Canon R3 Users: Are you experiencing (any) focusing issues? I am!

Jeffrey_Meyer_Photography wrote:

Chimpy boy wrote:

Hi Jeff, I own a R3 and up to now I'm not having the problems you are having ? I think something may be wrong with your body, lens or adapter ?

It might very well be, so earlier today I purchased an extended warranty for my R3 just in case that turns out to be the case. As an aside, yesterday afternoon (January 12, 2022) I reached out to Canon Canada by email to enquire about their "Canon CarePAK Extended Service Plan" for the Canon R3. With some shock and unsettlement, I was advised in writing earlier today (January 13, 2022) that: "Unfortunately at this time the "Canon CarePAK Extended Service Plan" is not available for the EOS R3". Why would Canon Canada not be ready to stand 100% behind one of their top-of-the-line products? How do you feel about that kind of news?

The first thing I would suggest would be a factory reset and maybe try if different lens or adapter if possible ? Hopefully this will resolve things ?

As others have noted, I may be dealing with setting conflicts yet unknown to me, so this might be a good option to start fresh.

I also I have a few questions/suggested things.

Are you using back button focusing ? Does the camera work properly using the vertical grip ?

I've been trying several different focusing techniques and buttons, but one thing is for sure: When I shoot vertically I have nowhere near the amount of focusing problems as I do when I shoot horizontally.

Regarding the flash I find it strange as my 580 ex and a 3rd party flash work brilliantly as well without any adapter ? The only reason you need the adapter is to maintain the water proofing of the camera and nothing else.

Yeah, I've been told. Perhaps I'm missing something here, but my experience was otherwise.

Have you set the camera on the correct subject to detect if using the Eye tracking ?

I still need to play around with this more. So, no, not yet.

In single shot shooting have you tried using other AF area selections to give the AF a greater chance of acquiring focus, have you turned off the Eye tracking ? are you shooting with the servo focus still on ?

To my knowledge the servo focus was off, but other "AI" settings/operations may have been going on while I was in single shot. After reading the manual (again) I now have a better understanding on the different selection boxes and colours appearing.

Regarding you battery, I found that shooting in Servo drive mode and eye tracking I'm constantly getting a 1,000 + shots easily. Personally since I started using mirrorless I found the servo focusing that good I very use sing shot at all.

That sounds good, but I'm certainly not getting anywhere near that amount of photos on a single charge. Yet, I have been doing things that allegedly draw more power. For example, I like using the viewfinder.

I came from using a 1DX II and I found it was a total mindset to shoot on a mirrorless body.

I hear ya...

There are so many things it could be as coming from a DSLR to mirrorless is a bit of a steep learning curve especially with the R3 which has a complicated AF system.

I'm quickly learning that...

Let us know if my suggestions help ? If not let us know and hopefully we'll get to the bottom of your problems ?

Will do, and appreciate the questions.

I started another topic/post of R3 hints and tips and maybe the other R3 owners might able to help suggest something ? if you post on there as well.

That trick Tony mentions (in his video attached to this thread) about tilting the camera is huge, so if that has not already come up, then that is a must have insight.

All the best sorting it out Chimpy.

Hi Jeff, glad to be of help, I was unfortunately away from my camera yesterday so I couldn't get you exact directions to settings etc. If you need more advice please feel free to PM me and hopefully we will get to the bottom of your issues.

Re: CarePak we don't have it in the UK not to my knowledge ? I depend on CPS if I have issues with equipment, also I have a really good  rapport with my Camera shop and I would take your R3 back to the dealers first if possible if you find it is equipment fault !?

I have found playing around with the R3 and other mirrorless bodies during set up and finding my way around the menus flattened the battery quiet quickly but when shooting on Servo and the fast drives of 15 or 30 FPS on the R3 the battery lasted well above the advertised counts, I know other users have found this.

I would reset the R3 and start setting it up from the beginning as you know there are tons of settings that can be changed that effect the functioning of the focus, tracking, AF exposure, viewfinder and back screen etc.

Good luck 🤞Cheers Chimpy.