New Evolt 500 Will not manual focus....now won't Autofocus either...sigh

[Oly500Enew]

I have my Evolt 500 that I got this past week from Amazon for $709 with the 2 lens kit. Out of the box it worked ok. I could never figure out how to get manual focus to work in the store or when I got mine, but Auto worked fine and I was content with that and really had not alot of time to play with it. Well a few days after having it, I can no longer even Auto focus the camera. Something is Wrong!

I called Support...they said to upgrade the firmware....WTF....I could have told them, that wouldnt have any effect and I was right. I have not used a SLR since My old manual Minolta T series, so I had some learning curve with all the digital stuff to learn. Im VERY disappointed. I couldnt wait to get this camera now Olympus tells me to send it in for repair AT MY EXPENSE!. So I now wonder if I should just return it to Amazon for 1) another Evolt 2) maybe a Pentax K100....I liked the big viewfinder and ease of use on the *ist. Olympus had more features and really liked the design and wavecleaner. But Im having my doubts now and prices seem like they might keep falling. I think I might be better off with a new camera than sending it in to be fixed. Anyone have similar issues?...my manual dial does nothing.

 

[dslrenvy]

Try resetting the camera. Take off the lens and check the contacts, since it's new I dont think the contacts are the problem but ya never know.

Also when putting the lens on don't hold down the lens release button, the lens will rotate a little too far and cause problems.

Check you battery, recharge it. Maybe the battery is bad.

Good luck

Gene

 

[PDXguy]

1. Set the camera to MF to manual focus

2. RTFM
--
Kind Regards,
Steve

Equipment in profile

http://www.terradreamer.com/

 

[Oly500Enew]

I already recharged the battery and tried again. They guy said to clean the contacts, but I only changed the lens once and kept the covers on all the time. When you say reset the camera, are you talking the software/settings (via the menu) or just removing and replacing the lens? I have tried replacing the lens too. and didnt hold the button in ever. Thanks for the advice...if you can think of anything else let me know.

BTW...Manual focus cant be that complicated on a DSLR is it? Seems like a stupid question, but the one I tried at Circuit city didnt manual focus either (but I had not read the manual then either and their Nikon and Canon's didnt even work since the power connectors were bad)

 

[Oly500Enew]

Already tried all that wiseguy. Many times. RTFM front to back.

 

[PDXguy]

OK, you win. Return the camera to Amazon and get the Pentax instead.

Signed,

WiseGuy
--
Kind Regards,
Steve

Equipment in profile

http://www.terradreamer.com/

 

[PDXguy]

When you say your "manual dial" does nothing, what dial are you talking about? Also, please describe the method in which you're setting your camera to manual focus.
--
Kind Regards,
Steve

Equipment in profile

http://www.terradreamer.com/

 

[Oly500Enew]

The focus dial on the lens (14-45) is what I refer to. I have tried setting to M,S-AF+M and using the dial from there in various shooting modes, M, Scene, portrait, landscape, etc. Ive tried pushing the shutter halfway and tuning and that does nothing and takes a delicate touch. I tried going back to AUTO and S-AF and that won't work now and I can only take blurry pics. Initially I was trying some low light pics and tried to use manual, because I read that the AF is weak in low light and never got it to work period. Then the next day or whenever no Auto focus even. They guys at Olympus told me to send it in for repair, but I think Id rather exchange it than hold onto a problematic camera and I think Amazon with exchange it, or refund my $ since its under 30 days. And I was worried about buying on ebay...lol I wanted to buy local, but the big retailers (ritz) dont sell olympus. Come to find out from talking to a smaller shop, that Ritz and Olympus had a big falling out. Plus I got a really good price and havent even sent in my rebate yet. I wasnt all that thrilled with the two guys I spoke with at Olympus. But that may be a sign its something beyond my control.

 

[wayne58604]

Not sure what you mean by 'manual dial' as the manual focus is set using the 'AF' button on the pad (back of camera). The 'M' on the dial (on top) only changes to the manual exposure mode.

The Olympus lenses are focus by wire, meaning that the focus is electronically controlled. This is ok, but does not feel like a film camera (or other digitals that have a mechanical focus). Fortunately, all of the E series cameras focus quickly and accurately. You may also want to set the focus (setup menu 2 I think) to AF+MF, allowing you to af then manually 'touch' up the focus.

