View Full Version : 30D Unresponsive shutter release button problem
Ive noticed lately, that the shutter button on my 30D is becoming less responsive.
I have AF set to the * button on the back, so its not that.
The first depress (half press) always sets the metering no problems.
I then fully depress (where you feel the click), and it sometimes takes the shot, sometimes not. If not, then a firmer press is required.
This is becoming a bit of a pain as this can introduce camera shake etc can't it?
It's only happening sporadically, one minute it needs a hard press, the next, its as sensitive as it should be.
I suppose I could send it in to Fixation or someone, I'm just worried about the cost TBH, considering the camera isn't worth that much anymore :'(.
Has anyone else experienced this?
well my 40d just stopped taking pics when I pressed the shutter button at the cutting of the cake time at the wedding on Saturday! PANIC!
Luckily Colin took all those shots. I did everything.. changed batteries, card, lenses etc etc.. stil nothing... then 5 mins later it was working again! :shrug:
Canon Bob
26-05-2008, 19:12
Marcel,
There have been a host of reports like this recently on POTN. I suspect that Canon might have identified a batch problem or similar as they apeared to have done the £100 fix free despite bodies being out of warranty.
It might be worth firing off some remote release shots just to make sure it is the button.
Bob....see the links below (and there are more)
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=502714&highlight=shutter
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=471235&highlight=shutter
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=462928&highlight=shutter
I was having issues with my 20D with this while in Iceland, then realised it was only the grip button mis behaving ! I ought to take the grip off and clean the contacts :)
Might be worth phoning fixation and see what they say ?
this happened with my 10D, it worked perfectly on remote release, it is the diaphragm thing under the shutter that is wearing out on your 30D, hope it doesn't happen to my 30D :(
Yup, its definitely the button, as the remote works fine, as does the button on the grip.
Will look at the links, and hope that Canon are offering a free fix for me :D
Halesowen Kid
26-05-2008, 19:42
As yet not had the problem with my 30D, but thanks Marcel for bringing it to the members attention...:thumbs:
Only saw one instance of Canon repairing it for free. The more of those I find, the happier I will be :D
Canon Bob
27-05-2008, 06:57
Okay Marcel, here's the DIY fix. It's based on a 20D...20 + 10 = 30 (that's the difficult bit done for you ;))
Start by doing a thorough warm up.....press ups, squat thrusts and a few choccy Hob Nobs...then go for it.
http://doug.kerr.home.att.net/pumpkin/20D_Shutter_Release.pdf
Please photograph all the left over bits at the end.
Bob
Chillimonster
27-05-2008, 08:18
you could aways take advantage of Digital Depots trade in offers and get youself a nice new 40D :)
Trade in offers? Oooh what are they then? / goes off to look :D
Bob, yeah I found that last night. 17 screws. Doesnt seem to bad.
I assume the 30 is the same as the 20 anyway.
I'd be able to handle the disassembling etc, but the soldering is a big no go for me. I suck at it.
LOL Who am I kidding, I can't afford to get it repaired, let alone trade it in for a 40D lol
:'(
Fixation have just quoted £120+vat.
Looks like im sticking with the problem. It's not all the time anyway, and its only a little bit more squeezing to activate the shutter, so it does always fire....
Looks like im sticking with the problem. :D :lol:
...... but the soldering is a big no go for me. I suck at it.
Which could explain where you are going wrong Marcel :lol:
Well I've had quotes over the phone from a few places now :
Fixation - £120 plus vat
Colchester Camera Centre - £122.55 plus vat
Lehmanns - £162 inc vat
I've had the same problem with my 40D! The first time it happened at Banham Zoo, maybe those that went can remember my brief panic :lol: It's only happened a couple of times though, then it seems to right itself :shrug:
I have this problem too. A big pain. Not in a position to fork out for a repair too atm.
I've just started to experience this with my 400D (just over a year old). Alright, its only a 400D, seems a bit lame that its happening to all these higher spec bodies though. Properly annoying at times.
hmmm, maybe i may trade up to a 40/5D after all, i love my 30D though :(
Canon Bob
27-05-2008, 16:02
hmmm, maybe i may trade up to a 40/5D after all, i love my 30D though :(
Darren...search through a few different forums and you'll find it occurs on 350's, 400's, 20's, 30's and 40's. It's probably the same part on most of the bodies.
Bob
the undertaker
27-05-2008, 16:05
I thought it was just my imagination, only occasionally, but continues with normal use
Chillimonster
27-05-2008, 16:57
Can you not, under the SOG act, claim that it has not lasted a reasonable amount of time, and should be reapired FOC.
