Scary auto-focus issue - HF 100

hmm.. i was playing with my hf100 trying to test how well an external mic works with the camcorder. I was not really shooting any subject, and happened to leave the camcorder close up to a pillow.
Later, when I wanted to shoot something, the auto focus stopped working.. the picture was hazy. I switched off and then switched it back on, that did not help; hit the easy button and it worked fine, then hit easy again to get to normal mode and everything seemed normal. I am not sure if leaving it up close to a pillow caused it.

That got me a lil concerned.. am i gonna have problems with my camcorder in future? Anyone else experience this? Did i get a defective product?

Thanks for the support.

I did run into a situation where I was in manual focus mode and didn't know how to get back to auto focus mode. I had to read the manual. But I am able to get back.

If you're unable to get back, that's a situation I have not run into.

Chuck

Thanks for the reply, I hope you are right. I must changed settings accidentally.

Thanks for the reply, I hope you are right. I must changed settings accidentally.

If it happens again, use your zoom. Zoom in or out, it will help your camcorder to focus back.

There is a sensor for "intelligent" Auto-Focus beside the lens. Blocking it will render it going funny. A wide-angle converter can block it. So can the wire of a microphone going inadvertently in front. Please check if it's the case. One can turn off the "intelligent" AF feature if the sensor has to be blocked, e.g. using WA converter for scenery.



Gareth

That's "Instant" auto focus rather than "Intelligent" auto focus, and yes, many accessories can block the IAF sensor. I've been using a 37mm to 52mm stepup ring and 52mm accessories so the 0.45X wide aux lens definitely blocks it as well as a Hama rectangular lens hood clamped onto a 52mm UV filter.

Just the same I find the use of a hood to block some stray light from hitting the lens absolutely necessary. One of the things I'm going to try is a 37mm rubber hood to see if it blocks the IAF sensor less.