Actuations - A different approach?

I bought my last two cameras used, and from people I have no reason to distrust. One camera (the 10D) was at 4800 Actuations, according to the File numbering system. However, as I shot a game last week, after frame 9999, the IMG system automatically resetted to 0001.

So how do I know the camera was actually sold to me with 5k actuations, and not 15k?... Is there any firmware, or software app (with camera connected to PC) that would allow me to see the actual total actuations?...

I have done some research in this forum before posting on a subject that is probably been beaten to death, but I cannot find any reference.

I have no problems with the cameras, and they both look and operate great. I just would like to see their actual total number of shutter actuations recorded. Anyone know how?...

http://homepage.mac.co​m/aozer/EV/index.html

This one for the Mac should tell you total actuations on a JPG by reading it's EXIF data if left as is from the camera...Don't know of any apps for the PC...

Ok, I correct myself...

This forum post on FredMiranda forums has your answer...and it works, just verified it!
http://www.fredmiranda​.com/forum/topic2/7205​0/0_

I think this is probably the most effective way of seeing just how many actuations on your 1D. I've tested this on mine and another friends camera, and it is very accurate. We've formatted the card.. stuck in a brand new CF card, and the results are always accurate.

1. Download this exif reader http://www.takenet.or.​jp …ead/english/dow​nload.html

2. Take a picture with your 1D

3. Copy file to your HD

4. Open the file with exif reader

5. Look for the line: Unknown (0093)3,9: 18,0,XXXXX,0,0,0,65535​,65535,0

6. XXXXX = how many shutter actuations on your camera.

on my particular camera, I have 1043 shutter actuations.

_______________
stanc.net

Unfortunately, that only works with 1 series cameras and does not work with 10D, 20D, 30D cameras. I don't know about the 5 D.

I don't know of anyway to check the number of actuations for a 10D or 20D.

To my knowledge, the only way to get this information is by sending the camera to Canon. Only they have software that can tell you the true activations.

If you have a 1 series camera, then you can use the Cancount program to get you this information.

how much does it cost to have the camera repaired if it malfunctions after however many accuations it takes to make it malfunction?

Is this something that should be considered standard maintanace, like changing oil in a car? if so, after how many shots?

If I recall correctly, replacing a worn-out shutter (after 100K-250K images, depending on which camera you have) is in the 250$ range. I think that the difference between 5K and 15K images would not be considerable.

I recall reading the figures of 100K for 300D and 10D and 250K for 20D and 30D in some comparisons and communications by Chuck Westfall. But then, my memory is failing sometimes

But it 's not so much like changing the engine oil on your car, more like changing the transmission after 100,000 miles. Good thing is that your photography style doesn't influence this (unlike maybe your driving style )

Of course, the problem with statistics is that your specific camera *might* break after 5K actuations or after 250K actuations.

Best regards,
Andy

I agree that it would be interesting to know especially if buying a second hand camera.
But as Andy said above, there is really only a guide to the maximum number of actuations so it may depend more on how its been looked after.

So, snap away and when it goes bang instead of click then decide whether its worth repair or replacement.

The frame number in the IMG_???? rolls over after 9999, but the count continues. The first 2 digits in the IMG_aabb file name reflect the last 2 digits of the folder; the second 2 are the frame number within that folder. So IMG_9999 from folder 199CANON isn't the same as IMG9999 from folder 299CANON. Of course, all this assumes that the previous owner(s) never used counter reset, or put a card from another camera into their camera.

Well, on the camera Indicated in the post (alledged 4800 actuations), the folder system was at 100-120, and I now have it up to 218.
In the second camera, which just as well taken care of, the actuations came as 0000, which would indicate a master reset. Does the folder reset as well?... perhaps not, I oughta look into this. I just transfered some pics, but renamed the folder before taking a look at it. It seems the Folder number changes every time the camera is turned on, actuated, and then turned off. So in the first camera's case, 150 folders (150 camera startups, should be ok). If I find anything out, I will be sure to post it right away.

Yes, the folder resets too when you reset numbering. It does take an existing file/folder number from whatever card you insert if one's already there though. However the folder number should increase only evey 100 frames or when a higher frame number is found on the current card. If you're at folder 218, the theoretical number of frames taken should be 11800. It would have been around the 1-2000 mark if it was 110-120. But the folder/frame number value is really incredibly easy to mess up. If the actual number of actuations matters, ask Canon.

englishw wrote:
Ok, I correct myself...

This forum post on FredMiranda forums has your answer...and it works, just verified it!
http://www.fredmiranda​.com/forum/topic2/7205​0/0_

Cool. Thanks for the info!