It works for other items so why not for Camera's.
A reasonable length of time for a DSLR is open to discussion of course (how old is it, if its under 2 years old i would say you had a good case) but as it is the shutter button, the usage can be checked and verified :shrug:
Chris
digitalfailure
27-05-2008, 17:15
Marcel have you fired off an email to Canon Uk regarding this?
If they are just starting to see a trend, it'd be better to get ahead of the que while they identify the root cause of it, having your camera help that process may just swing a free repair.
From what I can read online, especially with it being a purchasable part, it's a common problem.
petemc's 30D had this problem and was sorted under warranty. I have read quite a few reports of it happening on 20d's and some 10d's (mostly 20 though).
I'm going to email Canon UK tonight, see what they say.
I bought the camera in July 06, so its out of its 1 yr warranty.
However, it's only done 13k clicks or so, so well within its 'lifetime' so to speak.
Like df has just said on MSN, the shutter is rated to 100k, so whats the point of that if the button is going to fail after 10?
Hmm I've just realised, I think I *might* have a case with the sale of goods act, as the camera should last a reasonable amount of time.
However, that would mean going to Jessops, not Canon, and I have a feeling I wouldn't get very far with Jessops.
Canon Bob
27-05-2008, 20:21
Just to clarify things on the SOG....
In the first 6 months the onus is on retailers to prove that the item was marketable and fit for the purpose.
After 6 months, the onus is on the purchaser to prove that it wasn't.
Fancy your chances Marcel ?
Bob
Shutterman
27-05-2008, 20:22
That depend how long you stay in the shop complaining and scaring customers away....
Works wonders when I go on a refund expo.... The thought of having my miserable belligerent persona hanging round the counter moaning griping and criticising their customer service policies for several hours seems to make most managers see the light of day.
Give it a go it is very therapeutic
Shutterman
Bob...actually, yes ;)
When Canon are rating the shutter to 100k clicks (in their published literature), that says to me, they should also expect the button to fire it to last 100k clicks too, not the 13k it's done.
Considering alot of those have also been taking with either the grip, or the wired remote, Id say its done even less.
Chillimonster
29-05-2008, 12:42
Any response from your email to Canon?
Not sent it yet. Can't find a decent email address to send to, only a general feedback one.
I'd like to initially get to someone who has the authority (or at least the nouse) to say "Actually you might be right, lets see if we can get this repaired as a warranty repair" so to speak.
Could it be that when your using it in one shot mode if it doesn't find a object to lock onto then it wont shoot? I find that I have to take my finger off the * button and then fire, my 40D can do this sometimes - I'll go have a mess about with my 20D see what happens :)
Well Ive just tried calling Canon CCC.
Basically I want them to do a free repair, given that its only done 14k or so, and the shutter itself is rated to 100k, why not the button?
It's a common problem, through the 10, 20,30 AND 40D's.
Camera is now worth what, 350 quid?
I paid 800 for it less than 2 years ago, and this is how long it lasts? I don't think that's acceptable to be honest. I think if youre paying 800 for a camera, it should withstand much more use than this.
To top it off, we got a press release the other day saying that Canon has been voted the most trusted brand in Europe for 2008.
Where did I get? Nowhere.
Call centre script I assume
"Sir, you will have to pay for the repairs as there is no known fault listed by Canon on this model".
He couldn't understand reason.
I think my next step is to write to Canon themselves, just need to find the right person to write to now....
If I don't get anywhere with Canon, I'm tempted to get the part myself. markp has kindly offered to solder the bit in for me, I'd just have to take it all apart, and with that guide linked to above, it shouldn't be too hard I'd have thought.
There's no way I can afford 142 quid or whatever it is, on a simple repair, not when the camera is worth so little nowadays.
Chappers
05-06-2008, 12:26
Marcel
I don't know how well you know any Canon Pro Dealers, but you may be able to get a contact name out of one of them. But to be honest I wouldn't expect to much joy.
foodpoison
05-06-2008, 12:27
House insurance? Perhaps?
Its incredible that people are so nice to us before they have our money, and once they have our money they couldn't care less.
out of curiousity, try chucking in a mention bout the forum and how your about to write your long term review of the canon 30d, the fact you have a few thousand members all reading how it going and buying into the system might help persuade one way or another:shrug:
LOL I've already sent it.
It was tempting to use the forum in my 'arguments' but I didn't want to come across as "Do it for free or I'll tell everyone!!". I want to genuinely get across my disappointment ;)
I wont put the letter on here yet (Will do once I get as far as I can with Canon, one way or another).
