My 40D has packed-up

[Roy C]

Looks like my 40D has packed up. Getting the Error 99 coming up, tried different batteries a couple of different memory cards and three different lenses.
Can anyone recommended a place to send the Camera for repair and also will they give you an estimate without committing to the repair.
Thanks in advance.

[MSA]

Hi Roy

How long have you had the camera for? My first stop would be the supplier for a claim, even if it's over 12 months old, on the basis that cameras should last longer than a year!

Also leads to a previously posted question, never answered - does anyone bother to take out insurance of the "extended warranty" type (or any other insurance)?

[Roy C]

Hi Roy

How long have you had the camera for? My first stop would be the supplier for a claim, even if it's over 12 months old, on the basis that cameras should last longer than a year!

Also leads to a previously posted question, never answered - does anyone bother to take out insurance of the "extended warranty" type (or any other insurance)?
Thanks for that Mark but I just need to know the best place to send for repair/estimate.
As far as taking out extended warranties, I never do this on any electrical items, even if this repair cost £500 I would still be thousands in over the years by not taking out ext.warranties.

[Duke Leto]

Roy I found Fixation were very good, www.fixationuk.com

[carlj]

Lehmanns have a good rep with canon gear, I hear. But their location may not be ideal. As for warranties, spent 70 for 2 years extra, had 2 repairs that would have cost double that. One thing to consider is the sale of goods act. If it can be proven that your problem is inherent, you've a six year claim period. Problem is proof.

[mike from ebbw]

Roy on my 300d and 350d the Err 99 code indicated a lens problem or a problem with the lens/camera connection.Why not try it with a different lens unless you already have of course.Just a thought.

[Roy C]

Roy on my 300d and 350d the Err 99 code indicated a lens problem or a problem with the lens/camera connection.Why not try it with a different lens unless you already have of course.Just a thought.
Hi Mike, I have tried a couple of lenses with the same result - both lenses work OK on my 30D.

[QuantumTiger]

Sorry to hear that Roy

Have you tried cleaning the pins on the camera & lenses which interface to the lens? I had Err99 on my 70-200IS when I first bought in, cleaned the pins and it never came back.

http://www.richardsnotes.org/archives/2005/04/29/50mm-lens-contact-points/

[postcardcv]

Looks like my 40D has packed up. Getting the Error 99 coming up, tried different batteries a couple of different memory cards and three different lenses.

:C most annoying - I hope you can get it sorted quickly.

[Roy C]

Sorry to hear that Roy

Have you tried cleaning the pins on the camera & lenses which interface to the lens? I had Err99 on my 70-200IS when I first bought in, cleaned the pins and it never came back.

http://www.richardsnotes.org/archives/2005/04/29/50mm-lens-contact-points/
Hi Ian, yes, I have cleaned the contacts. I am pretty sure it is the shutter that has packed up.

[Roy C]

:C most annoying - I hope you can get it sorted quickly.
Thanks Peter, only good thing is I have still got the 30D.

[Harold Stiver]

In Canada it is virtually impossible to get an estimate for a specific repair from Canon, as they insist on looking it over.

I think a new shutter runs about $300Can if it turns out to be that.

Good luck.

[JohnZ]

Roy, I have heard nothing but good about Fixation. You could always mail them for an estimate ?

[Tav94]

Roy I sent mine to canon at Elstree and had it back in a week that was with shutter problem.
Chris B

[christineredgate]

Lehmanns have a good rep with canon gear, I hear. But their location may not be ideal. As for warranties, spent 70 for 2 years extra, had 2 repairs that would have cost double that. One thing to consider is the sale of goods act. If it can be proven that your problem is inherent, you've a six year claim period. Problem is proof.

Roy,Lehmanns are very good.They will send you a quote.Sorry to hear you are having probs,do you think it could have anything to do with using the stacked tc's? also if you phone Lehmanns,and have a chat over the phone,they may have an idea of the prob,and give you quote,thereand then,also they may advise if Canon are reponsible and it could only cost the postage.I have sent all my cams there for the free cleans,and they repaired my original 100-400.A very good company.

