canon 20D shutter button problems?

mmmatt · Oct-06-2008, 03:48 PM

This is just an fyi for those out there using Canon 20D's. I just bought one as a backup to my 5d off ebay and it had a shutter button issue.

I researched it on the net, and didn't find much on it here, but it seemed like a common enough problem that I should mention it here.

The button wasn't as sensitive as it should be. It would sometimes require a firm push and sometimes fire normally, but most of the time, the button would bottom out before it would fire. For someone, like myself, who shoots a lot of low-light stuff (concerts and weddings) the button not performing with "hair trigger" sensitivity causes an otherwise steady hand to blur an image. There have also been malfunctions reported that cause the AF lock to flutter which will screw up those who shoot by focusing and recomposing.

Anyhow, there is a fix and it is fairly easy if you have basic soldering skills and a reasonably steady hand. There is a tutorial available with pictures and full, idiot proof, instructions here: http://www.myacrobatpdf.com/8147/can...e-switch.html#

I spent less than an hour doing this, and I spent $3 + shipping for the part from Canon. Now it is like new!!!!

It is my understanding that this problem is consistant with 10D, and 30D's as well and the fix is nearly the same.

In my case, I bought a "mint" 20D (unknown actuations) from an ebay seller for $371 shipped. He misplaced the included AC adaptor for it and I told him I would rather have a credit. He offered $30. I then noticed the shutter button issue and he wanted me to send it to his repair shop to fix. After a week he called and told me he just wanted to give me back my money and that his guy didn't think it was worth fixing. I told him if he gave me back $100 I would take the chance and he agreed.

After all was said and done I got the camera for under $250 including all the shipping and the part from canon!

So moral is, don't feel like you have to live with a problematic shutter button and don't junk a body or sell it for parts if this is all that is wrong with it. Worse case, sell it to me cheap and I'll resell it on ebay

Ohhh... also, don't blame me if you try this and trash your camera! YMMV

Matt

**ziggy53** · Oct-06-2008, 06:05 PM

Matt,

Thanks for the information and helpful suggestions. Congratulations on your 20D.

Tee Why · Oct-06-2008, 08:15 PM

Had the same problem with my 30D and got it repaired under warranty by Canon. The shutter release button plunger sticking is what the tech called it IIRC.

mmmatt · Oct-07-2008, 05:45 AM

I'm sure many have had this issue and maybe some aren't even aware of it. Like the guy I bought this body from. His pro repair guy didn't even figure it out until I was very specific about it!

I also fixed the hotshoe mount on my st-e2 last night after I did the 20d. That was even easier. No soldering, but the insides were like a Chinese puzzle... Yesterday was quite the DIY day for me!

Matt

Oct-06-2008, 03:48 PM	#1
mmmatt Gig brins Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 973	canon 20D shutter button problems? This is just an fyi for those out there using Canon 20D's. I just bought one as a backup to my 5d off ebay and it had a shutter button issue. I researched it on the net, and didn't find much on it here, but it seemed like a common enough problem that I should mention it here. The button wasn't as sensitive as it should be. It would sometimes require a firm push and sometimes fire normally, but most of the time, the button would bottom out before it would fire. For someone, like myself, who shoots a lot of low-light stuff (concerts and weddings) the button not performing with "hair trigger" sensitivity causes an otherwise steady hand to blur an image. There have also been malfunctions reported that cause the AF lock to flutter which will screw up those who shoot by focusing and recomposing. Anyhow, there is a fix and it is fairly easy if you have basic soldering skills and a reasonably steady hand. There is a tutorial available with pictures and full, idiot proof, instructions here: http://www.myacrobatpdf.com/8147/can...e-switch.html# I spent less than an hour doing this, and I spent $3 + shipping for the part from Canon. Now it is like new!!!! It is my understanding that this problem is consistant with 10D, and 30D's as well and the fix is nearly the same. In my case, I bought a "mint" 20D (unknown actuations) from an ebay seller for $371 shipped. He misplaced the included AC adaptor for it and I told him I would rather have a credit. He offered $30. I then noticed the shutter button issue and he wanted me to send it to his repair shop to fix. After a week he called and told me he just wanted to give me back my money and that his guy didn't think it was worth fixing. I told him if he gave me back $100 I would take the chance and he agreed. After all was said and done I got the camera for under $250 including all the shipping and the part from canon! So moral is, don't feel like you have to live with a problematic shutter button and don't junk a body or sell it for parts if this is all that is wrong with it. Worse case, sell it to me cheap and I'll resell it on ebay Ohhh... also, don't blame me if you try this and trash your camera! YMMV Matt

Oct-06-2008, 06:05 PM	#2
ziggy53 Still learnin'still lovin Join Date: May 2005 Location: Illinois cornfield Posts: 11,360	Matt, Thanks for the information and helpful suggestions. Congratulations on your 20D. __________________ ziggy53 Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums

Oct-06-2008, 08:15 PM	#3
Tee Why Major grins Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 2,309	Had the same problem with my 30D and got it repaired under warranty by Canon. The shutter release button plunger sticking is what the tech called it IIRC. __________________ Gallery: http://tomyi.smugmug.com/ Forum for Shooters in Los Angeles to shoot together. http://lashooters.org/

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Oct-07-2008, 05:45 AM	#4
mmmatt Gig brins Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 973	I'm sure many have had this issue and maybe some aren't even aware of it. Like the guy I bought this body from. His pro repair guy didn't even figure it out until I was very specific about it! I also fixed the hotshoe mount on my st-e2 last night after I did the 20d. That was even easier. No soldering, but the insides were like a Chinese puzzle... Yesterday was quite the DIY day for me! Matt