Suspect Diagnosis

The23rdman

The23rdman

Suspended / Banned
Messages
13,582
Name
Dean
Edit My Images
No
I've just taken my 350D to the local independent camera shop for a diagnosis on my shutter button issue. The technician said it was a problem with dirt under the shutter release button, but that sounds a bit dodgy to me for the following reasons...

1) It only happens when the camera is cold or damp.

2) The camera works fine inside (I've taken 200 shots over Christmas).

3) The camera will not work with a cable release in the cold either. Although I'll readily admit I'm not sure how that works so it could be connected, my research seems to suggest a cable release should fire the camera even if the button contacts are dirty.

What do you think?
 
I think you are right, before Christmas when I went out one evening with a couple of other Norwich people, my 300D slowed down and eventually would not do much at all - this appeared to be alongside the temperature falling so that's what I ascribed it to. Dropping the 50mm prime on made a wee difference (in that I could use the camera again) but by then it was time to go home.

From the above you need to ask if it happens with all lenses, and if you keep the camera inside your coat does it do the same. The problem with things getting cold on the electronic front is that really, they should work better, not worse - hence supercooling semi-conductors. Not sure about the passive components though.

Arthur
 
If the problem is the same with an external release then it is not a problem with muck under the shutter button.

What is the issue?
 
Thanks for your thoughts, guys. The problem is simply that as soon as the camera gets cold ( I suspect damp too) I cannot take pictures with either the shutter button or cable release.
 
Arthur, I'm pretty sure it happens with all lenses. At least, it does with my 10-22mm, Sigma 18-50 and I think I tried it with my Tamron SP 35-80 too.
 
Ah. Constant? I mean, it stops working, you change a lens, and right off no joy?

Arthur
 
I've not tried that, tbh. I'll give it a go and see what happens. Watch this space. ;)
 
Do you get display, and can you use the menus etc?
 
Yes, display and menus seem fine, although last time I took it out and it happened the on/off switch stopped working too, but the battery was low and when I changed it it started again.
 
I'm asking really because if you change the lens you open the mirror chamber to the air - if it gets a little damp in there and you put a warm lens on it may improve - it may get worse, but it may help pinpoint things maybe.

Arthur
 
I'll try it after lunch, Arthur, thank you. Thank you both, in fact.
 
Could be a cracked solder joint, in the warm it will make contact but in the cold the contraction breaks the circuit.
 
namllihs said:
Could be a cracked solder joint, in the warm it will make contact but in the cold the contraction breaks the circuit.
Click to expand...

someone else has suggested that, and it seems like the most likely problem to me too.

I've been outside waiting for it to stop working so I can try another lens, but it's not cold enough so I'll have to wait till this evening.
 
The23rdman said:
someone else has suggested that, and it seems like the most likely problem to me too.

I've been outside waiting for it to stop working so I can try another lens, but it's not cold enough so I'll have to wait till this evening.
Click to expand...

Sounds like a dry-joint some where, I would try popping it in the fridge for a couple of hours then try and see if the fault manifests.

It will probably need a board changing unless the faults obvious.

HTH
 
kentt said:
Sounds like a dry-joint some where, I would try popping it in the fridge for a couple of hours then try and see if the fault manifests.
HTH
Click to expand...

But first put it in a well sealed, dry, plastic bag.
 
kentt said:
Sounds like a dry-joint some where, I would try popping it in the fridge for a couple of hours then try and see if the fault manifests.

It will probably need a board changing unless the faults obvious.

HTH
Click to expand...

how much are we talking? I'm tempted just to leave it as a spare and buy a new body.

petersmart said:
But first put it in a well sealed, dry, plastic bag.
Click to expand...

will do.
 
Older camera with original (knackered) battery?

Have you tried it with a new freshly charged battery?
 
HoppyUK said:
Older camera with original (knackered) battery?

Have you tried it with a new freshly charged battery?
Click to expand...

Richard, it's a Canon refurb with just about 3000 clicks. Only had it since July. The batteries are both the same age. The problem is apparent with a fresh battery too.
 
Don't the Canon refurbs have 6 months warranty?
 
Shame
Could still be worth a try with warranty though? Even if you have to ship it back to the country of purchase it will be cheaper than a repair
 
Yep, I've contacted the seller for advice. It probably is worth a bash. :)
 
Well, the warranty was only 90 days.

I've since spoken to Canon who suggested the extreme temperatures we've been experiencing could well be the problem. I've left the camera outside this morning with a fully charged battery and it's working fine (It's just below zero out there, which falls in Canon's operating temps).

So, now I wonder. I'm going to upgrade anyway now, but wonder if I mention this when selling when it may very well be working perfectly within the suggested operating conditions??
 
Am I right in recalling that 0-45 degrees C is the advised operating range? If so you are OK I would say... assuming it *is* OK down near the single figures?

Arthur
 
Yes, that's it, Arthur. The "fault" may simply be my expecting the camera to work in extreme conditions like a pro body would.
 
The23rdman said:
They do, but mine was a grey import. I didn't think anything of it at the time.
Click to expand...

Did you buy it from a UK supplier if so then it them you need to go back to.
Also I think is more like its only cold that's your problem, as wet will short out a dry joint. Cold will make it more like change things due to the movement of the components
 
Chaz Photos said:
Did you buy it from a UK supplier if so then it them you need to go back to.
Also I think is more like its only cold that's your problem, as wet will short out a dry joint. Cold will make it more like change things due to the movement of the components
Click to expand...

Chaz, I bought it from an Ebay supplier. I thought it was a UK based company importing US versions, but I'm not sure. I can't access the listing now as it's past 90 days. It makes no odds anyway as the warranty was only 90 days and the camera is 6 months old.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top