EOS 300D 4000 Error

[Red Devil]

I have recently purchased a 300D and twice now I have turned the camera to fully automatic mode and it won't let me take a picture as I just get the number 4000 flashing in the display :( (once this happens I can't then shoot in any mode!!)

I notice in the Tv settings etc (reading the manual) that this indicates under/over exposure and you need to alter some of the settings but this isn't supposed to happen in fully automatic mode. I have been able to rectify the problem by leaving the battery out overnight and then using it agian but given that this isn't how I imagined the camera should work I have now requested a replacement.

Has anyone else come across this problem :?:

[Jesper]

The flashing "4000" means that there is so much light that even the shortest possible shutter speed, 1/4000 of a second, is too long to expose the photo correctly. Were you trying to make a photo of a very bright light or did you include the sun in the frame?

Try putting the camera on Av mode and choose the smallest aperture possible (the largest f/stop number, which will probably be f/22 or f/32 or something like that, depending on the lens). The camera will now choose an appropriate shutter speed when you try to make a photo. If it still shows the flashing "4000" and you're not trying to photograph something that's very bright, then maybe there's something wrong with the light meter in your camera.

[Seveneer]

I agree with Jesper. Also worth checking the ISO hasn't been set to 1600 by mistake.

/Phil.

[vfilby]

In full automatic mode it should automatically set the ISO between 100 and 400. It also sounds strange that Red Devil can't shoot in any other mode after the flashing 4000.

I just pointed my rebel at a 150W halogen light, from about 30cm away, and it determined a shutter speed of 1/320 and an aperture of f14. Actually it was a pretty good abstract picture, I'll have to take more.

Vince

[Red Devil]

Thanks to those who sent a reply. I have today received a new replacement camera which just goes to show that it was a fault with my previous one. I'm hoping the problem does not appear again but thought it may be worth posting this so that if it becomes a common problem there maybe something it hit back at canon with.

Have to say other than this I'm well happy with the results and the camera itself, even though I am a complete novice!!

[vfilby]

I am glad that you have a working camera. The Rebel is a good camera and I am sure you will enjoy it.

Regards,

Vince

[Seveneer]

Glad you got it sorted. :D

Looking forward to seeing some of your pictures taken with your new camera.

/Phil.