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Rebel T1i Error 20

Started Feb 9, 2017 | Discussions
heyitsmatt New Member • Posts: 1
Rebel T1i Error 20

Hey everyone,

I'm somewhat new to the world of photography so please be gentle. I have an older model DSLR EOS Rebel T1i and I've been using it for about a month after having it for years and it collecting dust in an old friend's house. Anyways, I ran into a problem when I was out shooting the other night and it occurred when I attempted to view the live preview. It sounded like the camera was struggling mechanically to give me the live view image and gave me the Error 20. I was on manual mode at the time, however, I tried switching the camera to Video mode and the same issue occurred. Does anyone have any idea what the problem may be and how to resolve it? Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

(Also, I have tried removing the battery, removing the lens (which seems to be unrelated to the issue), and taken out the SD Card. Also the live preview works once in a while but very rarely as it always seems to run into a mechanical issue.)

Canon EOS 500D (EOS Rebel T1i / EOS Kiss X3)
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Doug Pardee
Doug Pardee Veteran Member • Posts: 9,920
Sad news, I'm afraid

heyitsmatt wrote:

I have tried removing the battery, removing the lens (which seems to be unrelated to the issue), and taken out the SD Card.

You tried everything you can.

Error 20 indicates a mechanical issue with the shutter, mirror, or aperture. Since what you already tried didn't work, the camera will have to go to Canon for repair. Or you could replace it. I think Canon still has its loyalty program, although I've heard it's no longer the great deal it used to be. You'd have to ask Canon.

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kreygscott
kreygscott Senior Member • Posts: 1,285
Re: Rebel T1i Error 20

heyitsmatt wrote:

Hey everyone,

I'm somewhat new to the world of photography so please be gentle. I have an older model DSLR EOS Rebel T1i and I've been using it for about a month after having it for years and it collecting dust in an old friend's house. Anyways, I ran into a problem when I was out shooting the other night and it occurred when I attempted to view the live preview. It sounded like the camera was struggling mechanically to give me the live view image and gave me the Error 20. I was on manual mode at the time, however, I tried switching the camera to Video mode and the same issue occurred. Does anyone have any idea what the problem may be and how to resolve it? Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

(Also, I have tried removing the battery, removing the lens (which seems to be unrelated to the issue), and taken out the SD Card. Also the live preview works once in a while but very rarely as it always seems to run into a mechanical issue.)

I suggest you try using a different lens. It may very well be that your lens and not the camera is faulty.

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