14 DAY TRIAL // If you’re an owner of the Canon EOS 1D X and EOS 1D C, you might be facing the same issue. When trying to snap photographs in low temperature environments, you might be finding your auto-focus is not working properly.
Canon Rumors reports that one of their sources explained to them the camera’s AF system doesn't work in temperatures lower than 0°C (32°F).
Users have been reporting the AF system “does not focus,” “does not search in AF” or “does not focus in AF search” when used at very low temperatures.
The source says the mishap is experienced due to a mechanical defect that causes the mirror system to become misaligned. This will prevent the light rays reflected by the sub mirror from reaching the AF sensor, thus making it obsolete.
“The phenomena is due to the Locking Claw of the Sub Mirror (mirror for AF) going over the Locking Pin. The Sub Mirror’s angle becomes deviated and the light rays for the AF foes not fall on the AF sensor, causing the ‘does not focus’ phenomena.”
While most photographers won’t go snapping photos at the Arctic Circle every week, the issue becomes a problem in winter if one plans to go shooting landscapes.
Canon has corrected the issue for models manufactured after January 24, 2013. However, owners who have an older model might see the problem go away by replacing the older mirror with a newer one, version CY3-1661-010 or CY3-1687-010.