Axutin Posted March 1, 2023 Share Posted March 1, 2023 Hey everyone, Ok so I have had this weird focus problem over year now, where Sony A9 with 200-600mm sometimes doesn't focus further than like 3-4meters away. Even if I try to manual focus the focus doesn't seem to move. So it feels like it has somehow shifted the focus range backwards closer than intended if that makes sense. So for example if I autofocus to tree 3 meters away and turn manual focus on, it shows that the tree 3 meters away is at infinity even though it obviously isn't. Luckily this problem happens quite rarely, sometimes I can go month without seeing it, and it's usually fixed by removing the lens and putting it back on. Although sometimes I can see it multiple times a day. First I thought it might be just like some dust or dirt on connections but after dealing with it for over year now I'm 90% sure it's not that. Sometimes removing the lens and turning camera back on doesn't help either. Also I tested my 200-600mm on my dad's Sony A7RIII and could replicate the issue, so the problem seems to be on the objective, not on the A9. Also noticed that when that problem occurs the autofocus works normal up to 300mm, and after 300mm the focus breaks and only focuses on subjects close to camera like 2.4-5meters away. So it seems like 300-600mm range is the problem here, but no idea what causes it. This focus problem has been present with both firmwares, so the newest update didn't fix it. This might be hardware related problem. Also when this problem occurs the camera body still recognizes the lens, so it's not like it loses connection. I searched all the forums and couldn't find anyone with problem like this. Videos of the problem. Part 2 shows the manual focus and camera thinks its focused at infinity when focus is on a tree like 3 meters away. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted March 1, 2023 Posted March 1, 2023 Hi Axutin, Take a look here Sony 200-600mm focusing problem past 300mm. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Axutin Posted March 4, 2023 Author Share Posted March 4, 2023 Anyone know what could cause this? Weird thing is that sometimes it even happens when camera is turned on, so focus works perfectly for example 5 minutes, and then suddenly it just stops focusing beyond like 5 meters and even with manual focus you can't focus beyond that 5 meter. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
grsnovi Posted March 22, 2023 Share Posted March 22, 2023 Is it possible that you have the limit set wrong or that you are somehow hitting the switch (or the user-configured button on the lens)? Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.sonyalphaforum.com/topic/20851-sony-200-600mm-focusing-problem-past-300mm/?do=findComment&comment=66081'>More sharing options...
Axutin Posted March 22, 2023 Author Share Posted March 22, 2023 2 minutes ago, grsnovi said: Is it possible that you have the limit set wrong or that you are somehow hitting the switch (or the user-configured button on the lens)? Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Hey, You can see in the video the Focus limiter is set to full. I sent it to repair and they said it's faulty zoom position potentiometer. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
grsnovi Posted March 22, 2023 Share Posted March 22, 2023 37 minutes ago, Axutin said: they said it's faulty zoom position potentiometer. Are they going to fix it under warranty? Or have you had it too long? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lez325 Posted March 25, 2023 Share Posted March 25, 2023 On 3/22/2023 at 12:21 AM, Axutin said: Hey, You can see in the video the Focus limiter is set to full. I sent it to repair and they said it's faulty zoom position potentiometer. I was about to suggest that being the issue- It sounds like an expensive fix , Hope you get this sorted these are very capable lenses Les Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bramstenga Posted July 6, 2023 Share Posted July 6, 2023 Hi, did replacing potentiometer resolve an issue? I'm asking about it, because I had (have?) exactly the same problem. I sent my lens to authorized service (it is still under guarantee) but they didn't manage to recreate the problem, didn't find anything wrong and said everything was OK. They decided to change control panel (whatever that means) and tomorrow I will get the lens back. Hopefully it will be OK otherwise I really don't know what to do. Axutin 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Axutin Posted July 6, 2023 Author Share Posted July 6, 2023 Yeah, my repair technician couldn't replicate the issue either but videos I took while I had the problem really helped him to figure out what was the problem. He changed zoom position potentiometer and it works like new now! So problem was that zoom position potentiometer was giving wrong values to focus motor? and that's why it couldn't focus between certain distances. ohaya and Bramstenga 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ohaya Posted August 20, 2023 Share Posted August 20, 2023 On 7/6/2023 at 6:41 AM, Bramstenga said: Hi, did replacing potentiometer