I'll keep everyone updated as to how I get on.
There's no way I can afford 142 quid or whatever it is, on a simple repair, not when the camera is worth so little nowadays.
The cameras' value is relative, if you need it, want it, like it, it's worth it.
i know what you mean marcel, it could backfire that they wouldnt do it for fear of the whole forum saying they did it for you.lets hope that canon sort it out for you, either that or you can organise a group meet with a solder iron and everyone who is having a problem:)
Chillimonster
05-06-2008, 14:12
Marcel, Dropped you a PM :)
The cameras' value is relative, if you need it, want it, like it, it's worth it.
Indeed. I could technically bung it on the credit card.
But 142 quid for repairing that isn't economically viable IMO. I'd rather buy the part and get it done myself. I can't really justify that much. If I'm gonna spend that I might aswell spend 358 more and go for broke and buy a 40D lol
Another route is taking it up with the retailer. The Sales of Goods Act might help as you've owned the camera less than 6 years and you could argue that it's reasonable for the shutter release to last more than 14k operations. Any warranty from Canon is in addition to your rights under the SoGA and you could have a good case. Canon have already admitted there's no known problem such as your which suggests yours is faulty. If you paid by credit card then they are jointly liable too.
Indeed. I could technically bung it on the credit card.
But 142 quid for repairing that isn't economically viable IMO. I'd rather buy the part and get it done myself. I can't really justify that much. If I'm gonna spend that I might aswell spend 358 more and go for broke and buy a 40D lol
WELL, THE 40D IS A GOOD CAMERA!!!!!!!(not helping am i):coat:
LOL Fletch, no you're not. I've just consolidated my two cc's into one, so there isn't much wiggle room now :'(
pxl8 I thought that, but I spoke to someone from Jessops (not the branch I got it from), and he said in all honesty, the chances are I'd get a big fat **** off from them.
I did buy in credit, but it was Buy Now pay later, interest free jobby, with Clydesdale finance I think. Ive now since paid it off, but does that mean they are no longer liable? As title has now passed to me etc.
Chappers
05-06-2008, 15:11
Might be worth getting an alternative quote from say Fixation or Lehmann.
pxl8 I thought that, but I spoke to someone from Jessops (not the branch I got it from), and he said in all honesty, the chances are I'd get a big fat **** off from them.
I did buy in credit, but it was Buy Now pay later, interest free jobby, with Clydesdale finance I think. Ive now since paid it off, but does that mean they are no longer liable? As title has now passed to me etc.
I think it's worth a call to your local CAB or trading standards. Jessops are hardly going to a) have a clue about the law or b) offer to fix the problem without being forced into it so it's no surprise you were told that.
Take a look here:
http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/cgi-bin/calitem.cgi?file=ADV0054-1111.txt
The first faq is basically your case in a nutshell, the bottom line is the trader is responsible for up to 6 years and if you can show the fault is not reasonable you have a case :thumbs:
but just think how it would sort out your 365 for a couple of days
1. i got a new toy
2. opening it maniacly like a kid at xmas
3. first time using it caught on the 30d
4. that first time you drop the 40d
5. you attempting to solder the new part on your 30d before selling it.
6. the black eye the wife gave you for spending more money:D
7. a picture of you on the lcd smiling witht he hat and the monkeh
there you go a whole weeks worth of 365 from one purchase(at least, you are far more imaginative than me)
Chappers, that's where the quote was from. I've had quotes from Fixation, Lehmann's, Colchester, and A J Johnstone.
I'm going to see if Canon do anything first, if not, then I am going to write to Jessops, see what they say.
I've also been contacted by two members who have offered to repair the camera for me if I get the bit, so that's another route I would happily go down if required :)
So thanks again for all your replies :thumbs:
Two on eBay, spares or repair http://search.ebay.co.uk/search/search.dll?from=R40&_trksid=m37&satitle=30d+spares
foodpoison
05-06-2008, 16:43
I'd take pxl8's advice on two things:
a) No, Jessops won't have a ruddy clue about the law. I know very little about the law myself, despite having a huge responsibility in the shop.
b) Call up Canon, and see if you can get, on headed paper with a signature, the number of shutter actuations that shutter release button is expected to last. Then prove how many shutter actuations the shutter button has lasted (one way or another) and then get a proof of purchase, which you'll be able to get from the Jessops branch you bought it from. You'll then have, in my opinion, solid evidence for a case under the sales of goods act.
