HELP! Digital Rebel XT Focus Problems

[dmbecker]

I have a digital rebel xt and several lenses. I can hear the focus motor zoom in and out, but it won't focus at all (and I don't mean just a little). I have flipped the switch from AF to manual focus several times, but it just doesn't get anywhere close. Any thoughts?

[KenB]

I know you said it won't focus at all but......

Is the subject low-contrast?
Is the lens cap on?
Is it dark? If so, do you have the flash up to allow for focus assist?
Have you tried a variety of subjects/lighting/contrast conditions?

Silly questions but it helps to be specific.

[almo]

I have a digital rebel xt and several lenses. I can hear the focus motor zoom in and out, but it won't focus at all (and I don't mean just a little). I have flipped the switch from AF to manual focus several times, but it just doesn't get anywhere close. Any thoughts?

Barring any of Ken's questions being right; I have had a rebel do this to me. It was a rebel G. My first EOS body. It worked fine for 6 months then it started to get finiky about focusing, and eventually it wouldn't focus at all. I took it to get looked at and the guy told me not to even bother with that. He said he knew what it was and I was better off just getting a new camera because the cost of fixing it would be more than the cost of the new camera.

In my case it was the processor that controls the AF sensor.

[dmbecker]

Thanks for your assistance. I appreciate it. The focusing motor just zooms and and out (or just makes a clicking noise), and that's about it. This happened yesterday during a sunny day. There's been no trauma to the camera (I didn't drop it, bang it, etc.). I can't imagine what could have made the camera stop focusing. Also, I have about 8000 clicks on the camera thus far.

[dmbecker]

Almo, thanks for the help. The AF sensor sounds like a good possibility. My rule of thumb is: if it costs less than 1/2 than the camera's original price to fix, then do it. It's been a good camera and I certainly don't have another $900 laying around for an XTi. Bummer.