50D shutter problem??? Help!

Gringriff

My 50D shutter release button no longer functioning 100% of the time.
I wonder if my shutter button is wearing out and if that is something that can be repaired.

I have had the 50D for over two years now and taken a LOT of photos. I’ve had many weekend where I have taken over ten thousand shot each (soccer, basketball, swimming, motocross events etc…)

But for a while now and it seems to be getting worse, sometimes I press the shutter button and nothing happens. I have to push it multiple times and try different angles of pressure and then it will fire.

Last night at a track meet I kept pushing the button and by the time I got it to fire the runner was already past.

Is this a problem that others have had and if so does anyone know how to get this fixed and about how much it would cost?

Thanks,
Andy<!-- google_ad_section_end --> <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

stirinthesauce

There was a link I ran across on FM the other day that showed a tutorial on how to clean the common stuck shutter button on the 20d/30d/40d/50d using isopropyl alcohol. Maybe search around there.

ziggy53

The shutter button can fail for a number of reasons. It does sound like your camera has seen a lot of actuations. High actuations is something that can lead to mechanical failure of any switch.

If the problem is just dirt and grime buildup, which could happen in an outdoor sports scenario, then it's likely to be the problem. Repairs are likely to be $150-$200USD but Canon would replace the button/switch. You may also be approaching the average life expectancy of the camera with regard to shutter box and mirror box assemblies. (100k actuations rating for both assemblies. Remember that is just the average mean failure rating and many assemblies will fail before the rating is reached and that is normal.)

You could try the "flushing" process mentioned before but it is neither recommended nor safe, for a number of reasons. If you can find someone familiar with electronics manufacture they might have some safer liquid contact cleaning compounds to try. Be absolutely certain that no compounds enter the camera or you can have many other problems.

Gringriff

stirinthesauce, Thanks I will look there in FM


Ziggy - I am sure I am well over the 100K.

If it is past the life expectancy and the boxes, mirrors, switches are just worn out is thjat something Canon would fix? Is that part of the $150 to $200 or do you think that be a lot more?

Thanks,
Andy

ziggy53

Gringriff wrote: »

stirinthesauce, Thanks I will look there in FM


Ziggy - I am sure I am well over the 100K.

If it is past the life expectancy and the boxes, mirrors, switches are just worn out is thjat something Canon would fix? Is that part of the $150 to $200 or do you think that be a lot more?

Thanks,
Andy

Replacing the shutter box and mirror box assemblies would probably add another $250-$350 or so. It would be less than doing separately but not cheap. It's a major service and would replace much of your camera's mechanical insides.

A refurbished 50D is just over $700 (When available and I believe a 90 day warranty):

http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10051_10051_211654_-1

Canon Loyalty program would probably be closer to $600 if available.

Gringriff

Thanks Ziggy - I am looking at the CLP and considering a 7D.

I just downloaded the EOS Info program. According to it the 50D has a shutter count of 143842 but it is having trouble with the serial number showing an 8.

I am thinking maybe I should just get this unit rebuilt and then when I get a 7D I would have a nice backup instead of the XSi I have(with 47K shutter count)

I never like to buy used stuff - Is it really safe buying a refurbished unit from Canon? I am just worried that I may get a refurb that has over 100K shutter clicks.

Andy