Unplanned upgrade. Thoughts?

Well, it's been what....8 months now since I got this 20D beater. Glad I don't have any cash in it, just a vacuum someone wanted to trade. Sadly, the shutter button is very finicky. VERY. Like, press or press/hold 3-5 times before it finally shoots. Extremely annoying. Thinking about getting a used 40D or 50D Prices here seem to be just around $200 for a 40D and $225-$300 for 50D's. I think I may splurge for a 50D since they aren't much more. Plus I had a 40D in the past. Is it worth considering the newer Rebels?? I know they have nice processors and fancy stuff now, but I just love my control wheel and size/feel of the xxD series. And, the last time I held a Rebel it was the XT/350D.

You can find something, certainly. There is a 7D on the sale boards right now for $325. You should be able to get a 60D (LV/VIDEO upgrades from 50D) for about that much.

There is avery simple fix for the shutter button that you might want to try before shelling out lots of $$$

Thanks, worth a try!

I've use it on two different cameras and it worked both times. Some things to be careful of is to make sure that the shutter button always stays the lowest point of the camera. You want to avoid getting alcohol into the top display. Also, don't get antsy and use the camera too soon. I gave it a full day to evaporate.

Thanks. I work on watches. Take apart things like Rolex, Antique pocket watches. I know the value of being patient and careful for sure!!! Is this trick dissolving some kind of residue, dust, etc that gets in the contacts?

lvph2 wrote in post #18184296
Thanks. I work on watches. Take apart things like Rolex, Antique pocket watches. I know the value of being patient and careful for sure!!! Is this trick dissolving some kind of residue, dust, etc that gets in the contacts?

From what I understand the shutter button gets dirty with oils and dust and suck and uses a foal disk as a spring. When dirty it looses it's springiness. The alcohol dissolves the grease and oils and rinses out the dust. I've never taken apart a camera but from these pictures, it seems to conform what others have said.

A better shot of the whole shutter assemble.

I see, thanks. I've already got it sitting and airing out now. Won't touch it until tomorrow. If it doesn't change at all, I'll do a second treatment. After that, I think I'll go back to considering a replacement. Or, just tell the wife it didn't work....This was my one chance for an upgrade!!

lvph2 wrote in post #18184472
I see, thanks. I've already got it sitting and airing out now. Won't touch it until tomorrow. If it doesn't change at all, I'll do a second treatment. After that, I think I'll go back to considering a replacement. Or, just tell the wife it didn't work....This was my one chance for an upgrade!!

Well the, I'm sure that it wont work but I am sure you tried everything humaly possible to get it working.

Worked like A charm! Thanks.

There goes the upgrade

Knowing this type of thing can happen you might start saving a set amount each week or month toward getting a newer body some time in the future. Then when it is time you will have cash to help with the purchase.

Saving the cost of a soda pop or coffee a day and within a few months you can probably buy a brand new camera.

lvph2 wrote in post #18184149
Well, it's been what....8 months now since I got this 20D beater. Glad I don't have any cash in it, just a vacuum someone wanted to trade. Sadly, the shutter button is very finicky. VERY. Like, press or press/hold 3-5 times before it finally shoots. Extremely annoying. Thinking about getting a used 40D or 50D Prices here seem to be just around $200 for a 40D and $225-$300 for 50D's. I think I may splurge for a 50D since they aren't much more. Plus I had a 40D in the past. Is it worth considering the newer Rebels?? I know they have nice processors and fancy stuff now, but I just love my control wheel and size/feel of the xxD series. And, the last time I held a Rebel it was the XT/350D.

Heya,

I'd go for a used 40D or 50D. The 50D really is just a slightly bumped 40D. The 40D is significantly different and better from the 20D. It's the sweet spot to me. For the price tiers, I'd look at 40D then 7D basically in that order of cost. I'd skip the Rebels for the most part unless you really need flip out screens or specific video features more than the robust nature and controls of the XXD series.

Just a thought, the 40D is on KEH.com right now, and there's a coupon (WOW20) for 20% off, making it $140 shipped with a 180 day warranty. That's pretty great.

Very best,

20D still working great. Got another lens, Sigma 20mm F/1.8

But, not really would like a newer body. The noise of the 20D gets to me. I still get plenty of lovely shots for such a cheap setup, but I still end up wanting more. I also use this for watch/watch parts photos, so the noise really shows when I'm trying to photograph a part that is only a couple of mm's in size!

I'm finding it hard to choose between the 7d, 40/50D, or even a 5Dc! Thoughts? Trying to stay in that $300-$500 range used here on POTN. Can probably get rid of the 20D for around $100 on eBay. So that would bring out of pocket to $200-$400 which would be great.