[Roy C]

Roy,Lehmanns are very good.They will send you a quote.Sorry to hear you are having probs,do you think it could have anything to do with using the stacked tc's? also if you phone Lehmanns,and have a chat over the phone,they may have an idea of the prob,and give you quote,thereand then,also they may advise if Canon are reponsible and it could only cost the postage.I have sent all my cams there for the free cleans,and they repaired my original 100-400.A very good company.
Hi Christine, cannot think that stacking tc's has anything to do with it as that is manual focus only. Strange thing now is that the Af is working perfectly. I am almost sure it is the shutter mechanism that has gone. Just 6 weeks out of warranty - always the way :C

[websurfer]

As my Canon 20D broke down with at shutter problem, I was in contact with a Canon Service center in Denmark. I was told to try this before sending in: Removing all batteries( incl. litle flat one) for a monent. Then insert batteries, select Auto mode (green) and turn the camera on. Unfortunately this didn´t help me, but this was the advice I was given before sending my 20D in. You can give it a try..

[avwh]

My 40D also gave me the dreaded Error 99, but this was about 3 weeks before its one-year purchase anniversary, so I had warranty coverage. I also tried the battery removal trick; no luck.

I paid one-way shipping, Canon replaced the shutter mechanism and had it back to me good as new in less than a week.

[hollis_f]

I am almost sure it is the shutter mechanism that has gone. Just 6 weeks out of warranty - always the way :CTerrible news.

Warranties aren't the only protection one has. If it were mine, I'd be contacting the supplier and Canon and suggesting that a shutter failure after 13 months isn't acceptable for such an expensive piece of kit and that it must be due to an inherent fault.

The might tell you to foxtrot oscar, but they might do the repair for free. Worth a try to save a couple of hundered quid.

[Roy C]

Terrible news.

Warranties aren't the only protection one has. If it were mine, I'd be contacting the supplier and Canon and suggesting that a shutter failure after 13 months isn't acceptable for such an expensive piece of kit and that it must be due to an inherent fault.

The might tell you to foxtrot oscar, but they might do the repair for free. Worth a try to save a couple of hundered quid.
Thanks for that Frank, I have given it a try.

[Tectortony]

Not that I can offer any advice but I think it is dreadfull ( being polite) that your camera has gone after only 13 months, just as a mater of interest how many pictures has it taken ? I was thinking of upgrading my 20D, now I might just stay as I am.

[Duke Leto]

Roy I forgot to mention, When Fixation repaired my Nikon D70s it was out of warranty by a few weeks, They still carried out the work under warranty as in their words, the shutter should last longer than a year and 10K actuation's, I guess they took it up with Nikon on my behalf.

[Roy C]

Not that I can offer any advice but I think it is dreadfull ( being polite) that your camera has gone after only 13 months, just as a mater of interest how many pictures has it taken ? I was thinking of upgrading my 20D, now I might just stay as I am.
I estimate about 10k of shots - I believe the 40D is rated for 100k.

[Roy C]

Roy I forgot to mention, When Fixation repaired my Nikon D70s it was out of warranty by a few weeks, They still carried out the work under warranty as in their words, the shutter should last longer than a year and 10K actuation's, I guess they took it up with Nikon on my behalf.
That's interesting Steve, mine has also done about 10k

[postcardcv]

Estimated shutter life doesn't mean much, I know of cameras that have failed with less than 1000 shots, but also know of a 20D that managed ~500000 shots on one shutter.

I agree that as it's only just out of warranty it would be worth trying the retailer first. Though it might mean that it takes longer to get sorted...

[shoshone]

Roy, |=(|

I'd send it in to Canon in Elstree and as others have suggested 10K clicks seems you were sold something unfit for purpose.

They will check it out and maybe 'at their discretion' make some contribution or fix it for free (and claim it as goodwill).

At least I believe they will contact you with a quote before starting any repair.

Jamie

[Harold Stiver]

Estimated shutter life doesn't mean much, I know of cameras that have failed with less than 1000 shots, but also know of a 20D that managed ~500000 shots on one shutter.


You're right. I think that a manufacturer's estimated life of 100,000 means that 50% will fail before and 50% after. It probably would look like a bell curve with some very short and long lives for a very few.

