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Lifecam HD-6000 autofocus issues

Anonymous
2010-07-27T16:23:46+00:00

I just purchased a Microsoft LifeCam HD-6000.  Sounds nice, looks nice, but the autofocus on it makes the product useless.

The autofocus takes a crisp image, and for no apparent reason, sends the image to totally blurry and then refocuses (to crisp infocus) about every 20 seconds, and the process takes about 5 seconds to complete.  This is very annoying and basically makes the unit non-functional - every 20 seconds I go totally out of focus and then come back in focus, then repeat 20 sec later.

I found out how to turn off the 'Truecolor' image adjustments, which turns the autofocus off completely (but also turns off all the auto exposure control, etc as well, which is unfortunate).  

How do I get the autofocus to not reset itself every few seconds but still retain the 'truecolor' automation for color, brightness, whitebalance, backlighting, exposure, etc.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers

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  1. Anonymous
    2010-07-30T20:27:28+00:00

    Summary so far for anyone who reads this:

    1. HD-6000 has autofocus issues that make it largely non-functional (as of 3.22 drivers).  I've now found several other web articles that cite this, with no fix.  Shame on me for not doing good research before purchasing.
    2. Help from Microsoft is basically non-existent, see string of notes above.  Still no contact with anyone who can provide meaningful assistance.  Cannot gain access to hardware support team.  Only option is to pay $35/hour to fix a brand new $50 device.
    3. Next action:  Return product, review badly online, buy Logitech.  Spread the word.

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-12-12T00:41:42+00:00

    i know its late and the issue may not have had a solution then but if you go into the camera configuration there is a simple check box for auto focus. how i got there was going into skype>tools>options>video settings>select the Lifecam 6000> configure

    not sure how to get there any other way but it worked for me without having to turn off true color or anything like that

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-09-30T03:27:04+00:00

    Check this:

    Turn off True-color then un-select auto focus option from second tab of preference window using preferences button.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZlJUJpPViE

    Thank you!

    This worked for me. (Video is marked as private so can't view it.) But the steps are correct. Here's a bit more detail:

    1. Open LifeCam software.
    2. Choose the Settings tab
    3. If the Settings tab area is not showing, tap/click the arrow on the border of the window at the right of the frame.
    4. Turn off "True-color"
    5. Choose "Properties, then the "Camera Control" tab.
    6. Uncheck "Auto focus" next to the "Focus" slider.
    7. Adjust focus to a value that works for you. And "Apply" thene "OK".
    8. OPTIONAL: Turn "True-color" back on (optional) (if you turn on "True-color", autofocus will reactivate, but you should be OK for that session (the focus will not go in and out). If you close and restart the program, you'll need to turn off auto focus again.

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  4. Anonymous
    2010-07-28T19:20:47+00:00

    Unfortunately, to contact microsoft support (link listed above), one must have a product identification number (Example: 12345-xxx-7654321-98765).  The Lifecam HD-6000 does not have one printed on the device, and the packaging only has a Serial number and a model number (neither of which work in the product ID tool).  Therefore, no support.  Where is the product identification number on a HD-6000?

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  5. Anonymous
    2010-07-28T07:17:14+00:00

    Hi Todd2371,

    I would suggest you to access the link below and contact Microsoft Webcam support team to check for the webcam settings, since Webcam support team would be in a better position to help you fix the auto focus issue.

    http://support.microsoft.com/gp/cp\_webcams\_master#tab2

    Hope this helps.

    Thanks and Regards,

    Srinivas R

    Microsoft Support.

    Visit our  Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think

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