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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Getting service for my 7D
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12/09/2013 12:12:03 PM · #1
Hi all,

I seem to be having focus issues with my 7D. Things just don't seem to be tack sharp like they used to be. I am wondering if it is worth it to send the camera to a repair facility and ask for calibration... Part of me wants to think it is my fault the pictures are not quit sharp; however, I am using the camera the same as always and the images just aren't what they used to be.

I was doing studio work taking pictures of kindergarteners with the camera on the tripod and using the 24-70 lens and I had blurry images for some... this just isn't right imo...

I just don't want to waste good money if the camera doesn't need service.

I suppose after a period of time, most things need some sort of adjustment, right?
12/09/2013 12:19:29 PM · #2
Strange.

Do some controlled tests.

Did you have the focus set to a point, and never refocused?

Were you using AF? If so, was the light sufficient for it (and was there hard contrast where you were focusing?)

I assume you were using flash - was your shutter speed high enough to ensure that ambient wasn't murdering your sharpness?

Tons of things can cause this - but I'm not really aware of any way for a camera to become 'adjusted' incorrectly through use - the only real 'adjustment' is really just manufacturing tolerances, and that's why some lenses and bodies will pair up better than others. (Roger Cicala wrote a great article on this subject over at lens rentals)
12/09/2013 12:19:50 PM · #3
Originally posted by slickchik:

Hi all,

I seem to be having focus issues with my 7D. Things just don't seem to be tack sharp like they used to be. I am wondering if it is worth it to send the camera to a repair facility and ask for calibration... Part of me wants to think it is my fault the pictures are not quit sharp; however, I am using the camera the same as always and the images just aren't what they used to be.

I was doing studio work taking pictures of kindergarteners with the camera on the tripod and using the 24-70 lens and I had blurry images for some... this just isn't right imo...

I just don't want to waste good money if the camera doesn't need service.

I suppose after a period of time, most things need some sort of adjustment, right?


i never tested it out until a few days ago, but i noticed that my d800 suffers from the assymetrical focusing problems that plagues the series. it's frustrating, but hopefully a good servicing can take care of it.

if the 7D has live vlew, you can easily test the AF system. put the camera on a tripod, focus with something through the viewfinger, and then focus on the exact same thing using live view. if the live view one is consistently a lot sharper, then you know something is up with your viewfinder AF.
12/09/2013 12:27:36 PM · #4
Just this morning I updated the firmware in my 7D to version 2. It was apparently a major upgrade over version 1 and uses algorithms developed for the 1D. It's been available for over a year but I never noticed or else lost sight of the fact that it was available. What version do you currently have? If you don't have version 2 I'd try upgrading to see if that makes a difference before thinking about anything else.
12/09/2013 12:30:09 PM · #5

Do some controlled tests.


I will.


Did you have the focus set to a point, and never refocused?


No, it was AF all the time with one point selected.


Were you using AF? If so, was the light sufficient for it (and was there hard contrast where you were focusing?)

I assume you were using flash - was your shutter speed high enough to ensure that ambient wasn't murdering your sharpness?


I was using strobes with modeling lamps. Shutter speed was maybe 1/200. Ambient light is determined by shutter speed. So I wanted only the strobes to affect the image.

Tons of things can cause this - but I'm not really aware of any way for a camera to become 'adjusted' incorrectly through use - the only real 'adjustment' is really just manufacturing tolerances, and that's why some lenses and bodies will pair up better than others. (Roger Cicala wrote a great article on this subject over at lens rentals)

I'll head over there and check out the article. I just don't know what has happened. I have done several sports shoots and when I first got the camera, images were nice and sharp. Now there is definite blur on some images and the rest just aren't that sharp. I can't imagine it is my technique because why would images be ok one time and the next they are blurry... I think I am doing the same things each time.

Message edited by author 2013-12-09 12:30:35.
12/09/2013 12:32:28 PM · #6
Originally posted by PennyClick:

Just this morning I updated the firmware in my 7D to version 2. It was apparently a major upgrade over version 1 and uses algorithms developed for the 1D. It's been available for over a year but I never noticed or else lost sight of the fact that it was available. What version do you currently have? If you don't have version 2 I'd try upgrading to see if that makes a difference before thinking about anything else.


I did update the camera and I almost want to say that it was then that I started having focus issues but I am not sure.
12/09/2013 12:54:52 PM · #7
Have you tried a different lens? A camera body losing the ability to autofocus over time is an unusual problem to have. A lens problem seems more likely.

You might clean both the camera and lens contacts and see if that helps.

I have a particular lens that developed intermittent focus problems, so I know that's possible. I'm about to send the lens off for repair.
12/09/2013 12:58:57 PM · #8
Originally posted by Ann:

Have you tried a different lens? A camera body losing the ability to autofocus over time is an unusual problem to have. A lens problem seems more likely.

You might clean both the camera and lens contacts and see if that helps.

I have a particular lens that developed intermittent focus problems, so I know that's possible. I'm about to send the lens off for repair.


I absolutely agree with Ann here, from what you said, it seems that the lens is a more likely culprit.
12/09/2013 01:49:26 PM · #9
I happens with my 24-70 and my 70-200 :(
12/09/2013 03:28:50 PM · #10
It also may not be your camera equipment or technique at all ... are you using the same monitor as before, and are you viewing at 100%?

You might try pulling up one of the really old ("good") images now and compare with a similar recent shot.
12/09/2013 07:52:55 PM · #11
I think you have been using your Olympus OMD EM5 to much and now you know what sharp is.
I was blown away by images from my Olympus compared to my Canon 7d.
That's why I no longer own my Canon gear.
Olympus all the way. Love it.
12/09/2013 08:05:23 PM · #12
Originally posted by RamblinR:

I think you have been using your Olympus OMD EM5 to much and now you know what sharp is.
I was blown away by images from my Olympus compared to my Canon 7d.
That's why I no longer own my Canon gear.
Olympus all the way. Love it.


That's just how I felt when I moved to the 1D system, it was a total revelation in sharpness (and AF..)
12/10/2013 08:25:26 AM · #13
Also, clean your connectors where your lens connects to the camera. That helped with my 50D.
06/14/2014 02:55:48 PM · #14
I have to say I came across this posting because i am having the same issues with my 7D. It was great with focus earlier in the year. I went on a SW photo tour, lots of landscapes, slot canyons and the like. I have great photos. I sent all the equipment including 7D to Canon servicing to clean and service because of all the desert dust I encountered. Ever since then I had it cleaned, I have had troubles. I just bought a new lens Tamron 16-300 and I have having MAJOR focusing problems. I have tried my 16-35L too and also have focusing problems. What should all be in focus at F10, F16, etc, is focusing like I have an F stop of 5.6. It is really weird. I did not have this problem before. To the original poster, did you ever get this resolved? I am in 7D hell right now because I cannot figure out what is wrong. I just reloaded the 2.05 firmware again. Thanks.
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