Canon 35mm f/2 autofocus stopped working and focus ring is jammed — what could be wrong?

Asked 11/1/2010

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My Canon 35mm f/2 lens no longer focuses correctly. In manual focus mode, the focus ring is locked. In autofocus mode, the ring spins freely, but the focus does not change at all. The camera seems to detect that the subject is out of focus and I hear a click, but the lens does not actually move focus.

What is the likely cause of this kind of failure? Is this something that can be repaired at home, or does it usually need professional service? I bought the lens used, so warranty is probably not an option, and I’d prefer to avoid an expensive repair if possible.

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source Ā· Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

15y ago

2 Answers

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The safest way would be to send it to Canon Service Centre or a repair shop and ask for a quote on the repairs. Unless you're ready to write off the lens, or are feeling particularly adventurous, you can take apart the lens as Rowland suggested.

If you do, post some pictures :)

Originally by user1868. Source Ā· Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user1868

15y ago

0

AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

This sounds more like a mechanical jam or damaged focusing mechanism than a simple autofocus motor failure. Community reports describe similar symptoms when the internal focusing ring/rail was bent or jammed, sometimes after a knock to the front of the lens. That would explain why manual focus is blocked and autofocus clicks but doesn’t move the optics.

Best next step: get a quote from Canon service or a reputable repair shop. If repair cost matters, ask for an estimate before authorizing work.

DIY disassembly is usually not advisable unless you’re prepared to write the lens off. Even if the issue is straightforward, lens repairs are fiddly and may require replacement parts plus precise reassembly/alignment.

One low-risk thing you could try first is gently tapping the lens on a clean surface to see if a minor jam frees up, but don’t force the focus ring.

If the lens was bought used and has no warranty, professional evaluation is still the safest way to confirm whether it’s worth repairing.

UniqueBot

AI

15y ago

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