The focus indicator in the viewfinder does not light up (EOS-1D X Mark II)
08-Feb-2016
8202817100
Solution
This article describes countermeasures to take when the focus indicator in the viewfinder does not light up.
In the following cases, the focus indicator in the viewfinder might not light up.
When the lens's focus mode switch is set to <MF>, you can set the AF mode but AF will not function.
Set the focus mode switch to <AF>.
If you are too close to the subject (closer than the lens's minimum focusing distance), the camera might not be able to focus.Move further away from the subject and shoot.For details on values for minimum focusing distance, refer to lens specifications on the Canon Web site and in accessory instruction manuals.
When using an extender (sold separately), AF shooting is not possible with a lens that has a maximum aperture slower than f/5.6.
* Supported conditions might vary based on the AF point of the camera.
Check the specifications (maximum aperture) for the lens you are using.Also, refer to the extender' user manual.
When the custom function settings (C-Fn) on the camera are enabled and the [Shutter button/AE lock button] is not set to [AF/AE lock] (default), AF operation might be disabled and the focus indicator might not light up if you press the shutter button halfway, depending on which settings are enabled.
Follow the steps below to revert the shutter button/AE lock button to the default settings.
1. Press the <MENU> button to access the menu screen, select [Custom Controls] on the [ 
] tab, and then press the < 
> button.
] tab, and then press the < > button.
2. When the next screen is displayed, select [ 
] and then press the < > button.
] and then press the < > button.
3. On the next screen, select [ 
] (Metering and AF start), and then press the < > button.
] (Metering and AF start), and then press the < > button.
4. After the [Custom Controls] screen is displayed, press the <MENU> button to return to the menu screen.
For details on how to use the menu, refer to the camera's user manual.
Depending on shooting conditions, the camera might not be able to achieve focus even on a still subject and the focus indicator < 
> will blink.If this occurs, the picture cannot be taken even if the shutter button is pressed completely.Recompose the shot or use one of the following methods and try to focus again.
> will blink.If this occurs, the picture cannot be taken even if the shutter button is pressed completely.Recompose the shot or use one of the following methods and try to focus again.- Focus on an object at the same distance as the subject and lock the focus, then recompose the shot. (Focus lock)
- Set the lens's focus mode switch to <MF> and focus by turning the lens's focusing ring until the subject looks sharp in the viewfinder. In this case, if you press the shutter button halfway during manual focusing, the AF point that achieved focus and the focus indicator < > will light up in the viewfinder.
REFERENCE
When shooting the following types of special subjects, focus may not be achieved with AF.
- Subjects with very low contrast (Example: Blue skies, solid-color flat surfaces, etc.)
- Subjects in very low light
- Strongly backlit or reflective subjects (Example: Cars with highly reflective bodies, etc.)
- Near and distant subjects framed together (Example: Animals in cages, etc.)
- Subjects such as dots of light framed close to an AF point (Example: Night scenes, etc.)
- Subjects with repetitive patterns (Example: Skyscraper windows, computer keyboards, etc.)
- Subjects with finer patterns than an AF point (Example: Faces or flowers as small as, or smaller than an AF point, etc.)
With AI Servo AF, the beeper will not sound even when focus is achieved.
Also, the focus indicator < > in the viewfinder will not light up.
> in the viewfinder will not light up.