Problem with my EP1

[Avotius]

I have been using my EP1 a lot since I got it in July last year. The kit zoom lens has developed a problem where it does not stop focusing. It will start focusing as usual, then lock on something then if you keep it half pressed it will move the focus back and forth through the entire range, occasionally locking on something then moving through the focus range with out end. Sometimes the "check the status of a lens" text comes up and you can see the in camera correction turn off and the image gets distorted.

Thought I have been using it a lot, I have not knocked it or dropped it or anything so this is a curious development. What I can say though is this started happening a little while after I updated the camera to firmware v1.2 but did not start until a few days after the update so I am not convinced that is the cause.

I wanted to check and see if anyone else had seen this behavior or if it is an isolated malfunction.


ps. Also the lens does not go back into its reset position when I turn off the camera and when I turn it on it makes an unusual noise briefly.

 

[oftheherd]

I know nothing about that camera, but have you cleaned the contacts on both the camera and lens?

 

[250swb]

Its something that you can forget, but have you made sure you haven't kept your finger on the body lens release button instead of letting the lens snap into place? It can go over centre and loose proper communication with the body's contacts otherwise. Probably not the case but just a thought..

Steve

 

[M4streetshooter]

Maybe you have the AF set to AF-C...that's what it sounds like. It's easy to do that on the back button without knowing ya did it.

The lens may be set to reset off...that's in the main menu......
shooter

 

[gavinlg]

My guess would be the AF-C mode accidentally selected as well, although the auto corrections going on and off is strange - maybe give the contacts a quick clean?

How about a warrantee checkup with Olympus China?

To be honest, I always found the zuiko 14-42 a little on the delicate feeling side - if you do end up having to replace it, get yourself the panasonic 14-45mm - it's not only a little better optically but it's also a lot more solid feeling.

 

[Avotius]

The camera is not set on AF-C, I have tried each of the autofocus modes and they all have the same behavior. I also cleaned the contacts on the lens and camera with an eraser but nothing. I think it may just be a malfunction, I too have thought the lens is pretty dinky and cheap feeling, especially the wobble in the barrel which is the worst I have ever seen.

If I end up replacing the lens I will get the Panasonic 20 f1.7, seems like a decent lens though I dont think it is made any better.

 

[gavinlg]

The camera is not set on AF-C, I have tried each of the autofocus modes and they all have the same behavior. I also cleaned the contacts on the lens and camera with an eraser but nothing. I think it may just be a malfunction, I too have thought the lens is pretty dinky and cheap feeling, especially the wobble in the barrel which is the worst I have ever seen.

If I end up replacing the lens I will get the Panasonic 20 f1.7, seems like a decent lens though I dont think it is made any better.

Indeed, apparently the lens gives an error when a heavy filter or accessory lens hood is mounted as the AF motor struggles to push the weight - My guess is they had to leave enough tolerance in the extended lens barrel to be easy for the motor to move...

I used the 20mm 1.7 a few times while I was in Tokyo and it seems to me to be the best of the m4/3 lenses at the moment. Would love to see what you do with it!

 

[M4streetshooter]

The 20mm is a great lens. The Build Quality is worlds above the Oly kit lens.
The IQ also.....
shooter