change the exposure metering selector from matrix to spot. Now, when I use the Optech case, I check a number of settings before actually using the camera. (The case is a bit of a pain to use but I felt I needed the it as I was going on a ten-day motorcycle trip and thought a bit of extra protection might be a good idea.)

Cheers,

-Topi

Mr Pixel said:

You pros are starting to make a newb like me feel much better and confident. I just need to quit trying to shoot pictures with my lens cap on.

Click to expand...

Very Funny Mr. Pixel!

Strange how life does go on in its own merry way. Take this thread for example. What started out as a heartfelt cry for help, turned into an apology for mindlessness. Now it would seem there are a whole bunch of FSLRT folks who, at one time or another have made similar mistakes.

Perhaps it would be a good idea to continue this thread as: "Bloopers I have made".

Herbert Bishko

My latest blooper. The S1 will shoot pics without a CF card. I have taken many pics before realizing that my CF card was not installed.