Compact Flash Card Problem

Messages
52
Name
Andrew
Edit My Images
Yes
I have a Canon 50D and have used a Prospec UDMA 8GB CF card since new without any problems. Several months ago I noticed that Jessops had a half price offer on 4GB Sandisk 30Mb/s CF cards and bought a couple.

After trying one in my camera it immediately said I needed to format card. I tried this via my camera and got a message on screen saying "Cannot format card - change card". I took the card back to Jessops who at the time accused me of wiping the root directories (DCIM, Misc, Canon). Despite that though she gave me a replacement.

I hadn't tried the new cards until today and found that exactly the same thing happened after using them straight from the packet. I telephoned Jessops and she asked me to format the card via my PC this time (full format - FAT32). I did this and it still didn't work. She also advised me that the person in Jessops who told me that I had wiped to root directories was wrong as it is the camera that creates it, which is what I thought.

Apart from that Jessops had no idea why it didn't work and what the fix is. Unfortunately they are unable to do anything about it now as I have left it too long.

So, I was wondering if any of you out there has ideas of how to fix the problem?

Thanks
 
Hi Andrew

I've not had a problem with any CF card I've used. Put it straight in and away we go ...

The Prospec card you have - does this still work fine ? Can you format this card ? - to make sure it's not a camera issue

Are you on the latest firmware for the 50D - can't see this making any difference if it works with the Prospec card, but worth checking

http://www.canon-europe.com/Support...x?DLtcmuri=tcm:13-845724&page=1&type=download

My other suggestion, it maybe worth giving Sandisk a call and seeing what if anything they can do / suggest ?
 
Have Jessops tried formating the card in one of their cameras in the shop, Sandisk are the most forged brand out there, it is possible they may have ended up in Jessops supply chain.
 
artyman said:
Have Jessops tried formating the card in one of their cameras in the shop, Sandisk are the most forged brand out there, it is possible they may have ended up in Jessops supply chain.

Unfortunately Jessops don't have the capability to try formatting as they no longer sell any camera with compact flash. Apparently things have moved on to quicker formats now.
 
They surely have a Canon 7D or 5D2 in the shop!

Or even a D3s, D700 and D300s ..........

They sucks if they don't have any of these cameras .........

Talking about that Jessops in Bolton don't even have D7000 or 60D ........ plus the above.
 
Well, I found the problem..... It turns out that one of the pins has bent inside the compact flash socket in the camera. Bad news is that it is going to cost £200 to fix and with a 50d body only worth about £400 I am reluctant to pay it. So I can get the part for £15 and try to fi it myself. Anyone know if this is advisable?
 
If it really is just one bent pin, why not have a go at straightening it yourself?

Use a jeweller's screwdriver to gently coax it back into place. If it doesn't work you're no worse off than you are already.
 
If your not going to pay the 200 quid repair bill why not have a go your self

There is a youtube video that shows a 40D being taken apart to sort out the sticky shutter problem, looks simple enough for a competent person
 
I spotted the bent pin today and the camera worked fine with the Prospec card but not the Sandisk. When I straightened the pin I then noticed that another pin was missing completely (where the other had bent over it) Since straightening neither card will work, even the Prospec.
 
Andrewbullie said:
I spotted the bent pin today and the camera worked fine with the Prospec card but not the Sandisk. When I straightened the pin I then noticed that another pin was missing completely (where the other had bent over it) Since straightening neither card will work, even the Prospec.

Wonder if the missing pin is in the prospect card - so this is why it was working ?
 
Back
Top