Problem (??) while single-point focussing on a Canon EOS 400D

[marcal]

I'm the happy owner of a Canon EOS 400D. I haven't been using it for the last year or so but, finally I'm getting back to it. A few days ago, while shooting landscapes I've noticed something weird but I don't know whether it's a malfunction or I'm missing something.
When I change the focus point of my camera so it focusses on the left point (for example) instead of going automatic, the camera does not fire. It focusses correctly but, when pressing the shutter button all the way down, it doesn't fire and it's kind of annoying because I've to change to manual focus and, when focussing to long distances, it's really hard (for me anyway).
I've been through the camera's manual again and, either I've missed something or it's so technically complicated that I'm not up to the level. Now that I think of, when trying it I was using a release wire, not the camera's built shutter button, but the wire works perfectly, I think. I don't see how change the focus point should make a difference there.
So, any help here? I would really appreciate it!

Thanks in advance!

[OsmosisStudios]

SHould be able to just use the directional pad on the back of the camera to move the point from the left to the centre.

[marcal]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

SHould be able to just use the directional pad on the back of the camera to move the point from the left to the centre.

And I certanly am, but when I try to shot the picture, I can't because the camera only does the focuss. When I press the shutter button all the way down, it doesn't fire.

[sybren]

Let me summarize to see if I get this straight:

• when on MF everything works as expected, so the shutter button is physically sound.
• when on AF and the focus point selection is set to all points (i.e. let the camera decide) everything works as expected.
• when on AF and the focus point is manually selected, the camera focuses upon half-pressing the shutter button, but fully pressing it refuses to shoot.
• when on AF and the focus point is manually selected, everything works as expected when using a wired remote.

This is very strange. Are you 100% sure that you're using a subject that the camera can properly focus on? In automatic mode your camera will find something for you, but when you pick your focus point yourself it won't.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by marcal

And I certanly am, but when I try to shot the picture, I can't because the camera only does the focuss. When I press the shutter button all the way down, it doesn't fire.

You sure you got a memory card in there? Most cameras lock when they have no recording medium.

[BCampbell]

Yep, I would check and make sure that it fires when in manual focus, and when you let the camera choose the AF point(s).

To me it sounds like you just don't have the focus point over something the camera is focusing on, so it's not giving you focus confirmation and refuses to shoot. This happens often with anything other than the center point in these entry-level Rebels, because only the center point is cross-type. This will be especially noticeable with very wide apertures.

Try using the center point. That will probably clear it up. If you are using any other point for something landscapes or anything where you're not capturing action, you can let the camera focus, and if the focus looks good to you but it doesn't confirm, you can just switch to MF and shoot.

[marcal]

Originally Posted by sybren

Let me summarize to see if I get this straight:

• when on MF everything works as expected, so the shutter button is physically sound.
• when on AF and the focus point selection is set to all points (i.e. let the camera decide) everything works as expected.
• when on AF and the focus point is manually selected, the camera focuses upon half-pressing the shutter button, but fully pressing it refuses to shoot.
• when on AF and the focus point is manually selected, everything works as expected when using a wired remote.

This is very strange. Are you 100% sure that you're using a subject that the camera can properly focus on? In automatic mode your camera will find something for you, but when you pick your focus point yourself it won't.

Yep, that's exactly what I'm suffering. I would say I'm trying to focus something the camera can "see" but no, I'm not 100% sure due to my noviceness. I'll give it a try with something which is surely focusable.

You sure you got a memory card in there? Most cameras lock when they have no recording medium.

Of that I'm pretty sure as it was the very first thing I checked out.

Yep, I would check and make sure that it fires when in manual focus, and when you let the camera choose the AF point(s).

To me it sounds like you just don't have the focus point over something the camera is focusing on, so it's not giving you focus confirmation and refuses to shoot. This happens often with anything other than the center point in these entry-level Rebels, because only the center point is cross-type. This will be especially noticeable with very wide apertures.

Try using the center point. That will probably clear it up. If you are using any other point for something landscapes or anything where you're not capturing action, you can let the camera focus, and if the focus looks good to you but it doesn't confirm, you can just switch to MF and shoot.

If two of you agree in the same thing it must be for some reason. As said, I'll make sure this weekend that I give the camera something to focus on and I'll give it a try. But I take your advice on using the center point. I will focus with that one, hold the shutter to the middle possition, recompose the shot and fire.

Thanks you all!