shutter wont always actuate

[Blue Deuce]

Probably wont be able to explain this very well because I am not sure what really is happening. Sometimes when I go to take a shot and press the shutter button nothing happens. I dont receive any error messages, the settings are correct and batteries are fully charged. If I change the dial from lets say AV to TV or some other setting sometimes that works and sometimes it doesnt. It just seems to correct itself on its own.

Has anyone else had this occur to their 20d ?

[Pekka]

You do not mention what camera it is. Couple of explanations:
- dirt beneath shutter button (compressed air might help)
- camera is set to fire only when subject is in focus (check custom functions in your camera).

[cmM]

does that happen when you're in manual focus or AI servo mode?

[robertwgross]

Yes, there are several automatic things inside the camera that will attempt to block the shutter if it thinks things are wrong. The most typical is autofocus not locked.

Just to prove to yourself that it is not a malfunction, switch the camera over to the Green Box mode and press the shutter button. If it is dim light, the camera may have to pop up the built-in flash, but otherwise you should be able to force a shot.

---Bob Gross---

[ghocking]

Had this happen on me yesterday. Switched of/on still happened, took battery out/in everything then OK. Some sort of lock up. Maybe time for the latest firmware update.

[lost]

Most likely issue is you are not getting focus lock.

[dhbailey]

Next time it happens, look to see if the green dot is flashing inside the viewfinder -- that's how you know if you have focuslock or not. If the light is flashing, focus is not locked.

One way to check if that is the problem is simply switch off autofocus on the lens and try to take the picture. If it works, then the autofocus lock is the problem.

[Bracketracer]

Did not post the problem,, but running inot the same thing,, thanks for the help, it was focus lock,,,,