7D Shutter will not work...

[416bw]

Hi folks,

Today I was taking some pictures with my 7D and 70-200mm lens, and everything was fine. Then I switched to a 17-55mm and for some reason it wouldn't take a picture. Everything else works. It focuses, I can view images stored, it switches modes, the flash pops up in auto-mode, etc. But when I depress the shutter release (it will focus) but not take a picture.

I've tried recharging the battery (it was low) switching CF cards, and clearing all custom functions and nothing worked. The lock switch on the big wheel doesn't affect it either.

For some background, I'm in Afghanistan and it's been extremely dusty. The camera isn't what I'd considered abused, but it's well used, certainly a bit dirty, and gets some rough handling at times. The mode switch has always been sticky. When I turn the power lever on, the mode switch tends to change functions too. Usually from my normal Av selection, to Manual. But as I mentioned, the mode switch does work, as well as the power switch.

I'm wide open for suggestions, and am not above trying field repairs at this point. It would take over a month to ship it back, get it fixed, and then shipped back. I'd probably buy another body in the mean time.

Thanks for any help.

[Buckieh]

If I was in Afghanistan I would have bigger worries than why my camera wont take pictures! Be careful shooting, the US military might think you are an insurgent with an "RPG" and blow you up from an apache helicopter!

[416bw]

Quick update...

There's no grip installed, and I just remembered I have a wireless remote, and the camera does take pictures with the remote.

Thinking it's gotta be dirt in the shutter release button.

Thoughts?

[Vermin87]

it is only a problem on one lens or all of them?

[foxbat]

Originally Posted by 416bw

Thinking it's gotta be dirt in the shutter release button.

Sounds like the most likely explanation. Do you have a powerful bulb blower? Half-press the shutter button to make a little space between the button and the housing and blow it hard from all angles with the bulb blower to see if you can dislodge whatever's in the way.

[MyLookingGlassEye]

If the remote will trip the shutter,
but the button won't, then I agree - it's gotta be some particles preventing contact at the button.

With your situation, your options are limited on repair - I wish ya Good luck if you try cleanin it.

[416bw]

Originally Posted by Vermin87

it is only a problem on one lens or all of them?

Same thing with both of the 2 lenses I have here.

Thanks!

[416bw]

Originally Posted by foxbat

Sounds like the most likely explanation. Do you have a powerful bulb blower? Half-press the shutter button to make a little space between the button and the housing and blow it hard from all angles with the bulb blower to see if you can dislodge whatever's in the way.

I have one of those Giotto Rocket blowers. Tried it, but no joy.

Might be able to get a hold of a can of air, the kind used for cleaning keyboards. Would that cause any problems? Also have access to electrical contact cleaner.

[foxbat]

Originally Posted by 416bw

I have one of those Giotto Rocket blowers. Tried it, but no joy.

Might be able to get a hold of a can of air, the kind used for cleaning keyboards. Would that cause any problems? Also have access to electrical contact cleaner.

Not a good idea to use canned air - the liquid propellant does not play well with the electronics in the camera.

[416bw]

Originally Posted by Buckieh

If I was in Afghanistan I would have bigger worries than why my camera wont take pictures! Be careful shooting, the US military might think you are an insurgent with an "RPG" and blow you up from an apache helicopter!

No issues so far...



Here's a Canadian Ch-47 for ya...

[416bw]

I'm thinking about buying a grip and having it shipped over. Any thoughts on whether or not the shutter release on a grip will override the non-functioning shutter release on the body?

Thanks

[tkbslc]

Originally Posted by 416bw

I'm thinking about buying a grip and having it shipped over. Any thoughts on whether or not the shutter release on a grip will override the non-functioning shutter release on the body?

Thanks

If it truly is a faulty button that is to blame, then yes. You could also try this with a remote shutter release.

[hpulley]

First, great pics!

Unfortunately it sounds like the 7D has the same shutter dirt problem as the 40D and 50D, not surprising really, similar bodies. There are instructions on the net for taking it apart. Some people pour some alcohol in there (see the "I'm about the pour alcohol into my 30D, wish me luck!" thread. If the camera is at all under warranty you'd want to send it in though the remote and/or the grip (in portrait orientation) will likely let you get by for now.

If you get another body, you might want a 1D, better sealing even on an old cheap model classic or Mark II.

[416bw]

Thanks for the heads up on the cleaning/repair thread!

The pics I posted look much better larger. I did a quick resize on PhotoBucket to fit them here.

My thoughts exactly on going to some version of the 1D body.

[416bw]

Thanks to you fine folks, the 7D is back up and running.

I watched a video about cleaning the shutter release via the battery compartment, tried it with some electrical contact cleaner, and 'viola', it works now.

Thanks again!