But then I'm a 17 year old male with long blonde hair who works in Jessops. So what do I know ;) :p
If it helps I could pm you phone number etc for Canons publicity guy here in the UK :)
Oooh didn't think of that. I suppose the alternative to buying the part (Fixation quoted me £15 for it, I'm sure I should be able to get it cheaper. US forums are mentioning they bought theirs for $6).
It would give me experience in stripping one down to get to the part of course.
If it helps I could pm you phone number etc for Canons publicity guy here in the UK :)
That might help but I suck at phone calls lol I really am a big wuss TBH.
A definite idea though :thumbs: Cheers.
the stripping down is actually quite easy, i did it with my 10D because it suffered the same fate. Do you not have your 30D insured Marcel? If it happened to mine i'd be quite tempted to send my 30D for a swim ;)
That's actually quite heartening to know about it being quite easy. Have you seen the guide above, and was your 10D much different?
Nope, I don't have house insurance, we're renters so it's something I've never bothered with.
i meant camera insurance, not home insurance, also, regarding home insurance, i'd still advise it very much renting or buying, it's still your equipment you are insuring, not the house. :)
Ahhh right. Yeah I know. I do hope it's not tempting fate though.
Haven't got camera insurance either, although its something I *did* look into and had planned getting. I'm too honest as to defraud them though.
hehe, i wouldn't really tbh,what i said was in tongue in cheek :D however i'm sure your sticky shutter would be worthy of a claim if you were insured, and for the sake of £5/month surely it's worth the peace of mind too.
the stripping down is actually quite easy, i did it with my 10D because it suffered the same fate. Do you not have your 30D insured Marcel? If it happened to mine i'd be quite tempted to send my 30D for a swim ;)
That's actually quite heartening to know about it being quite easy. Have you seen the guide above, and was your 10D much different?
wtf, i think you've gone a bit mad and added to my post there marcel :D
and in answer to your question, i haven't looked but from what i remember you had to peel off the rubber grips from the grip bit and the back *** there are scrwws under ther, there are screws under the eyepiece etc. I managed to get my 10 back together with no spare screws hehe.
10? That guide says 17...lol Ah well :p
Sorry about the edit, I meant to quote but I hit the edit button! :$ Not the first time Ive done that by mistake too! :D
i meant 10D not 10 screws :D
Well I got an email back from Canon today, in absolutely appaling English, making no sense, but asking to call them......
So I did....after going through a foreign call centre, then being told to redial and choose different options.... I got through to someone over here.
Nope, they wouldn't entertain it at all. They said I can send it into them for a quote, but it's a chargable repair...yada yada, standard 12 months warranty, its outside of that, etc etc.
Seems like they haven't even considered the points I raised.
Rather unchuffed now.
Chillimonster
16-06-2008, 14:36
Sounds rather typical of a large company. Have you tried trading standards?
Failing that there is still the option of a DIY repair.
Chris
I was fleetingly tempted by the option of sending it off to them, I think I'd rather go down the DIY repair route actually.
whooshdemon
20-08-2008, 19:40
hi marcel
first having read this post I'm curious if canon finally sorted anything out and how you're feeling towards tehm.
second I want to thank everyone for help and information on this thread.
third I just want to add my voice to the "my shutter button is f***ed" on my 40D - occasionally like my first (and it turns out only) chance to photograph a kingfisher last week as it fleetingly stopped off on a perch 2m in front of me for a millisecond. that, amongst other opportunities missed as I turned my camera around to look at the button in a puzzled manner.
so fourth at least I know I'm not alone.
and fifth, thankfully, I think I'm still in warranty time, and suddenly VERY keen to get this fixed given Marcel's issues when outside the first year.
Sue
Nope, Canon never did do anything to sort it out (unless I paid them the money of course).
I decided not to do anything, as it wasn't being fiddly that much, and wasn't worth me paying that much to repair it. The camera always worked (the button never actually 'failed' on me...just sometimes required a harder press than normal).
In the end I sold it for a discounted price to someone on here.
whooshdemon
24-08-2008, 20:43
Nope, Canon never did do anything to sort it out (unless I paid them the money of course).
I decided not to do anything, as it wasn't being fiddly that much, and wasn't worth me paying that much to repair it. The camera always worked (the button never actually 'failed' on me...just sometimes required a harder press than normal).
In the end I sold it for a discounted price to someone on here.
Sorry to hear that Canon never sorted this out for you - doesn't make me jump for joy that I have Canon rather than Nikon kit. Glad you found a solution.
Here's fingers crossed that warranty stuff works.
Sue
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