Wayne

(don't have the E500, but from what I remember it is pretty much the same as my E300)

 

[Oly500Enew]

I changed the focus mode to M on the back like you said to M and S-AF+M using the AF button (Yes I read the manual thoroughly). I also tried different modes on the dial other than Auto. And the ring I refer to is the ring around the lens. I understand its fly by wire, but I havent had the pleasure of actually seeing it work.

I think I just got a bad one obviously since the AF doesnt work anymore. Just wanted to get a 2nd opinion before I send this back or to olympus.

 

[PDXguy]

The focus dial on the lens (14-45) is what I refer to. I have
tried setting to M,S-AF+M and using the dial from there in various
shooting modes, M, Scene, portrait, landscape, etc.

OK, so using the menu, and selecting camera2, then selecting AF Mode, then selecting MF, the lens will not focus? Will the 40-150 focus? Your lenses are focus by wire, and you'll have to do a bit more turning of the lens' focusing ring to see the results, more than you're used to on a manual camera. Are you having the same difficulty with auto-focus in bright light? When you turn your camera off, does the lens motor move slightly?

Ive tried
pushing the shutter halfway and tuning and that does nothing and
takes a delicate touch.

That is for setting exposure, primarily

I tried going back to AUTO and S-AF and
that won't work now and I can only take blurry pics. Initially I
was trying some low light pics and tried to use manual, because I
read that the AF is weak in low light and never got it to work
period.

Did you try to focus on something contrasty that was approximately the same distance from the camera as your subject?

Then the next day or whenever no Auto focus even.

Your battery...fully charged?

They
guys at Olympus told me to send it in for repair, but I think Id
rather exchange it than hold onto a problematic camera and I think
Amazon with exchange it, or refund my $ since its under 30 days.

Have you tried to reset the camera via the menu?

And I was worried about buying on ebay...lol

Try Cameta.com...it'll take you to their ebay store.

Come to
find out from talking to a smaller shop, that Ritz and Olympus had
a big falling out.

I wouldn't touch a door knob of a Ritz Camera, nor should you or your loved ones.

Plus I got a really good price and havent even
sent in my rebate yet. I wasnt all that thrilled with the two guys
I spoke with at Olympus. But that may be a sign its something
beyond my control.

I'm finding it hard to believe you got a bum camera, but I suppose it's possible. I wouldn't give up on the E-500 just yet. Maybe someone else will pop in here with ideas.

--
Kind Regards,
Steve

Equipment in profile

http://www.terradreamer.com/

 

[Oly500Enew]

Well yes I have set the M focus either thru Camera2 or the fast button on the back. I tried the 45-150 lens the other day, which was when I had the problem begin. I will try it once more, but I dont think that is the answer.

I will also try resetting using the camera menu, though the dudes at Olympus never mentioned that...odd?

Yes as I said I recharged the battery fully (though I think Im still seeing a battery Icon pop up and disappear now and then, but I know its charged).

I expected the lens ring to be less responsive...but Im talking like 5-6 FULL revolutions with no effect. Surely they wouldnt make a camera that needed that much turn to focus...and NO results.

I find it hard to believe I got a bum camera too. Im really disappointed. I haven't written it off. I know its a good camera. It just means more waiting to get a new one.

I dont notice any unusual sound or vibration when I turn the camera off.

Thank you everyone for your help. I have used this site and others to help me decide on this camera in the first place and do my research, and sad to have to post here about my problem.

 

[Oly500Enew]

Oh I forgot one. Yes I tried setting the exposure/focus in bright sun today. It just doesnt respond at all (the focus points)...set on auto as well.

 

[PDXguy]

Well yes I have set the M focus either thru Camera2 or the fast
button on the back. I tried the 45-150 lens the other day, which
was when I had the problem begin. I will try it once more, but I
dont think that is the answer.

OK, just wanted to know your method

I will also try resetting using the camera menu, though the dudes
at Olympus never mentioned that...odd?

They get paid by the hour.

Yes as I said I recharged the battery fully (though I think Im
still seeing a battery Icon pop up and disappear now and then, but
I know its charged).

OK, that cancels that out.

I expected the lens ring to be less responsive...but Im talking
like 5-6 FULL revolutions with no effect. Surely they wouldnt make
a camera that needed that much turn to focus...and NO results.