[GJW]

My 40D packed up after 3 months and the shutter assembly was replaced. Auto-focus still worked and photos could be taken but no information was available, no screen and no buttons worked Colchester Camera Repairs had it back to me in 5 days! it's been OK for the last 7 months - touch wood!

[Roy C]

Estimated shutter life doesn't mean much, I know of cameras that have failed with less than 1000 shots, but also know of a 20D that managed ~500000 shots on one shutter..
What it means to me is that Canon have got QA problems or an inherent product problem ! quite a lot of shutters pack up even before the 12 months is up and I have even read of people going through two shutter within the first 12 months. Ok it might not mean much but that does not make it right.
I would suggest with most consumer products major failure after 13 months would not be tolerated, ie the 12 month warranty should not effect your statutory rights.

[Roy C]

On a slightly different note, does anyone know if sending direct to Canon for repair would more expensive than someone like Fixation?

[mjmw]

Hi Ian, yes, I have cleaned the contacts. I am pretty sure it is the shutter that has packed up.

Why do you think it is the shutter Roy?

[Roy C]

Why do you think it is the shutter Roy?
Hi Mark, when you turn off/on there is no error message and you can attempt to take a shot. when I depress the shutter button you can hear it attempting to fire the shutter but it gives up the ghost and fails to complete the shutter cycle. Today on odd occasions it has actually taken a shot but gives up when you try to take a second shot. It is almost as if the shutter gets stuck in mid cycle.

[robski]

I became suspicious when the 40D has 2 fast modes 6.5 and 3 frames per second. I use the 6.5 frames mode sparingly just in case there are issues. Looks like you have got an excuse to upgrade to the 50D now Roy ;)

Lenmanns will post back FOC if you don't accept their quote.

[postcardcv]

I became suspicious when the 40D has 2 fast modes 6.5 and 3 frames per second. I use the 6.5 frames mode sparingly just in case there are issues.

I think that this is done because sometimes you really don't need 6.5fps but do want to shot continuously - there are similar high and low continuous shooting optins on the 1D's.

[Tectortony]

Roy,
I would send it to Canon, and I would expect them to fix it F.O.C, no camera should pack up in that time frame and only 10,000 activations, there is such a thing as "being up to the job" --- if it isn't then take it to the small claims court, I've done it with another company and it worked.

Tony

[Mahsleb]

Hi Roy I had exactly the same problem with my 40D
Colchester Camera repair centre replaced the shutter assembly
and returned it in less than a week
Thankfully mine was within the guarantee period otherwise it would
have cost £140

[Roy C]

Hi Roy I had exactly the same problem with my 40D
Colchester Camera repair centre replaced the shutter assembly
and returned it in less than a week
Thankfully mine was within the guarantee period otherwise it would
have cost £140
Hi Tony, I am just trying to work out if it is better to send to Canon in the hope that they may do it FOC or send it to some else who would almost certainly charge - trouble is if I send it to Canon and get charged it may cost more than.

[Duke Leto]

Id call fixation for a chat

[IanF]

Hi Mark, when you turn off/on there is no error message and you can attempt to take a shot. when I depress the shutter button you can hear it attempting to fire the shutter but it gives up the ghost and fails to complete the shutter cycle. Today on odd occasions it has actually taken a shot but gives up when you try to take a second shot. It is almost as if the shutter gets stuck in mid cycle.

Exact same symptons as I had - twice! A new shutter was needed - luckily whilst still under warranty. The new one has lasted the longest of the three.

The first time it happened taking the battery out for 20secs got me a few more frames but it soon packed in altogether.

A.J.Johnstone will examine it and send out an estimate but you still need to pay postage. They sent me one by mistake 12 months ago now which was around £150!

[websurfer]

It´s really sad reading to experience how many people in here having had trouble with the shutter mechanism on Canon cameras (me too). Just wonder if Nkon owners do have the same issue?

[Cashie]

Sorry to hear this yet again Roy, I think it's dissgusting that so many people are having trouble with the 40D.
I too am on my second one as the first one came up with the dredded error 99, luckyly it was still in warranty, I wonder if the 50D has any of the same issues, if so I dont think I'll bother.
If it was me I would phone Canon for their advice & a price if any!.

