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5D Shutter problem

Started Aug 21, 2009 | Discussions
a91a Forum Member • Posts: 77
5D Shutter problem

Hi,

Last week, after around 40K klicks - my 5D's shutter died: when I press the shutter button - I get a focus beep and the right metering - but the mirror does not go up and the shutter is not released.

Is it a shutter or a button problem?
Should I try to fix it and what are the costs?

Renato1 Veteran Member • Posts: 3,385
Re: 5D Shutter problem

Have you tried a different lens?

Cleaning the terminals between lens and camera?

I always suggest the basics first.
Good luck,
Renato

Schwany
Schwany Forum Pro • Posts: 10,169
Re: 5D Shutter problem

Sounds like the shutter assembly if metering and focus confirmation is working. When there is a lens communication error things don't work. Honestly I have no idea, but 40K clicks is a pretty good run.

My guess would be less than but close to $300US to get the shutter assembly replaced and the camera calibrated. You probably have to send it in to get a quote. Somebody else might know where you would have to send it.

a91a wrote:

Hi,

Last week, after around 40K klicks - my 5D's shutter died: when I press the shutter button - I get a focus beep and the right metering - but the mirror does not go up and the shutter is not released.

Is it a shutter or a button problem?
Should I try to fix it and what are the costs?

 Schwany's gear list:Schwany's gear list
Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Canon EOS 5D Mark II Canon EOS-1D Mark IV Canon EOS-1D X Canon EOS 5D Mark IV +14 more
OP a91a Forum Member • Posts: 77
Re: 5D Shutter problem

Yes, I tried to change lenses and to clean terminals - it didn't help.

Renato1 wrote:

Have you tried a different lens?

Cleaning the terminals between lens and camera?

I always suggest the basics first.
Good luck,
Renato

EvilOne
EvilOne Forum Pro • Posts: 14,627
Re: 5D Shutter problem

Typical coverage for a problem cost is around 280 dollars.. its a flat rate...but with a camera like this... the more electronics, the chances for problems are greater. with the age of your 5D, the 280 dollar cost would probably be a bad investment, because after you get your camera back it only has a 90 day warranty,,,,and you could develop another problem because of the age... Many technical people put a time line or cameras of this era at 7 years.... 20 years ago you could keep a refrigerator or a water heater for 20 to 30 years, they were much simpler.. today 10 years is a benchmark.. although years ago you would see the TV repairman once or twice a year.. today TV's can last 20 years... Cars in the 60' would last round 60,000 miles.. todays cars are easily seeing 20, to 300,000 miles.

I think your best bet is invest that repair money into a newer camera... Yes I know the 5D is a great camera. Just like Archie's old Lasalle. But there comes a time to use your money wisely
--
Bill
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OP a91a Forum Member • Posts: 77
Re: 5D Shutter problem

I start to believe that you're right. I'll see what Sony has to tell us this weekend, and than I'll decide what to do.

EvilOne wrote:

.

I think your best bet is invest that repair money into a newer camera... Yes I know the 5D is a great camera. Just like Archie's old Lasalle. But there comes a time to use your money wisely
--
Bill
Capturing memories, one at a time.

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EvilOne
EvilOne Forum Pro • Posts: 14,627
Re: 5D Shutter problem

Let us know what you decide to do
--
Bill
Capturing memories, one at a time.

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OP a91a Forum Member • Posts: 77
Re: 5D Shutter problem

I'll probably go for the Sony Alpha A700

MyUtopia New Member • Posts: 7
Re: 5D Shutter problem

Some folks have reported success trying this method:

Turn on camera

Set the camera to sleep after 1 minute from the defualt 5 minutes in your menu (just do it once and it will be kept at 1 minute from there on).

Let your camera sit there for one minute until it enters sleep mode.

Press shutter button to activate camera from sleep.

All should be working now (that is until you turn off the camera in which you will need to let it just sit for one minute to enter sleep mode after you turn it back on). AS should be working as well...

OP a91a Forum Member • Posts: 77
Re: 5D Shutter problem

MyUtopia wrote:

Some folks have reported success trying this method:

Turn on camera

Set the camera to sleep after 1 minute from the defualt 5 minutes in your menu (just do it once and it will be kept at 1 minute from there on).

Let your camera sit there for one minute until it enters sleep mode.

Press shutter button to activate camera from sleep.

All should be working now (that is until you turn off the camera in which you will need to let it just sit for one minute to enter sleep mode after you turn it back on). AS should be working as well...

Thanks. I'll try that method also.

Sonyad Senior Member • Posts: 1,861
Re: 5D Shutter problem

I was quite surprised when this worked for my abandoned shimmying 5d. However my 5d also has the "drop it like it's hot" battery syndrome, so I have to tape the door shut.

OP a91a Forum Member • Posts: 77
Re: 5D Shutter problem

Thank you all for your suggestions - but none worked for me .

I've noticed that when I shut down the camera - the red light near the CF card compartment keep on working - although the power is off. I have to take of the battery to stop it.

Another thing I've noticed - when I turn the camera on I hear some "clicks" for few seconds.

Any suggestions?

Schwany
Schwany Forum Pro • Posts: 10,169
Re: 5D Shutter problem

Start looking into a burial plot.

Do you have a power adapter that works on the 5D? Try an external power source to eliminate the potential low battery problem. If it still doesn't work, it's time to retire it.

a91a wrote:

Thank you all for your suggestions - but none worked for me .

I've noticed that when I shut down the camera - the red light near the CF card compartment keep on working - although the power is off. I have to take of the battery to stop it.

Another thing I've noticed - when I turn the camera on I hear some "clicks" for few seconds.

Any suggestions?

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Sonyad Senior Member • Posts: 1,861
Re: 5D Shutter problem

Mine does the same thing. The clicks and the shaking on startup are symptons of antishake failure. However the posted fix worked for me. I also have the red light problem. Cleaning the contacts stopped that behavior. Maybe once you clean up the battery, the one minute shut down will work for you.

a91a wrote:

Thank you all for your suggestions - but none worked for me .

I've noticed that when I shut down the camera - the red light near the CF card compartment keep on working - although the power is off. I have to take of the battery to stop it.

Another thing I've noticed - when I turn the camera on I hear some "clicks" for few seconds.

Any suggestions?

Stephan01 Regular Member • Posts: 219
Re: 5D Shutter problem

I have a 5D. This exact thing just happened to me a second time. Had it repaired for $250 Canadian the first time. Shutter won't release. If I leave it for a few days it would work for a few shots then stop. And the light indicating recording to the card would stay on. In other words the battery would run till its was spent.

I just bought the Panasonic G1H. Thinking of a sony body since I love my 85 1.4D lens for bouquet.

-- hide signature --

Trying to learn photography.

OP a91a Forum Member • Posts: 77
Re: 5D Shutter problem

Since I'm not going to spent 200$-300$ to repair a dying camera, I bought at B&H A700 + Sony's 18-250, and I'm pleased

Sonyad Senior Member • Posts: 1,861
Re: 5D Shutter problem

Ohhh. Now that's a lens.

Sonyad Senior Member • Posts: 1,861
Re: 5D Shutter problem

Happy shooting.

Corkcampbell
Corkcampbell Forum Pro • Posts: 18,895
What do you think of the lens? I just bought one but haven't used it.

Also have the A700.

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EvilOne
EvilOne Forum Pro • Posts: 14,627
Re: What do you think of the lens? I just bought one but haven't used it.

Ive owned my A700 and 18-250 for over two years and have run 20,000 shots though them...the 18-250 is always on one of my cameras, its my most used lens.
--
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 EvilOne's gear list:EvilOne's gear list
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