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Lifecam Cinema - focus issue

Anonymous
2010-02-03T06:10:30+00:00

Hi,

I just brought a lifecam cinema.  It's running on 32-bit WindowsXP, SP3, with the latest Microsoft webcam software.

My Lifecam Cinema seems to not be auto-focusing.  I'm 3 feet from the webcam, and I'm blurry and unfocused.  The objects in the room are also blurry.  The only thing that is in focus is if I take an object and hold it about 3 inches from the webcam.  The focus seems to be right in front of the lens.

I've tried playing with the focus setting under the microsoft Lifecam software.  I've tried it with the "auto" check on the focus setting.  I've tried unchecking the auto and manually moving the focus slider bar around and hitting apply.  No difference in focus

  • everything behind a few inches of the lens is out of focus.

I've tried different light levels.  I've tried moving locations and setting the webcam up on another XP box.  No improvement.

Is it possible the unit I have is defective, and not auto focusing?

Thanks.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers

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  1. Anonymous
    2010-02-04T01:17:54+00:00

    Just to close the loop - yes, the webcam was defective.  I got a replacement and it focuses fine.  So, the first one had auto focus issues.  This is just to help those who look this up in the future.

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  1. Anonymous
    2011-06-22T23:22:16+00:00

    After 10 minutes of searching for better options than returning my cam (I was having the same problem as permitivity), I discovered you can turn the camera enclosure to focus wherever you want.

    And then I felt dumb.

    Hopefully most of you will figure that out on your own, but if you don't, well....you're not alone.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2010-11-28T20:01:22+00:00

    I think that I found a solution without turning off "Truecolor".  I originally plug the webcam into a 1-to-4 USB extention, which I believe is not USB 2.0.  I saw the problem of repeated autofocus like everyone said.  I then plug the webcam into the USB slot on my PC directly without using the extension.  It seems working fine now.  The webcam may need a direct USB 2.0 connection.  Hope this helps.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2010-02-19T17:27:46+00:00

    Just received my camera yesterday. Vista Ultimate and having the same exact problem! I wonder how many are experiencing the same focus problem. Guess I will have to mail it back unless someone comes up with a cure.

    Brett

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  4. Anonymous
    2010-02-03T06:13:15+00:00

    XP Forums:

    http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/category/windowsxp

    Above link is to XP Forums.

    There is a list of the various XP Forums at above link to help you.

    You will get the assistance that you need there.

    These are Vista Forums.

    Cheers

    Mick Murphy - Microsoft Partner

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