[JohnZ]

I don`t believe that too many people are having problems with Canon cameras. Unfortunately when somebody has a problem it is highlighted due to it being the exception rather than the rule. I, personally, can only think of a maximum of five people on here that have had probs with their cameras. And most of them, like Rob, suffered due to a mirror malfunction in the 1DMkIII.
Touch wood...HaHa I have had no probs whatsoever with my 40D. Now that is tempting fate !

[kim]

Hi Roy,
Am so sorry you are having problems with the 40d - I started to have and because of all the others that were commenting on focussing problems I changed it to the 50d. However how long it will last is anybody's guess. At the moment it is great!
My view is definitely that of contacting Canon direct - I feel that you must have a strong case for free repair as has already been said through the Sale of Goods act. Lucky you have back up - I too am relieved to have my old 20d in case of problems.
Perhaps all of us should contact Canon and comment on this problem - it seems there are quite a few - I certainly know of people who are not Bird Forum subscribers.

[Epsomsalt]

Hi Roy,

Sorry you are having problems. It seems this is a fairly common problem - at least not a one-off.
I would suggest that you write to The Customer Service Manager, Canon UK, Woodhatch, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 8BF and give him/her a link to this thread! Or you could give them a call - Telephone no: 01737 220 000

It is not unreasonable for you to expect a 'quality' product to give good service for an extended period and canon should do the repair FOC as a gesture of goodwill.

[Roy C]

Thanks to everyone for the comments and support in this one :t:
As an update I rang Canon and was told that I would have to pay for the repair - to this end I have now sent the Camera to 'Fixation' for repair. My priority is to get the Camera back up and running (although the trusted 30D has served me well over the past 4 or 5 days!).
Once I get the Camera back I may well write a letter of complaint to Canon.

[Jos Stratford]

Canon really need to look into this, I deliberated so long before buying a D40 due to the frequent reports of breakdown, really they need to work on reliability instead of upgrading so often. So far mine has been perfect, but it's only 3 months old.

[Highcountry]

Sorry about the sick 40D, Roy. I bought mine new in the summer and it was dead out of the box. It would not record any image and the mirror seemed to work OK. Probably a bad sensor. So much for quality control! Good luck with your repair.

[Ragna]

I think its a bit naff of Canon not to repair this as its only 6 weeks out of warranty even if they repaired it at a reduced cost.Roy do you shoot at the high speed setting asI just wonder how many photographers that have had their shutters fail continuously shoot at 6 frames per second.

[Roy C]

I think its a bit naff of Canon not to repair this as its only 6 weeks out of warranty even if they repaired it at a reduced cost.Roy do you shoot at the high speed setting asI just wonder how many photographers that have had their shutters fail continuously shoot at 6 frames per second.
Hi Graham, I always have the Hi continuous mode set and ready although I mostly just fire off a couple of shot bursts. I did the same with the 350D and 30D and neither of them failed.

[jeffs55]

My 40D failed with the built in flash failing to deploy after 11 months of ownership. I bought it at Best Buy for $1400 and a three year extended warranty for 2-3 hundred more. I am unsure on that but am sure on this. Best Buy sent the camera in for repair. The repair facility decided not to repair the camera. Best Buy issued me a full in store credit for the $1400 camera cost and pro rated the warranty. I reciebed a store credit for $1700 plus. I used the 40D for 11 months at a cost of $29! I took the credit and bought a 50D and another extended warranty. Those warranties are a gamble but look what a pay off. Icing on the cake. I retained the original kit lens, a 28-135. The new 50D came with the same lens. I sold the new 28-135 and kept the old one!

[seggs]

Hi Roy, I would have contacted the C.A.B. on this issue, don,t know if you did? Items so expensive such as Camera,s should not pack up just outside the 12 month cover period.
I was hoping to upgrade this year to this model from my 2 year old 350d, which has served me well(even after being dropped from a hide shelve). Having second thoughts on it now after reading about all the problems, if i do i think a extended warranty will be looked into.
Hope you get the camera back soon.

[Roy C]

As an update, I have just been told by Fixation that Canon UK have agreed to pay the cost of my repair (it was the shutter that was gone). Canon are still king :king:

[hollis_f]

Excellent news. Worth persevering.

