XF 16mm WR Lens Chatter

samuelphoto

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Jul 1, 2007
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Today I received this lens and promptly mounted it on my X-Pro2. Took a few shots to test function and resolution, set it down to process the images, still powered on. Then I hear this click...click...click... WTF? The lens was chattering like a pissed off squirrel. I’m returning it for another copy but have to ask, is this to be expected? I’ve searched all over the web and can find no references. Anyone have some insights they can share?
 
Off chance... Was focusing set on AFC (continuous)? If there was anything moving in front of the camera (even shadows), the lens elements would continue moving around, making the clicking sound.
 
How strange. Returning it does seem the way to go. I don't have the 16mm, but my 23mmf2 is pretty much silent taking a photo or not. The 35mm 1.4 is known to be "vocal" but not like a pissed off squirrel!
 
I've been using the 16mmm for over a year in all weather conditions from the heat of a Mediterranean summer to Norway winter; never had an issue with chatter on focussing - the lens is near silent.

But then even good lenses sometimes go bad. You did the right thing returning it.
 
Let me preface by saying I don't have an XP2 or a 16mm. But....

Do you have the Pre AF setting turned on in the menu? If so, the camera will continuously AF the lens without a half press of the shutter button.
 
Off chance... Was focusing set on AFC (continuous)? If there was anything moving in front of the camera (even shadows), the lens elements would continue moving around, making the clicking sound.

Good question, focusing was set to AF-S and of course the problem went away when set to manual focus. My other two lenses are the 35/2 and 50/2 and these do not exhibit any kind of chatter at all (they're wonderful by the way). It would do this just sitting on my desk, powered on, pointed toward the room. This will be my second return, the first was due to what I felt were very soft images. Let's hope the third time is the charm. :bang:
 
I have not experience any lens chatter since the earliest days with an X-Pro 1 and the 35/1.4 XF lens. This was eliminated by lens and body firmware updates.

Besides the AFC and the Pre-AF menu option, constant focusing problems are possible if the lens electrical contacts are tarnished or damaged.

Anyway, something is not right and I suspect the lens.
 
It is probably due to the fact that you have auto focus on full time and the whole lens element moves as it tries to acquire focus. If you turn off full time auto focus and have it activated only when you press shutter or AF/L, the problem may be resolved.
 
So you left it on and it was randomly trying to obtain focusing? There could be reasons no? Have you used it more and does it chatter in general use? I find many are too quick to send something back when sometimes it is their fault.
 
Umm... no. The lens was continuously trying to focus without any input from me. None of my other XF lenses do this. Anyway, it's on its way back to the dealer.
 
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