7d problem reaqding cf cards

my 7d is acting strange , been using 2 x 4 gig sandisc cf cards and never had any probs , now tried a 2gig in and it wont read , says format card so i do and it says cannot format , tried a different card and it does the same , bought a new sandisc and it does the same , says cannot format or read , yet it still reads and formats my old 4gig cards , any ideas why
all help much appreciated

Sorry to hear about the problems Dave - don't really know the answer....... but the coin batter and regular batter both charged up? Only thing I can think of is maybe the internal config/IOS somehow got hosed up.

Dave, I have always done initial formats on my computer and then soft formats in the camera. Not sure that's a valid response, but has always worked for me.

What version of the FW do you have? At least one of the revisions had to do with CF card incompatibilities.

I've had this same problem, and I have a solution.

This error happens when you delete a folder from the card from within your computer, then install it into the camera.

You need to right click on the card in the "computer" window and choose "format" format it any way you like, then you will be able to format the card in the camera, which I suggest you do immediately.

Do not EVER delete the picture folder from within your computer. When you are done uploading the images, to remove the images use the format function in your camera only.

Deleting any "FOLDER" on your card from your computer will cause this error.

Hope this helps

Use a flashlight and carefully inspect the CF socket in the camera... look for bent or damaged pins.

Also look very closely at the socket end of the memory cards. Look for any sign of damage.

Hopefully you won't find anything. But if you do, you'll probably need to have the socket repaired.

Other than that, I'd try (some of which have already been suggested):

1. Make sure the camera's firmware is up to date.
2. Format the card in your computer first, then again in the camera before using it.
3. There is a little pin switch on the camera's memory card door. Make sure that's not obstructed. (Note: AFAIK, if that switch weren't working properly the camera wouldn't even power up, so I really don't think this is the problem.)
4. "Reboot" the camera. That might clear something from memory that's causing a problem.
5. Some "recovery" softwares have a built-in card testing and repair applet. I got a copy of such a software some years ago from Lexar, free with the purchase of a card, that works well. It identifies bad sectors on a card and maps around them.

I don't know of any incompatible cards, but it is possible that some older memory cards simply won't work in a newer camera. But the new card you just bought certainly should work. It is possible though, that it's a bad card. Those are rare, but do happen.

I agree with Tzetsin that deleting something like a folder on the card while it's out of the camera might cause a problem. But formating first in the computer, then again in the camera should fix it.

It is good practice to always format the card in-camera, before use. Just be aware that this will erase any and all images already on the card, or allow them to be overwritten. Formatting prepares the card for use, but should be done in-camera so that you are certain it's done properly. Formatting in computer might clear the card, but set up the wrong files structure. It's okay to do that, so long as you remember to format again in-camera before trying to use the card.

thanks all , it was actually a pin missing , will need to send in to canon now

amfoto1 wrote in post #14697166
Use a flashlight and carefully inspect the CF socket in the camera... look for bent or damaged pins.

Also look very closely at the socket end of the memory cards. Look for any sign of damage.

Hopefully you won't find anything. But if you do, you'll probably need to have the socket repaired.

Other than that, I'd try (some of which have already been suggested):

1. Make sure the camera's firmware is up to date.
2. Format the card in your computer first, then again in the camera before using it.
3. There is a little pin switch on the camera's memory card door. Make sure that's not obstructed. (Note: AFAIK, if that switch weren't working properly the camera wouldn't even power up, so I really don't think this is the problem.)
4. "Reboot" the camera. That might clear something from memory that's causing a problem.
5. Some "recovery" softwares have a built-in card testing and repair applet. I got a copy of such a software some years ago from Lexar, free with the purchase of a card, that works well. It identifies bad sectors on a card and maps around them.

I don't know of any incompatible cards, but it is possible that some older memory cards simply won't work in a newer camera. But the new card you just bought certainly should work. It is possible though, that it's a bad card. Those are rare, but do happen.

I agree with Tzetsin that deleting something like a folder on the card while it's out of the camera might cause a problem. But formating first in the computer, then again in the camera should fix it.

It is good practice to always format the card in-camera, before use. Just be aware that this will erase any and all images already on the card, or allow them to be overwritten. Formatting prepares the card for use, but should be done in-camera so that you are certain it's done properly. Formatting in computer might clear the card, but set up the wrong files structure. It's okay to do that, so long as you remember to format again in-camera before trying to use the card.

Sorry to hear about the "injury" Dave. Since it had been working at one time, does it appear that a (bad/poorly manufactured?) card may have bent and snapped the pin off?