DOF Preview trouble

Like_Clockwork · Mar 3, 2008

I'm having a problem with this. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't. I have a Cannon AE-1 and I'm using the normal 50mm lens. Lately every time I press the "button" in nothing happens. Is there a certain f/stop I should be on???? Or is it something else? Anyways any help is appreciated :wink:

iflynething · Mar 3, 2008

If you're wide open, it's not going to do anything.

If it's a 2.8 lens and you're at 2.8, there is nothing for the aperature to close down to

~Michael~

Like_Clockwork · Mar 3, 2008

Yeah, but even on 22 nothing happens.

Tennessee Landscape · Mar 4, 2008

Like_Clockwork said:
Yeah, but even on 22 nothing happens.

Your DOF @ f/22 is pretty big, what are you looking for?

Like_Clockwork · Mar 4, 2008

Well sometimes it works and sometimes it works. I'm not particularly looking for anything. I'm just wondering why sometimes when I try and use it, it doesn't work. I tried something today and it worked, but it's kind of irratating; when I see it's not working I take the lens off then put it back on and it works I guess thats how I'll do it from now on unless anyone knows why its being lame. Thanks for the help

Socrates · Mar 4, 2008

Like_Clockwork said:
Well sometimes it works and sometimes it works. I'm not particularly looking for anything. I'm just wondering why sometimes when I try and use it, it doesn't work. I tried something today and it worked, but it's kind of irratating; when I see it's not working I take the lens off then put it back on and it works I guess thats how I'll do it from now on unless anyone knows why its being lame. Thanks for the help

Sounds like dirty contacts. I'd recommend carbon tet to clean them but that was outlawed thirty years ago! Seriously, I don't know what to suggest nowadays.

frXnz kafka · Mar 4, 2008

Socrates said:
Sounds like dirty contacts. I'd recommend carbon tet to clean them but that was outlawed thirty years ago! Seriously, I don't know what to suggest nowadays.

Dirty contacts on a AE-1? I think not.

Check the tabs on both the lens and the camera mount that actually move the aperture when you press the DOF preview button. Make sure they're not sticky or anything.