[SiG]

The right result, well done!

[Cashie]

Brilliant news Roy!!

[Tectortony]

Great news, now I feel like upgrading my 20D, right result not just for you but Canon will come out of it well.
Tony

[Duke Leto]

As an update, I have just been told by Fixation that Canon UK have agreed to pay the cost of my repair (it was the shutter that was gone). Canon are still king :king:

Roy superb but I did indicate that earlier in the thread, as far as I'm concerned FixationUK is the only repairer in town, excellent outcome

[Vectis Birder]

As an update, I have just been told by Fixation that Canon UK have agreed to pay the cost of my repair (it was the shutter that was gone). Canon are still king :king:

Nice one. :t:

[seggs]

Result, pleased to hear it!

[Roy C]

Thanks to everyone for their comments and support on this one :t::t::t:

[QuantumTiger]

That's great news Roy. Hope they get it back to you soon too!

[christineredgate]

Good news indeed,Roy.

[Highcountry]

Two thumbs up, Roy.

[Sandpiper]

I am so pleased that Canon have agreed to cover the cost of the repair. It has restored my faith in the company. I purchased a new 40D this week and this has made me feel much happier. Hope your camera is returned to you very soon.

[Jaff]

Seems we're forgetting that it broke down only after 12 months in the first place though!

You'd almost think it had been programmed to fail just outside of the warranty. ;) Seriously though, good to hear it's all being sorted Roy.

[shoshone]

:t: and so they should for a :stuck: shutter

[postcardcv]

this thread got me thinking... I don't know how or why it would be connected but I do wonder if using a taped (or non-reporting) tc and forcing the camera to work when it's not designed to is causing some problems. As well as Roy I can think of five other Canon shutters that I know have failed all of which have seen regular use with a long lens and taped tc... like I say I can't think why it would be connected but it does make me wonder.

[IanF]

this thread got me thinking... I don't know how or why it would be connected but I do wonder if using a taped (or non-reporting) tc and forcing the camera to work when it's not designed to is causing some problems. As well as Roy I can think of five other Canon shutters that I know have failed all of which have seen regular use with a long lens and taped tc... like I say I can't think why it would be connected but it does make me wonder.

The same thought crossed my mind a while ago.

It doesn't hold true with my experiences though as when I had problems I rarely used a converter but since the last repair I've used the 1.5x loads of times and no problems have occured - touch wood!

[kim]

this thread got me thinking... I don't know how or why it would be connected but I do wonder if using a taped (or non-reporting) tc and forcing the camera to work when it's not designed to is causing some problems. As well as Roy I can think of five other Canon shutters that I know have failed all of which have seen regular use with a long lens and taped tc... like I say I can't think why it would be connected but it does make me wonder.


I have a converter Peter - but I only used it a couple of times with the 40d; as I have said my 40d did not completely pack up but the focussing was always a problem - that I never experienced with the 20d - and I hope will not, with the 50d

[QuantumTiger]

As well as Roy I can think of five other Canon shutters that I know have failed all of which have seen regular use with a long lens and taped tc...
It may just be the circles that we move in. Given that we're into bird photography and know other bird photographers it is more likely that we know people who use long lenses and taped TCs? But it is an interesting question.

[gmax]

The same thought crossed my mind a while ago.

It doesn't hold true with my experiences though as when I had problems I rarely used a converter but since the last repair I've used the 1.5x loads of times and no problems have occured - touch wood!

A recurring nightmare, I agree ... I mainly (well, almost always ... ;)) use a taped TC and had two shutter failures on my 20D .. should it be connected?
I sincerely think not, the most noticeable feature when using a taped TC is focus hunting: in this case the main stress is applied to the lens, not to the camera ... am I wrong?
Cheers,
Max

