How Do I Get My New Camera Lense To Calibrate With My Camera?

[Grandpappy]

My new camera lense doesn't seem to focus with my camera, even though it's supposed to be automatic focus! Is there a method of manual adjustment that can be applied?

[Fitzer]

Please help us to help you, what camera, what lens, make and model for both please.

[Old_Geezer]

Are they compatible ?
Not that I know about common global standards for cameras & lenses.

[Grandpappy]

Canon EOS 5Dsr body: Canon EF 24-105mm f4-L IS USM lense.
Does that help?

[bhg481]

Most cameras can be set to allow manual focus. You haven't accidentally set your camera to do this have you? There may be a switch on the lens or it may be on the camera body.

[CrapAtCryptics]

Sometimes it needs a first pressure on the button to make the focus kick in or reassess - a gentle press till you get a light buzz will suffice

[Zacs-Master]

It might be that you need to update the camera's Firmware to enable that lens to be used with that body.

[bhg481]

CrapAtCryptics has a good point - there is often a setting available via the menu that only allows the picture to be taken after focus has been achieved.

[Fitzer]

Ok, the lens and camera are completely compatible and shouldn't need any upgrades etc. Does the lens focus at all, through the viewfinder do you see any change? There is an MF/AF switch on the lens, ensure it is in the AF position. Is it possible that you are attempting to focus on something too close, I think the minimum focus distance on that lens is about 3 feet. Does the camera recognise that there is a lens mounted, does the LCD panel show aperture details? If not then the lens may not be mounted fully or the contacts between the lens and camera may need to be cleaned, this can be done with a normal pencil eraser but always do so with the contacts facing downwards so that any detritus falls away from the camera/lens. Failing all that you aren't confusing auto focus with auto zoom by any chance, zoom on that lens is manual (all Canon's L lenses are) and is operated by twisting one of the rings on the lens, the other is for manual focus.

[Baldric]

I have a Canon, on the side of the Lens Mount on camera body there's a slider switch to select manual or autofocus, might be worth looking.

[EDDIE51]

Hi Canon FS and FD Lenses are for the old type '35mm film' cameras.
They need an adaptor to fit an EOS body. Once you have the adaptor and get them fitted they WILL NOT auto focus, or be able to set the film speed / aperture automatically.
You need to focus manually and use 'aperture priority' on your EOS body.
Aperture priority means you set the aperture and let the camera set the correct shutter speed for that aperture. If you want a faster shutter speed you need to open the aperture wider, conversely if you want a slower shutter speed then set a smaller aperture.
I am not sure if you mean you have a Canon 5D body, if so that is a VERY good body but you really need an EOS lens to do it justice.
Get back on here if you need more information , I buy. restore and sell vintage cameras.
Some information here
http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-manual-lenses/

[Baldric]

Who said anything about FS or FD Lens?

[EDDIE51]

Sorry you say it is an EF Lens? Some Canon EOS autofocus lenses have a built in motor to run the auto focus and some do not and rely on the camera body to power the autofocus. Again there is information in the link I posted. If the autofocus is the wrong type then you need to use manual focus.
Many 'pro' photographers prefer to use manual focus anyway.

[Grandpappy]

Thanks Fitzer;I think I might try your advice first!
These things cost a lot and I think I probably assumed that everything would just click into place and 'away you go'.
I shall report back on any progress!
Cheers all

[Fitzer]

Eddie, all Canon EF autofocus lenses have the motor in the lens not in the body and Baldric the MF/AF switch is on the lens not the camera.

[Grandpappy]

I've taken a couple of shots with the camera,both not sharp! I am aware that the nearest ( to the body) 'knurled' focusing ring is the zoom and the other ring is for focus(manual too) but there doesn't seem to be any attempt by the lens to focus. I took one shot at 24mm focusing on a garden plant pot about ten foot away and another at 105mm of my shed about 30yrds. away and neither are in focus even though I pressed the AF button first.
Sorry, this is meant to address Fitzer.

[Grandpappy]

Hi Fitzer,
It must be me! I'm joining a camera club on Thursday;let's see if they can get through.
Later

[Fitzer]

Grandpappy, what happens if you point the camera at your chosen subject and you manually twist the focus ring so that it is totally blurry and then half depress the shutter, does the lens attempt to change focus? Have you at any point changed the button settings so that AF is not on the shutter release but on the button on the back of the camera body where your thumb sits, known as back button focussing.

[Fitzer]

In addition, hands on with someone at the club will be loads easier than trying to diagnose over the internet, good luck.

[EDDIE51]

The camera club is a great idea. You will be warmly welcomed and the members will be delighted to help. You will learn more in one meeting at the club than dozens of answers on here can tell you.