Logitech c920 keeps trying to refocus on a loop, need fixed focus

[MagmaGuy]

Preliminary Docs

I confirm that I have read the CONTRIBUTING guide before opening this issue.

I confirm that I have read the FAQ before opening this issue.

motionEyeOS Version

I am running motionEyeOS version: dev20201026.

Board Model

I am using the following board/model:  Raspberry PI 3B

Camera

I am using the following type of camera: V4L2

My camera model is: logitech c920

Network Connection

My motionEyeOS unit is connected to the network via: WiFi

Hello,

This is a pretty simple issue, my logitech c920 keeps getting stuck on trying to focus on a 1 second loop which basically makes it completely unusable. I would love to know if there's a way to turn autofocus off so I can force focus, I really don't need it to be automatic.

I've seen people complain that this model didn't focus in 2019, and didn't see any other issues related to focus so I am hoping someone can tell me how to force it off.

[starbasessd]

I was unable to confirm this, as I don't have that model of camera. go to console or SSH

/usr/bin/v4l2-ctl --list-ctrls

if focus_auto is listed

crontab -e

add line:

@reboot /usr/bin/v4l2-ctl -c focus_auto=0

If it is not listed, then it's possible the version of v4l2 included with motionEyeOS doesn't have that feature available. I found the command here

[MagmaGuy]

Thank you so much for the reply! This commands works when I run it manually, but it seems like the cron job doesn't work. I'm not sure exactly where it could've gone wrong, but it must be something I'm doing wrong.

[starbasessd]

The command you use manually should be the same command you use following the @reboot. Another option is to tell it to wait a bit before running the command by using:

@reboot sleep 30 && /usr/bin/v4l2-ctl -c focus_auto=0

be sure to add the full path in the crontab command line.