While I was shooting the video for Christmas in New York City, I had a BIG problem. I was standing outside in the cold night air, dealing with the crowds and looking for a good photo op. I pull out my camera for the first time that evening and pressed the shutter half-way … nothing. My brand new Canon 7D would not auto-focus!
My first thought was the AF/MF switch on the lens. Pulling the camera in and out of an overstuffed camera bag can move that switch. But, the switch was still set for AF. I removed the lens and reattached it. Nothing. I even tried pulling the battery to reset the camera. Still nothing! Desperate to get going, I resorted to the ultimate step … clearing all settings and returned the camera to its factory default! The AF started to work, I reset my video to 1080P@24fps, and started capturing the sights and sounds of the season. Whew!
During my break last week, I though I would try to recreate the problem. It turns out Canon added several settings to the Canon 7D’s Custom Functions which will allow you to disable the auto-focusing. It seems like a bad idea, but there could be a reason. Every time the AF seeks to establish a focus lock, it is a battery intensive feat. If the camera continues to hunt for a focus over an extended period of time, the battery will drain. Canon may have added these AF-Disable/AF-OFF settings to stop the camera from continuing the process. So where are these hidden “features”? Take a look below.
The AF-Disable/AF-OFF settings are all located under Custom Function IV, option #1. My “good settings” are on the left. The “bad settings” are on the right. There are 5 different settings which can disable the AF function in the Canon 7D. Just highlight the setting with the Multi-function Controller (joystick) and click the SET button to change it:
1. Shutter Button: Yes, Canon actually allows you to change the functioning of the shutter button, so that it does not auto-focus.
2. AF-On Button: This button allows you to “back-focus” the auto-focus without the use of your shutter button.
3. AE Lock * Button: This button is allows you to lock the exposure and recompose the shot.
4. Depth of Field Preview: This button will stop the aperture down to the actual f-stop currently set by the camera.
5. Lens AF/MF Switch: Yes, Canon even allows you to disable the AF/MF switch on the lens.
So, if the auto-focus is not working, check the lens AF/MF switch first and then the C.Fn IV settings. It will save you from resetting your camera back to its factory settings!
NOTE: You can read more about Customizing the Canon 7D’s AF in my previous article.
My Full Year with the Canon 7D
Canon 7D Tips: Problem focusing? Customize the AF!
Canon 7D Tips: Auto-focus not working? Check your settings.
Canon 7D Tips – What should my first lens be?
Custom Functions and Shooting in B&W with the Canon 7D
Canon 7D Tips: Customize Settings with My Menu
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this post. On discovering my AF wasn’t functioning I pulled out my receipt to discover my 12 month old camera was out of warranty by 2 weeks!!! I followed your guide and we’re back in business.
I am sooooo grateful for this post!!! My auto focus wasn’t working either, but thanks to your information it is now fixed!!! I can’t thank you enough – Cheers!!!
Happy to help! I have a whole area devoted to the Canon 7D. Take a look at my tips here: http://blog.photoframd.com/canon-7d-tips-best-of-photoframd-com/
I just saw this and switched my settings, will see if that helps, tomorrow,when I have a chance to shoot. I have had a focus problem for a while now. Especially for action shots, slow focusing, and just doesn’t get locked in most of the time. I have a feeling something is wrong with the camera, and like Kristie, mine just went out of warranty! I was thinking it was because a lot of my action shots involve dark figures, chocolate and black dogs, that was the problem. I am completely frustrated, and hope I can get to the bottom of this, whether it is a camera issue, lens issue, settings issue, or something I am just plain doing wrong.
Trish
Please explain why it is recommended to switch the lens setting off of AF off, I understood that to allow the AF to track a subject. So we should switch, which is the correct setting there and why? Thanks so much, another frustrated 7D owner!
I very rarely switch the AF off intentionally. A time lapse series may be the only time where it is preferred to keep the same focus and depth throughout the series.
I shoot a lot at night and accidents happen in the dark. I always check my camera when light is available in between shoots. It is very important to know how to reset your camera to avoid a wasted trip back to Canon.
Are you sure the “lens” setting is to to disable the AF/MF switch? The manual says that it’s for the AF stop button on super telephoto lenses. If you could clarify this it would be very helpful.
My point of the article was to indicate all possible ways to accidentally disable the AF. Yes, you are correct. This settings is an extra button on the lens of some Canon lenses (like the 300mm). Not many lenses have it.
Thank you! Worked for me.