[Roy C]

this thread got me thinking... I don't know how or why it would be connected but I do wonder if using a taped (or non-reporting) tc and forcing the camera to work when it's not designed to is causing some problems. As well as Roy I can think of five other Canon shutters that I know have failed all of which have seen regular use with a long lens and taped tc... like I say I can't think why it would be connected but it does make me wonder.
I cannot see the logic in this, a taped tc could effect the AF but why should it effect the shutter?. Even though my shutter went the AF was still working perfectly (even with a tc attached).
I used both my 350D and 30D extensively with a taped tc and nothing went wrong with those cameras!. Also I have read on other forums of 40D shutter failures on Cameras that were never used with telephoto lenses let alone taped tc's. In fact I have used a taped tc far less on the 40D than I had with both my 350D and 30D
The only reason why Canon stop AF at greater than f5.6 on these cameras is because the AF system is not good enough so therefore rather than have a lot of criticism of their AF sytem they cap it at a level they know will work fine.
I would have thought that if the f5.6 cap was deactivated the Camera could be used to attempt AF at any 'f' value without detriment to the Camera - of course AF ability at f8 would be poor and f11 or greater would be utter c##p

Most peoples concern about taping tc's is that the lens hunts for focus at times and this could burn out the focusing motor - I have heard this loads of times but never seen a single post on any forum where this has actually happened, I did see a post from a 'boffin' once who stated that burning out a focusing motor was impossible.

I think a more logical argument for shutter failure could be using the Camera for high burst shooting (6.5 fps) on a frequent basis as this would be directly linked to the shutter. In my case I rarely shoot long burst so I doubt if that is a contributory factor.

The shutter mechanism is a relatively cheap part of the Camera (around £30) and my guess is that some 40D shutter are failing because of something simple thing like a weak spring.

[postcardcv]

I cannot see the logic in this, a taped tc could effect the AF but why should it effect the shutter?. Even though my shutter went the AF was still working perfectly (even with a tc attached).
I used both my 350D and 30D extensively with a taped tc and nothing went wrong with those cameras!. Also I have read on other forums of 40D shutter failures on Cameras that were never used with telephoto lenses let alone taped tc's.

Don't get me wrong I can't see any logical connection between the use of a taped tc and shutter failure. I just noticed that there was a connection in a few cases that I know of. I'm certainly not suggesting that using a taped tc will lead to shutter failure, just wondering if it may be connected (clearly Canon wouldn't know as I'm sure noone wanting to get it fixed under warranty would mention using it in this was as it may give Canon a positon to argue against fixing it FOC). I know that shutters (like anything else) can just fail, and I certainly hope that there isn't a connection.

[gmax]

The shutter mechanism is a relatively cheap part of the Camera (around £30)

This detail got me thinking :smoke:... what is the average cost for a new shutter? I know how much I have paid for, and I'm quite sure it doesn't take may hours to substitute it ...:C :-O

[Roy C]

This detail got me thinking :smoke:... what is the average cost for a new shutter? I know how much I have paid for, and I'm quite sure it doesn't take may hours to substitute it ...:C :-O
Labour + Vat + Postage is what bumps up the cost Max, total of around £190-£200

[Ragna]

That good news Roy.I think most shutter failures on the 40D are linked to being used at 6 frames a second.

[Roy C]

.I think most shutter failures on the 40D are linked to being used at 6 frames a second.
You could be right 'Ragna' but although I almost always shoot in High burst mode I very rarely shoot more than a couple of shots at a time - the number of times I have shot a burst of 6+ shots could be counted on one hand.

If the shutter has a dodgy component like a weak spring, then shooting big bursts might hasten the failure but it would not be the cause as the Camera is rated to shot at 6.5 fps.

[Bhoggy]

There is a widespread issue with buying goods however it's quite a simple one to deal with and it will be dealt with somewhere in the Sale of Goods Act. Retailers do not offer a 12 month guarantee on the goods they sell, it is only the manufacturers guarantee that you are given when you purchase said goods. However, as somebody has previously stated, the retailer has a responsibility for up to 6 years. It may involve getting Trading Standards involved but an issue such as this would be resolved in favour of the consumer as long as neglect, misuse or abuse weren't the cause.

As an example, say you bought a compact digital camera made by Cheap 'n' Nasty Inc for £30 and used it fairly regularly but it failed 6 weeks after the expiry of the 12 month guarantee could you reasonably say that you had got your money's worth out of it?

