Fixable or Dead?

My trusty 40D has died (maybe not so trusty). When switched on, irrespective of any setting selected, the viewfinder just displays the 'bulb' error and the display window on the back of the camera is just black....nothing showing at all.

Not much more I can tell you but am interested to hear if this sounds fatal or if its worth trying a repair somewhere (cost vs reward)

It may be easier and more cost effective to pick up a 50D or a 60D.

Have you tried the usual fixes? Changing lenses, different battery, replacing the button battery?

Changed lens - yes.
Main battery - yes.
Button Battery - No

Bounty Hunter wrote in post #16585874
My trusty 40D has died (maybe not so trusty). When switched on, irrespective of any setting selected, the viewfinder just displays the 'bulb' error and the display window on the back of the camera is just black....nothing showing at all.

Not much more I can tell you but am interested to hear if this sounds fatal or if its worth trying a repair somewhere (cost vs reward)

if you've changed all the batteries then it sounds like a 'fatal' problem and probably not worth repairing
sorry

At this point, it would be cheaper to just buy another, used 40D or take the opportunity to update to a 50/60/70D

I haven't got a 40D, but generally has anyone bothered getting cameras repaired?
Or does it really depend on what the damage/problem is?
Was looking at a few sites rather than some of the shops in my area, as they have 'reputation'.
YouCamFix
FixationUK
or going down the more official line with this
Love to hear experiences, as I've never really had to get a camera repaired before.

I've had a couple of cameras repaired so far; it all depends on cost to repair vs cost to replace

If you have never replaced the button (memory) battery, I'd try that first. That's cheap and easy to replace, might solve the problem.

Also be certain that the main battery(ies) and/or charger are good. BP511As do go bad after a certain number of discharge/recharge cycles. And sometimes chargers can fail.

Also, if not used for quite while, the main batteries can be slow to charge up at first, but might take a full charge and work fine after a half dozen discharge/recharge cycles. I've had this happen a couple times. Old battery that had been sitting for a long, long time appeared to be fully charged (according to the charger) and camera would come on, but might not take even a single pic before dying again. Battery back in the charger, next time the camera stays on a little longer, but still dies rather quickly. Repeated it several more times and saw gradual improvement, until the battery finally took a good, full charge and the camera worked normally. After that, regular recharges kept the camera working normally.

If you rule out any of the batteries as a source of the problem, contact Canon or a local repair tech for a repair quote. But it might be more than the camera is worth, could cost more than a replacement. If you decide it's not worth fixing, your 40D might still have some value to someone as a parts camera or as a trade-in through the Canon Loyalty Program (do a search on that, if interested).

When you take a picture, does the mirror flip up to show the sensor or shutter? If it does, but you don't see the sensor, it could be your shutter that is pooched. If the shutter does work, than it could be your sensor that is causing you grief. If the mirror does not flip up, it's probably the mirror box.

If you are the adventurous type and aren't too concerned on the outcome of the camera, you could always get a repair part off eBay and try fixing it yourself. Get the downloadable service manual and follow the instructions carefully. I've repaired a few cameras myself and it wasn't that bad. Just remember to discharge the capacitor that powers the flash. Forgot to do that once and it really gave me a jolt!

If you do fix it, bonus. If you don't, than you would have had to buy a different camera anyway.

Just did a Google search Bulb error 99 is the shutter. If that is the case look for a new camera. If so, see what the canon loyalty program has if it is still going. I purchase a refurbished 7D for around 800-900 dollars or so. That was many years ago, but they may have some other outstanding deal.