Both directions you've tried? Yes, after 5 or 6 full revolutions you should be seeing results.

I find it hard to believe I got a bum camera too. Im really
disappointed. I haven't written it off. I know its a good camera.
It just means more waiting to get a new one.

If it does turn out to be faulty, Amazon is very good in exchanges. On the Amazon web site, did Amazon supply the kit, or a third party?

I dont notice any unusual sound or vibration when I turn the camera
off.

On my E-500 with the 14-45 attached, when I turn the camera off, the focus motor in the lens runs for a split second, moving the front of the lens in and out just a tad. I'm sure everyone else experiences this as well. If you're not, this could be an indicator of the camera not communicating with the lenses.

Thank you everyone for your help. I have used this site and others
to help me decide on this camera in the first place and do my
research, and sad to have to post here about my problem.

--
Kind Regards,
Steve

Equipment in profile

http://www.terradreamer.com/

 

[Oly500Enew]

Yes I tried both directions...and had even reprogrammed them as well as things like turning the welcome screen off for faster start times. Im going to bed and will try the other lens one more time tomorrow. But I cant imagine it could possibly be the contacts.

I bought it from Amazon, not a third party. I made sure of that. I read too many shady things in reviews about other sellers to take a risk (even B&H, which many rave about). They seem to be good about returns. Their policy looked better than I remembered reading about before I bought there. Looks like I could get a full refund if I wanted for any reason, or exchange. Id prob be charged the shipping, but Olympus is gonna charge me for that anyway and prob take longer.

When I go on the menu there is a custom reset setting that I cant access. but I dont think thats the one I need anyway. lll have to view that in the manual.

Thanks again.

 

[Scott P]

it's a camera, not a puzzle.

 

[Geesix]

BTW...Manual focus cant be that complicated on a DSLR is it? Seems
like a stupid question, but the one I tried at Circuit city didnt
manual focus either (but I had not read the manual then either and
their Nikon and Canon's didnt even work since the power connectors
were bad)

In order for you to manual focus...you have to set the camera in manual focus...otherwise it won't focus, unless its in S-AF+MF. As for the circuit city one it's probably because it doesn't have the battery in and not not manual focus...since the lens are "operated by wire" the camera need to be on in order for the lens to work.

 

[DonSh]

One last thing to check, make sure you are not pushing or holding the lens release on the camera when putting the lens on, holding it will allow the lens to move beyond the proper contact points and not allow focus or make it wonky.

 

[Oly500Enew]

BTW...Manual focus cant be that complicated on a DSLR is it? Seems
like a stupid question, but the one I tried at Circuit city didnt
manual focus either (but I had not read the manual then either and
their Nikon and Canon's didnt even work since the power connectors
were bad)

In order for you to manual focus...you have to set the camera in
manual focus...otherwise it won't focus, unless its in S-AF+MF. As
for the circuit city one it's probably because it doesn't have the
battery in and not not manual focus...since the lens are "operated
by wire" the camera need to be on in order for the lens to work.

Yes the camera at CC was on via power cable and worked fine other than manual focus. I took many shot with it.....and yes as i said, I had the camera in MF mode and S-AF+M as well. I guess its going back to Amazon and Ill give it another go.

 

[PDXguy]

I bought it from Amazon, not a third party. I made sure of that.

Well, I see that OneCall or J&R Computer is the default seller of the E-500, not Amazon...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BK39N4/ref=pd_rvi_gw_2/104-9922184-3091163?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=502394

I read too many shady things in reviews about other sellers to take
a risk (even B&H, which many rave about).

Trust me, there is NOTHING shady about B&H Photo. That is one of the most popular places on the planet for professional photographers. As for Cameta, they are top notch in their class. Search these forums for evidence. I've purchased two E-1s from them, no hassels, and if and when the E-3 comes out, I'll be buying THAT from Cameta.

When I go on the menu there is a custom reset setting that I cant
access. but I dont think thats the one I need anyway. lll have to
view that in the manual.

Set your camera in 'P' mode, you'll then be able to access the reset option. Select the top reset, that resets factory defaults.

Thanks again.

You're welcome...

--
Kind Regards,
Steve

Equipment in profile

http://www.terradreamer.com/