Shutter Release Stuck...

So I was right in the middle of shooting a Pectoral Sandpiper today when I realized my primary shutter release on my 400d was stuck. It is stuck in the second position (AF position).

It AF's when I barely touch it, and still takes photos, but it will not go back to its normal position. The best explanation that I can think of is there is sand under the shutter release jamming it (or maybe the spring has failed).

So far I have tried canned air, clicking the shutter, shaking the camera (:p in frustration), using a needle to clean the sand out of the cracks (sand seems to be also under shutter release, but does not grind when pushed). The camera still works fine, its just that engaging the AF is WAY more sensitive now. The secondary shutter release on the grip still works too, so i'm not without a camera.

Any other ideas except sending it in to Canon?

Try the old alcohol through the battery compartment trick.

If that doesn't work learn to back button focus using the "*". The cost to repair the old rebel will likely exceed the value of the body.

Good Luck!

Take the grip off and try the shutter button again. It's not unknown for a grip, especially if it's an after market grip, to cause problems with the cameras shutter button.

dave kadolph wrote in post #13329146
Try the old alcohol through the battery compartment trick.
If that doesn't work learn to back button focus using the "*". The cost to repair the old rebel will likely exceed the value of the body.

I already assumed that repair would cost more than the body. The camera still AFs with the main shutter release, it just doesn't double click anymore. The shutter is so jammed that when the camera is on and I tilt the camera at an angle without touching the shutter release, it AFs on its own.

I don't see how removing the battery grip would affect the shutter (or pooring alcohol down the battery compartment) since the shutter release (or its mechanism) isn't accessible from there.

not really sure what to do now...

Anyone know how to access the shutter release mechanism without exposing the sensor?

I would definitely start with taking the grip off -- replace the main battery door and see if that doesn't help.

Alcohol actually has helped loosen "stuck" shutter buttons, but it's not foolproof, just an approach for a camera that is too old to be worth repair. Some people have gotten results by dribbling drops of alcohol around the actual button. Make sure your battery is out!

As to getting to the button components, well, disassembly required!

Finally got it , took off the grip-- didn't work. Then had it sitting in my lap reading POTN and five minutes later looked down and it was fine. Thanks guys!

I really don't know how removing the grip helped it. Considering there is no direct connection between the battery compartment and any part of the shutter release...

You say it wouldn't AF, right? The AF is electrical. I'm guessing the grip just has a compatibility issue; it doesn't need to be mechanical.

BirdBoy wrote in post #13330689
Finally got it , took off the grip-- didn't work. Then had it sitting in my lap reading POTN and five minutes later looked down and it was fine. Thanks guys!

I really don't know how removing the grip helped it. Considering there is no direct connection between the battery compartment and any part of the shutter release...

There is a connection to the shutter otherwise how would the secondary shutter on the grip work? I always check to make sure the grip's tightening screw is tight (not too tight). If it's a little loose the shutter button will act eratically.

garys1 wrote in post #13330919
There is a connection to the shutter otherwise how would the secondary shutter on the grip work? I always check to make sure the grip's tightening screw is tight (not too tight). If it's a little loose the shutter button will act eratically.

You say it wouldn't AF, right? The AF is electrical. I'm guessing the grip just has a compatibility issue; it doesn't need to be mechanical.

The AF still worked. The problem was the actual button of the primary shutter release was stuck in the AF position, but not quite activating the AF unless tilted or very lightly press, it would not go back to its normal resting position. That is why I was confused when everyone told me to remove my grip; AF worked fine, button stuck.

The grip is Canon if that is even relative anymore