3GS stopped focusing

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Level 1

14 points

3GS stopped focusing

3GS camera stopped focusing recently. Having searched around, it seems to be a common-ish problem but hadn't found many solid answers.

I'm aware the focus mechanism is not working although it's not to do with the OS (I'm fairly sure) as tapping will still respond by adapting light conditions. Just wondered whether this could be a loose connection by any chance? I did replace the screen last week so is it a possibility or would the whole camera be out of action if that were the case??

Thanks,

Ed

iPhone 3GS, iOS 5.0.1

Posted on Feb 7, 2012 4:44 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

tpulak

Level 1

45 points

Feb 7, 2012 7:48 PM in response to edpurves

In my knowledge, the focusing mechanism is purely software. There are no moving focusing lenses in the iPhone. The camera is simply too small to have such sophistication. I would suggest at least restoring the phone before you diagnose it as a hardware problem. Even though you can tap to adjust light conditions, perhaps it is focusing, just not how you would envision it to be? Double check before you attempt to replace the camera 🙂

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Answer 2

edpurves Author

Level 1

14 points

Feb 8, 2012 2:43 AM in response to tpulak

Interesting. I always thought the same but having seen alot of talk of focusing 'mechanisms' when I searched around so I then though maybe there is a physical element! Plus the fact it was still adapting the light etc.

I know it's definitely not focusing as I'd always used the function and now it seems to be at a fixed DOF...

Here's some examples. Not really neccesary but just to show what's happening (and that I'm not being a complete idiot) :

RedLaser (pricecheck app) can't capture barcodes due to lack of focus,

2: Tapping around the ⌘ key...

3:Tapping around the 9 key (exactly the same!)

Anyhow, Thanks for the suggestion. I'll try a restore, if it works, I'll let you know (and change Helpful to Correct Answer if I can) 😉

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Answer 3

tpulak

Level 1

45 points

Feb 8, 2012 9:50 PM in response to edpurves

Thanks! Let me know how it goes!

I see you are running iOS 5 on the device. How is the performance on it?

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Answer 4

edpurves Author

Level 1

14 points

Feb 9, 2012 6:29 AM in response to tpulak

Did a full restore, sadly no luck... I wonder if this could be a connection problem??

iOS5 is ok. It's a bit laggy in places, mainly when trying to do trendy stuff like notifications although having that function still makes it more efficient at the end of the day, plus the lock screen camera shortcut is useful. Oh and iMessage is great, saves me spending 20p on picture messages and it's speedier to send/receive than normal texts (as long as you're both in wifi or 3G, otherwise it'll revert to standard text message so it's no drama).

I think they may have tweaked it on the update as the speed of opening apps and general functionality doesn't seem as bad as the initial iOS5... unless i've just got used to it...😕

So anyhow, I'd say go for it... I suppose you can always revert to an old backup if you have problems or something against it...

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Answer 5

Mar 28, 2012 8:23 AM in response to edpurves

Exactly the same problem, after replace various components, including camera. And restoring almost three times.

I already double check the connection with the camera but the problem continue...

Hope to find a solution soon...

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Answer 6

zeahraz

Level 1

0 points

May 14, 2012 2:45 PM in response to edpurves

I've updated to IOS 5.1.1. Still same issue. I've just noticed the issue in the last month, with it not focussing. So I can point to anything in particular causing it. I have had some success at times making it refocus constantly until it got the macro focus right. However, it 'forgets' the next time so it seems like the hardware is fine but it's not drive by the software correctly.

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Answer 7

subtlety

Level 1

0 points

May 14, 2012 9:04 PM in response to edpurves

😠ditto! you would think that an empire such as Apple would get their sh*t together!! i am having/had so many countless other problems with EVERY ONE of their services provided to me... if it wasnt for this GAWD FORSAKEN contract that is about 6 months old!! Verison looks pretty good right about now!!

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Answer 8

Jul 12, 2012 9:26 AM in response to subtlety

I've been experiencing the same problem. I used to take pictures of receipts and business cards almost on a daily basis.. The 5.1.1 updated happend while I was on a long business trip in Germany so I know that my camera was working fine the previous days, and even that same day as I had been saving all my receipts in my camera. As soon as the update was done with and I wanted to take a picture from another receipt it would not focus... I have been waiting for apple to fix this...but so far nothing.

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Answer 9

LucaLio

Level 1

5 points

Sep 13, 2012 1:41 AM in response to edpurves

Hello! I'm experiencing the same problem... but in a different way, i don't know if you tried to but i tried to patiently "tap" to focus in different areas, and after a ramdon number of "taps" i can clearly ear a "click" and the camera start focus normally... i don't know if it's a SW or an HW bug... i hope it's SW and i hope that iOS 6 will fix it... but let's try if you want so we can better understand this problem!

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Answer 10

edpurves Author

Level 1

14 points

Sep 13, 2012 2:25 AM in response to LucaLio

Interesting. I've given that a go but no luck here. Yes a fix in six would be nice although I worry how slow it will be. iOS 5 is already painful. I'm typing this on the 3GS and it delays and freezes between pressing keys and it actually typing. Although the good thing is you can still type while it's frozen and all your text pops up after :)

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Answer 11

Jul 6, 2013 4:16 AM in response to edpurves

Hey guys did your tried removing the camera and taking pic ? i tried and worked perfectly! probably this happened because of the panel for me. i have recently changed my panel with new one and got the problem so the panel is stucking the movement of the lens causing the problem so check yours. Hope this helps

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