5D mirror failure on holiday.

Matt Taylor

Matt Taylor

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I am currently in Benidorm on day two of a seven day holiday and the mirror on my 5D has just become dislodged and my spare body is back in the UK, the 5D is an early one with a serial number starting 083. Is there anything I can do while I am here that would act as a short term fix until I can get home to the UK and send it off to Canon (free repair as I understand?). I cant quite believe my luck as this is only the third significant failure I've had with various DSLRs over the last ten years, once with a scratched sensor the day before flying to Los Angeles, second with a mirror fault on day one of a two week cruise, now this. It only seems to happen when I am on or just about to go on holiday.:shake:

Any advice would be gratefully received, particularly as we have a visit to the local zoo booked for tomorrow morning.
 
I wouldn't risk it. Applying any adhesive runs the risk of leaking onto the sensor which would ruin it. Secondly, the mirror may fall out again and get lodged behind your lens and scratch the rear element (mine did that). Thirdly, Canon UK may refuse to repair it free of charge as it would have been tampered with.

I know none of this helps, but attempting a DIY job could cost a couple of hundred atleast if it goes wrong. How about picking up a PnS camera out there and selling it upon your return. Its probably the most economical and risk free option that still allows you to get some holiday snaps.
 
Always as carry on, this time it's just 5D+24-105mm but depending on where I am going I sometimes take my 10-20mm and 100-400mm. As yet I have not had an issue with travelling with gear.

I think I am just going to have to put the camera away for now, but I am kind of annoyed as I have only had this 5D for a couple of months and almost got a 7D as I was concerned with the mirror issue on older 5D models.:|

The camera was fine all day today but when I got back to the hotel I decided I would take some poolside images in the evening light which is when I looked through the viewfinder to see a huge shadow etc.
 
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So at least we know where Murphy is on his hols :cool:

It's a sinking feeling when this happens, feel for ya mate :(

Have you thought about a PnS as hsuffyan suggested?
 
only two support centres appear to be barcelona and madrid
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My advice would be buy a nikon next time... :gag: (sorry!)

3 major failures seems a lot?

Good luck mate getting it sorted.
 
Only two major failures really, the scratched sensor was entirely my own fault, the failure on the 300D on the cruise was repaired with some sellotape so I didn't miss any shots at all I don't think. This time is a pain but I know we'll be back here again soon although perhaps I'll bring the 30D too next time.:)
 
I'm glad to report that Fixation repaired the fault at no cost and I now have a fully functioning 5D again....just in time for another trip to Spain where I shall try to carry on where I left off with the pictures I wanted to take.:)
 
Great stuff.

Maybe a GF1 or LX5 could go with you? Just in case?
 
Matt Taylor said:
I'm glad to report that Fixation repaired the fault at no cost and I now have a fully functioning 5D again....just in time for another trip to Spain where I shall try to carry on where I left off with the pictures I wanted to take.:)
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Glad you got it sorted. How come it is a free fix?
 
sonny said:
Glad you got it sorted. How come it is a free fix?
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Because it's a known inherent defect that has afflicted many 5Ds. And guess what? Mine fell off a couple of weeks ago too and is now with Canon getting fixed. Over 4 years old and high mileage too. I've resurrected my 10D and it's like meeting an old friend.
 
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Mine fell out this weekend whilst I was shooting a wedding :thumbsdown:, just glad to say I had a back-up in my bag and the couple were non the wiser. It's going off to Elstree in a few days for the free fix :thumbs: so all should be well once more :)
 
Dang just bought a 5D, hope this doesn't happen to me!
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You can check visually wether the preventative fix has been done - there are some pictures on canon's site (sorry can't remember exactly where - but google will!)

If it needs doing all you need to do is send it to a canon service centre and they'll do it FOC. Mine was done when I sent the camera in for a deep clean, just after I bought it.
 
After your previous experiences I would have thought taking a spare body was a no brainer! :thinking:
 
Greenninja said:
You can check visually wether the preventative fix has been done - there are some pictures on canon's site (sorry can't remember exactly where - but google will!)

If it needs doing all you need to do is send it to a canon service centre and they'll do it FOC. Mine was done when I sent the camera in for a deep clean, just after I bought it.
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Ah ok, will have a look for that, thanks.
 
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