resolve an issue? I'm asking about it, because I had (have?) exactly the same problem. I sent my lens to authorized service (it is still under guarantee) but they didn't manage to recreate the problem, didn't find anything wrong and said everything was OK. They decided to change control panel (whatever that means) and tomorrow I will get the lens back. Hopefully it will be OK otherwise I really don't know what to do. Hi, I am curious... so did their fix eliminate the problem? Thanks, Jim Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pieter Posted August 22, 2023 Share Posted August 22, 2023 On 8/21/2023 at 12:01 AM, ohaya said: I am curious... so did their fix eliminate the problem? The answer is right there: On 7/6/2023 at 1:52 PM, Axutin said: He changed zoom position potentiometer and it works like new now! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
walkinwood Posted December 8, 2023 Share Posted December 8, 2023 To the OP - I hope you're still following this thread. I have a very similar issue with my 200-600G. Did you send it in to Sony for repair? If not, would you provide the store/person who repaired this for you. Thank you. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paradox.db.3 Posted December 13, 2023 Share Posted December 13, 2023 Has anyone found a solution? My lens will stop focusing to infinity after being out in the cold for an extended period of time. Not sure it's the same issue. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
walkinwood Posted December 19, 2023 Share Posted December 19, 2023 On 7/6/2023 at 4:41 AM, Bramstenga said: ...I'm asking about it, because I had (have?) exactly the same problem. I sent my lens to authorized service (it is still under guarantee) but they didn't manage to recreate the problem, didn't find anything wrong and said everything was OK. They decided to change control panel (whatever that means) and tomorrow I will get the lens back. Hopefully it will be OK otherwise I really don't know what to do. Bramstenga, did changing the "control panel" solve your issue? Could you share who you sent the lens to (ie, if you're in the USA). Axutin hasn't reviewed this thread in a while - I hope you do. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Austin Susan Posted January 26 Share Posted January 26 On 7/6/2023 at 6:52 AM, Axutin said: Yeah, my repair technician couldn't replicate the issue either but videos I took while I had the problem really helped him to figure out what was the problem. He changed zoom position potentiometer and it works like new now! So problem was that zoom position potentiometer was giving wrong values to focus motor? and that's why it couldn't focus between certain distances. I've been having the same issue. Where did your tech get the part, or is it the full (round) circuit board that was replaced? I was quoted a minimum of $550 if I sent the lens to Precision. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Austin Susan Posted January 26 Share Posted January 26 On 12/19/2023 at 5:46 PM, walkinwood said: Bramstenga, did changing the "control panel" solve your issue? Could you share who you sent the lens to (ie, if you're in the USA). Axutin hasn't reviewed this thread in a while - I hope you do. I have found that the problem occurs pretty repeatably when the camera comes out of standby, on either my a7iii or a7RV. I have a workaround, but think Sony should fix this since it seems to be somewhat widespread. The workaround: turn the camera off, set the lens to 300 mm or so, turn camera on, hold shutter button down halfway and zoom out to 600mm at the same time. Lens should focus properly at that point. Works for me. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Austin Susan Posted February 19 Share Posted February 19 Bringing this back up because it's been suggested that the problem may be related to the use of 3rd party batteries. Any potential truth in that? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cameratose Posted February 19 Share Posted February 19 Sounds like BS to me. Do you not have any Sony batteries with which to compare? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Austin Susan Posted February 21 Share Posted February 21 Of course I have the OEM batteries that came with my cameras. I know it's virtually impossible for the battery to be part of the problem. Sony uses this as a diversion. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cameratose Posted February 21 Share Posted February 21 So I guess I don't understand the question. Or was it meant to be a comment? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marsha Kirschbaum Posted April 16 Share Posted April 16 On 12/13/2023 at 7:46 AM, Paradox.db.3 said: Has anyone found a solution? My lens will stop focusing to infinity after being out in the cold for an extended period of time. Not sure it's the same issue. Came across your comment regarding failure to keep focus at infinity after being out in cold for a while. Did you ever get a response to this? Also same issue I had w/ my 200-600. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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