Compare this with Roy's camera, a high-end consumer model from a renowned maufacturer purchased at the price of several hundred pounds which presumably has not completed close to 100,000 actuations. What you need to look at is the cost of the goods. It is quite reasonable to expect this camera to last for 3 years or more under reasonable usage, providing it has not been neglected, etc.

This is the retailer's responsibility, i.e. to sell goods fit for purpose and for the quality and durability of the goods to reflect the price that is paid. It is reasonable for the retailer to ask to see proof of purchase so keep your receipt.

I suspect from what people have said about Fixation repairing this issue FOC that they have a relationship with Canon such that they can approach the manufacturer in such cases and recover their costs from them.

I also suspect that achieving 100,000 actuations in a few days would not be considered reasonable use.

There are more considerations such as you have no right to a refund, repair being an appropriate remedy. The retailer can request that an engineer's report be sought to verify the condition of the goods, i.e. neglect etc, but that is the general gist.

I think Roy was well within his rights to ask for a FOC repair given the circumstances.

[JohnZ]

Bhoggy, I would beg to differ, you have every right to a refund under the Sale of Goods Act. I believe that if you accept a repair then you forsake your rights to a refund.
Probably wrong, just my opinion.

[Bhoggy]

Sorry John I should have been clearer, after a reasonable period of time it is deemed that the purchaser has accepted the goods as being fit for purpose and there is no right to a refund where repair is a viable option. This 'reasonable period of time' is a grey area, but 28 days can be taken as a rule of thumb guide. Whether the retailer gives a refund depends on whether the retailer wants an irate customer shouting at him or not. It also depends on the goods and individual retailer.

I once bought a pc which became faulty 2 months later. I only got a replacement because I had visited the store twice to find out what I should do and was advised on both occasions that I should bring it back. When I did this I was then told that I had to log a home visit from an engineer. I explained that I had already visited twice and not only followed their instructions but had damaged a new coat in doing so and wanted to speak to the Manager. The member of staff went off and came back and said the manager had said I could have a new one. The manager had conducted the whole situation without ever appearing and bottled it when I asked to speak to him directly. Don't get me wrong, I am a retail manager and I would not deal with a member of the public like this, but I did check with Trading Standards afterwards to see what they had to say and they backed the retailer.

There are situations where refunds can be sought, e.g. you have 5 cameras go faulty in say 2 months.

And to be clear on the being irate bit, no matter how young, spotty and useless that shop assistant is, abusing him/her is not right. Forceful but polite is the way.

[gordthelord]

I've been reading this thread with some interest as I am currently thinking about upgrading from my 400d to the 40d in the very near future. Now I'm not so sure.
One of the attractions of the 40d is its superior fps count over my current model. If I've read this correctly it seems that this can be a direct link to "premature" shutter failiure.
Is this kind of fault very common with the 40d?
If so, is it worth me paying almost £600 for a brand new 40d that may not even last 12months before being struck down by dreaded shutter failiure.
I would rather buy a new model than a second hand one.
What advice would you give me please.

[postcardcv]

One of the attractions of the 40d is its superior fps count over my current model. If I've read this correctly it seems that this can be a direct link to "premature" shutter failiure.
Is this kind of fault very common with the 40d?

I'm not sure that there is any evidence that the 6fps is the cause of the shutter failures. I have had a couple of 40Ds and regularly used them at full speed with no problems.

[JohnZ]

I agree with Pete.

[Jaff]

My 40D has been set at the high speed burst for pretty much the entire 12 months I've had it and at over 10,000 clicks it's still going strong. Touch wood!

[kim]

I would not buy the 40d. Too many on bf have had problems - as I did - I have exchanged mine for the 50d and that is the route I would take if I were you.

[postcardcv]

I would not buy the 40d. Too many on bf have had problems - as I did - I have exchanged mine for the 50d and that is the route I would take if I were you.

Given the relative number of 40Ds and 50Ds out there it's hardly surprising that there have been some members with issues. In time we'll hear about shutter failures on the 50D (just as we have with the 30D, 20D, 1D mkII and the mkIII), shutters do fail sometimes, it can happen on any camera.

