Cameras

Camera focus issues

Images not sharp

There are many factors for images not being sharp and exhibiting in many ways.

Camera

Dust on the mirror or A/F sensor

Wrong custom settings

Using the wrong focus bracket

User movement

Low light shooting conditions

Focus screen, mirror, bayonet mount or sensor out of alignment

Worn mirror box causing shutter bounce

Tough subject for the auto focus to lock on to

Camera needs to have a focal calibration

Incorrect fine tune set up

The eyesight diopter is incorrect for your eyesight making it look blurry though the eyepiece

You are too close to the subject

Also see lens focus issues

Camera errors

SLR Camera Errors

An unknown error code displayed on the camera LCD is the camera driver system advising your there if a failure in the unit.

Most equipment failure error codes are a generic code telling you there is a fault but not what is failing.

You can apply self testing.

While camera is turned off, remove the lens and clean the body and lens contacts.

Try another lens - lenses can also cause errors.

Remove the batteries – let stand for 30 seconds then re-fit the batteries.

Re-set the camera functions, in the menu of the camera there should be a re-set function.

This will re-set the camera back to the manufacture specifications.

Check the C/F card pins – you may find a card pins are bent or damaged.

Try another card - the card may be faulty.

Check your batteries for voltage and current – low batteries can cause a error.

If you are using a USB attachment - check the USB lead and connection ports.

If it is an error caused via the PC try removing the software and re-installing.

If all the above trouble shooting does not eliminate the error you will have to bring/send the unit is for repair/inspection.

If your equipment has a power error please send in the battery and charger.

There are also many universal codes your camera may display. These codes are specific to the failure

Camera not found

Drivers not found

Shutter error

Memory error

Device not found

Card read error

Battery low

The aperture is a device that controls the light that enters the camera. This is the exposure control. Nikon have the aperture control unit in the body and Canon and Olympus have the aperture control unit in the lens. The camera aperture is located behind the bayonet mount.

How do I know if the aperture is not working correctly?

An indication that the aperture unit is not functioning correctly is the exposure of the image. The images may be over exposed or they will have a dark tinge to them also when you look through the view finder it also has a dark tinge.

Can the aperture be repaired?

If the aperture lever is bent we will try to bend it back in to place or a new aperture control unit will be required.

The aperture lever may bent or damaged if the Nikkor lens stopper screw is missing. This screw stops the lens from rotating past the stopping point.

Damaged card pins

Card pins accidentally damaged

I have bent card pins in my Digital SLR/Compact Camera, how did it happen?

Cards incorrectly inserted can damage/bend the CF card pins.

Inserting a card in the wrong way can distort or break the pin. A distorted or broken pin can short circuit or damage the circuit board.

The CF card holder is connected to the Main Printed Circuit Board.

Can the pins be repaired?

The repair process depends on the extent of the damage and if the main printed circuit has been damaged.

We can attempt to remove the damaged pin and transplant a new pin

Remove the card pin assembly and replace the complete assembly

Replace the pin assembly and the main printed circuit board

Important note: Please check your cards for damaged – inserting a damaged card may damage the pins again.

Forcing a card in or out can seriously damage the camera. If in doubt stop and refer to markings on the card door or instruction book

The XD, MMC, SD, SM and memory stick have exposed gold contact avoid touching them especially if you experience static discharge though touch.

Camera focus testing

Auto Focus not working

The Auto Focus is not working on my camera. Is there anything I can try?

Self testing:

Check the camera has not had the auto focus switch turned off. On some model camera’s there is a separate auto focus switch on the camera body.

Check the auto focus switch has not been turned off on the lens.

Try another lens on the camera.

While camera is turned off, remove the lens and clean the body contacts near the bayonet mount.

Apply the same clean the lens contacts at the end on the lens.

Re-set the camera functions, in the menu of the camera there should be a re-set function. This will re-set the camera back to the manufacture specifications.

Check to make sure the camera focau point is set to center point focus.

If all the above trouble shooting does not eliminate the focus fault you will have to bring/send the unit is for repair/inspection.

Most digital SLR cameras they have an in-built diopter, if the image is blurred in the view finder but sharp on the display your diopter may not be set to your eye sight.

Check your instruction manual for the position of the diopter and the adjustment method.

Cameras

Camera focus issues

Camera errors

Camera aperture unit

Damaged card pins

Camera focus testing