Stop LifeCam HD-5000 from constantly changing focus

Question

My LifeCam HD-5000 camera is constanly changing focus, while capturing video. Nothing can stop it.

Is it possible to disable the autofocus feature or to make it more tolerant?

Demonstration: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olxAl12Z1MA

Even it can't be heard, that camera starts to emit clicking sounds just before starting to change focus. Either this is the focus motor, or it is a sign of some damage.

How can I make it stop doing that?

Answer 1

This camera has a known issue with autofocus that: a) constantly looks for a face and tries to focus to it, b) is too sensitive - even a small movement triggers autofocus, c) is too slow - it takes a few seconds to focus.

For me, on Windows 10 64-bit the following procedure helped to disable autofocus completely, also after restart:

1. Upgrade firmware - download it from https://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-ca/d/lifecam-hd-5000 ,
2. Install LifeCam software - use the link above to find it,
3. Disable autofocus in LifeCam software settings - see the screenshot below for an exact step-by-step instruction.

Now these settings should be used in all applications using the camera, including your video capture app, Skype, etc.

Answer 2

For Windows 10 1809 solution that worked:

• open "Camera" app (available by default, also can be installed here)
• find the focus settings in the menu on the top, click it
• there will appear half-circle scroll on the right side of the screen. It's bottom position is auto focus. You can drag it up, adjust focus manually. Now autofocus should be turned off in other apps too.

Answer 3

One other note I'd like to add ..

You have to install in compatibility mode for Windows 7 or it gets REALLY messed up.

If you have windows 10 download LifeCam3.60 and the webcam drivers. Lifecam will let you open settings under start menu. Type lifecam and you will see Microsoft Lifecam.

When you use compatibility mode it will let you launch it WHILE on webcam...

If you don't for some reason, it will say webcam is in use if you are on webcam in your browser for example, you would have to stop broadcasting there, adjust your settings, then broadcast again.

There was a firmware update not sure if that may have fixed some issues, but I'm sure others exist ...

1. Click Start.

2. In the Start Search box, type "Regedit", and then press ENTER.

3. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\LifeCam.

4. click New, and then click DWORD (32-bit) Value

5. Give the registry entry the name AutofocusOFF

6. Right-click the registry entry name, and then click Modify.

7. Type 1, and then click OK.

   "AutofocusOFF"=dword:00000001
   

8. Restart windows

Answer 4

A workaround that I stumble upon in Microsoft forum and work for me (win 10 after Creator update), When there was not feasible way to install the camera software:

I used skype video settings to cancel auto-focus and adjust fixed focus.