As I said earlier in this thread I wonder about the possible link between these failures and the use of a tc with taped pins. As I said at the time I do not know how it could be connected but since posting it I have been made aware of four more indicents where this has happened. From people who I have spoke to I know of eleven shutter failures on Canon DSLRs, nine of these have been on cameras that have been used with a taped tc! Perhaps it is just coincidence, but I'm not convinced....

[JohnZ]

Without wishing to cause offence that is rubbish Kim. There must be far more folks that are happy with their 40D`s than not. As far as upgrading ? to a 50D that may not be an option for some people.
I also use my 40D in the high speed burst mode and, touch wood again, I have had no problems whatsoever.
Interesting conspiracy ? theory regarding using a TC with taped pins Pete. I cannot honestly see how this would affect the shutter unless it is putting more strain on it ?

[Roy C]

I would not buy the 40d. Too many on bf have had problems - as I did - I have exchanged mine for the 50d and that is the route I would take if I were you.
Trouble is when someone has a problem (like me) you hear about it but the millions who have bought the camera with no problems stay silent. A shutter can go any any Camera - it could be that the 50D turns out to be more troublesome than the 40D, who knows?
The occasional Camera failure is not just restricted to Canon either, Nikon have problems just the same just do a Google for, say, D300 problems and see the hits you get. The same applies if you search for 50D problems, they are out there already!.
There is no doubting that the 40D is a excellent Camera for bird photography and although I have had a shutter failure I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone (even a second hand one).

[Vectis Birder]

I wouldn't say the 40D is a bad camera, Kim, far from it. As others here have pointed out a few broken/faulty cameras on a forum are unrepresentative of the millions which have been sold since the thing was launched.
I occasionally use my 40D in burst mode and so far (touch wood) it is okay. I'm happy with it, it's a good camera.

[Roy C]

As I said earlier in this thread I wonder about the possible link between these failures and the use of a tc with taped pins. As I said at the time I do not know how it could be connected but since posting it I have been made aware of four more indicents where this has happened. From people who I have spoke to I know of eleven shutter failures on Canon DSLRs, nine of these have been on cameras that have been used with a taped tc! Perhaps it is just coincidence, but I'm not convinced....
I just cannot see this Peter, I would have thought that a taped tc is as harmless as a filter as far as the shutter goes. In 1 shot you cannot fire the shutter until focus is achieved and in Servo mode the shutter is meant to fire regardless as to whether or not focus has been achieved.
With regards to lens 'hunting' I reckon I get no more hunting with a taped tc than the average user gets even when not using a tc simply by turning off focus search - in this mode any severe hunting is impossible !.
Even for users of a taped tc who suffer a lot of hunting I just cannot see how it could effect the shutter.
Maybe there is a common denominator in the brand of memory card used ;) (only joking).

[Vectis Birder]

The only thng I can think of a taped tc affecting is the autofocus. If it is hunting a lot it could possibly damage the AF mechanism, but not the shutter.

[gordthelord]

Thanks for the information folks.
Looks like I may well be getting myself a 40d then. Can't really afford the 50d and the difference in performance doesn't seem to justify the extra cost. (Well not from what I've read about it on this forum.)

[hollis_f]

Thanks for the information folks.
Looks like I may well be getting myself a 40d then. Can't really afford the 50d and the difference in performance doesn't seem to justify the extra cost. (Well not from what I've read about it on this forum.)
When you read people's opinions about cameras it's always a good idea to check to see if they actually own, or have used, the cameras they have such strong opinions about.

[gmax]

I know of eleven shutter failures on Canon DSLRs, nine of these have been on cameras that have been used with a taped tc! Perhaps it is just coincidence, but I'm not convinced....

It would be useful to know which lenses had been used with a taped Tc ... if the majority/many of them were a 500mm lens or longer, then there would be a reason to be afraid :-C
if not, then this would just mean that most of these photographers feel they are often too short, and need a TC on :C .. I guess most of us are in the same boat :smoke:

[shoshone]

Roy, Has your 40D come back yet? or did I miss a post?

Jamie

[Roy C]

Roy, Has your 40D come back yet? or did I miss a post?

Jamie
Hi Jamie, yep the 40D is back up and running.

[shoshone]

Hi Jamie, yep the 40D is back up and running.

Great! And may it have a long and useful life... ;)

Jamie