My camera suddenly doesn't always respond when I press the button

Howdy,

I have a T1i that I've had for many years. All of a sudden, the camera will randomly not respond when I press the button to focus/take a picture. If I then zoom in or out a bit and try again, most times it will decide to take the picture.

I am trying it right now with the 18-55 lens the camera came with. If I zoom all the way in or out and then slowly start to zoom little by little and press the button halfway each time, eventually it will not respond. It doesn't focus, doesn't beep to show it's in focus, and doesn't take the picture. If I then zoom a bit more, it will eventually start working again. It seems to work fine at either end but has issues in the middle 24-35ish area.

I switched to a different lens and could zoom all the way from one end ot the other and it never had the problem. I put the 18-55 lens back on and had the problem again.

Could there just be a dirty contact or something on the lens I can clean? Do I need to take the lens in somewhere to have it serviced? Not sure where to start as I've never had this problem before.

Thanks!

UPDATE: I just noticed that if I turn off Auto Focus, it will take a picture every time.  So it seems like it's not able to activate the auto focus at certain zoom levels for some reason.

Kelemvor wrote:

I switched to a different lens and could zoom all the way from one end ot the other and it never had the problem. I put the 18-55 lens back on and had the problem again.

Agree with Ray' that most likely the lens is going bad. You could try cleaning the electronic contacts on the lens (and body), but be prepared to buy a new lens. This is actually a positive move in the long run IMHO because the current 18-55 STM lenses are much better than the older ones. And can be found for about $100.

Good luck to you!

R2

Kelemvor wrote:

How do I tell which 18-55 lens I have to compare with what's online? The one I'm using is the one that came with my T1i many years ago. I found this one on Amazon that says it's a Mark II but it looks almost identical to the one I already have.

https://www.amazon.com/Canon-EF-S-18-55mm-3-5-5-6-Lens/dp/B004MKNBSW

If you're looking for a direct replacement, then the one to get would be the STM version (there are actually 2 versions of the 18-55 STM lens now). You can buy either of them new for around $250 list...

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Lens

The newer f/4-5.6 version is a little smaller, and has a little smaller (max) aperture.

.

If you don't mind refurbished, then they can be found for about $100...

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens (refurbished)

Or new (repackaged) on eBay...

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 STM IS Lens from eBay

(Many people buy a kit and then re-sell just the lens separately)

There are a ton available like this (I bought one of mine that way a few years back).

This is just a general usage camera so I don't need the best quality part for it. Is there any other recommendation for lenses instead of the standard 18-55? The only other lens I have is the 55-250 which works just fine.

If you want more reach without having to change lenses so much, then the 18-135 STM or 18-135 USM would be very versatile.

There are other zooms available such as the 15-85 or 17-55 if your needs warrant. And many primes such as the very inexpensive 50mm STM for low light (highly recommended).

I wish you luck. Maybe your lens will come around. Otherwise, you can get a great replacement for very little outlay.

R2

RedFox88 wrote:

R2D2 wrote:

If you're looking for a direct replacement, then the one to get would be the STM version (there are actually 2 versions of the 18-55 STM lens now). You can buy either of them new for around $250 list...

Canon's 18-55 for $250 is way too much

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Lens

LOL, I don't set the prices.  You'll have to talk to Amazon or B&H!

R2