Canon 100mm L didn't focus-: I just broke down and bought a Canon 100mm L lens. I want to do some macro shooting so I got it. When it came I put it on my 7D and it wouldn't focus. I...

olcoach Loc: Oregon

I just broke down and bought a Canon 100mm L lens. I want to do some macro shooting so I got it. When it came I put it on my 7D and it wouldn't focus. I put in manual mode and I could take a picture, but it still wouldn't shoot in any other mode. I took it off my 7D and put it on my 40D and still no focus. I started to fire the shutter and suddenly it began to focus. After taking several shots I put it back on my 7D and at this point it seems to be working fine. My question is: Has anyone ever had this happen to them, should I be concerned, or was it just a strange occurrence. I just got it so if it is going to break I can still send it back to vendor. Any and all ideas welcome.

travlnman46 Loc: Yakima WA

olcoach wrote:

I just broke down and bought a Canon 100mm L lens.... (show quote)

Hi olcoach: I don't know if this applies to 7D & 40D's but on my 7D Mark II in order for auto focus to engage the shutter button had to be pressed half way down. Only then will auto focus work. I'm looking forward, to seeing macro posts taken with a 100 mm "L" series lens.

robert-photos Loc: Chicago

olcoach wrote:

I just broke down and bought a Canon 100mm L lens.... (show quote)

Examine the contacts and clean them using an alcohol swab. As a last resort use a soft pencil eraser. An eraser is abrasive and may remove the gold plating on the contacts so be careful if you go that route.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

robert-photos wrote:

Examine the contacts and clean them using an alcohol swab. As a last resort use a soft pencil eraser. An eraser is abrasive and may remove the gold plating on the contacts so be careful if you go that route.

If situation re-occurs, my suggestion as well.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

I invite you to view the UHH True Macro-Photography Forum at http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-102-1.html .

Before posting macro images to the Macro Forum, please read Introduction to True Macro-Photography Forum at http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-22447-1.html . We look forward to you participating.

To place Macro Forum on your UHH home page, you must subscribe here:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/section_list.jsp .

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

Have you cleaned the contacts on the camera

anotherview Loc: California

If the lens still has its warranty period unexpired, then you may wish to consider sending it to Canon for evaluation and repair.

Send it to the repair facility in Orange County, California. I hear it provides the best service. You have to pay the cost of shipping to the facility. I used FedEx.

So far, I've used this facility twice, and experienced good results. The turnaround time: One week.

Note that you will first have to register your lens with Canon on its Web site. But if memory serves, you can do this registration as part of the process of submitting your lens for repair.

Good luck.

larrycumba

travlnman46 wrote:

Hi olcoach: I don't know if this applies to 7D & 40D's but on my 7D Mark II in order for auto focus to engage the shutter button had to be pressed half way down. Only then will auto focus work. I'm looking forward, to seeing macro posts taken with a 100 mm "L" series lens.

Where did you get the Mark II? I didn't know they were available yet.

travlnman46 Loc: Yakima WA

larrycumba wrote:

Where did you get the Mark II? I didn't know they were available yet.

Hi larrycumba: Sorry about that I didn't catch my error until you mentioned it, that should read 5D Mark II . I must have been more tired than I thought.

travlnman46 Loc: Yakima WA

travlnman46 wrote:

Hi olcoach: I don't know if this applies to 7D & 40D's but on my 7D Mark II in order for auto focus to engage the shutter button had to be pressed half way down. Only then will auto focus work. I'm looking forward, to seeing macro posts taken with a 100 mm "L" series lens.

Correction on this post should read 5D Mark II.. Asleep at the shutter button, I suppose.

olcoach Loc: Oregon

The problem I have is on a brand new Canon 100mm 2.8 L lens. It does not happen with any of my other lens. I thought it was OK but now everytime I start to use the camera with this lens attached it won't focus until I have clicked the shutter 4 or 5 times. This is a new lens, and what I want to know is if anyone has ever experienced this phenomen, should I ignore it, will it get better or should I return it. Once it is operating the lens takes fine pictures. Thanks Mike

robert-photos Loc: Chicago

olcoach wrote:

The problem I have is on a brand new Canon 100mm 2.8 L lens. It does not happen with any of my other lens. I thought it was OK but now everytime I start to use the camera with this lens attached it won't focus until I have clicked the shutter 4 or 5 times. This is a new lens, and what I want to know is if anyone has ever experienced this phenomen, should I ignore it, will it get better or should I return it. Once it is operating the lens takes fine pictures. Thanks Mike

See my previous post.

Since the lens is new, the electrical contacts may have a film on them interfering with communication with the camera. If cleaning them doesn't correct the problem send/return the lens for warranty service. Canon is very good about warranty service.

olcoach Loc: Oregon

Somehow I missed your post. I have now cleaned the contacts and I am betting that was my problem. I am again in your debt. Thank you sir.

mdorn Loc: Portland, OR

olcoach wrote:

I just broke down and bought a Canon 100mm L lens.... (show quote)

This happened to me with a different Canon lens. I returned it immediately. A new one was on my doorstep before I shipped the defective one back. The new one works perfectly.

robert-photos Loc: Chicago

olcoach wrote:

Somehow I missed your post. I have now cleaned the contacts and I am betting that was my problem. I am again in your debt. Thank you sir.

Keep us advised if that fixed the problem.
Thx