topic Re: LCD only shows data, NO images in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

LCD only shows data, NO images

webdzynes — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 22:02:38 GMT

Hello - I'm new here and dont know much about cameras. I have an EOS 40D which was working great. It fell off the couch onto the floor and I thought it was fine. However, for no apparent reason, the LCD no longer shows images. It will show all the menu tabs and text etc but no images. I am at a total loss as to what may have happened... I called Canon and to my surprise, they no longer support this camera at all (including parts) so now I am screwed unless its a simple fix... Any step by step instructions to recommend I try (as a novice)??

Re: LCD only shows data, NO images

webdzynes — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 22:32:31 GMT

I also set it to live mode and I see the active rectangle on the LCD but no image. Has my sensor gone bad?

Re: LCD only shows data, NO images

kvbarkley — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 23:22:26 GMT

I think "gone bad" is a bit of an euphemism. It looks like you broke it.

Re: LCD only shows data, NO images

webdzynes — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 23:24:53 GMT

If so, any thoughts on a repair? Is this an expensive fix / am I better off buying a used 40D (presuming I can even find a place to get it fixed...)

Re: LCD only shows data, NO images

webdzynes — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 23:26:26 GMT

The confusing thing is that if its broken, why would text and data show just fine? Its only the images which dont....

Re: LCD only shows data, NO images

Tronhard — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 07:20:38 GMT

At the risk of asking a really silly question. Have you tried pressing the INFO button a few times to see what you get?

Also have you tried unmounting and mounting the lens or (better still) replacing it with a different lens in case the lens' contacts were impacted when the camera fell.

If it turns out the camera is indeed on the fritz, the last thing I would suggest is buying another 40D, as you have already been advised it has no support. You could get a newer equivalent unit - even the 60D for a decent price, or go for a recent Rebel:

either would peform better than another 40D.

Re: LCD only shows data, NO images

kvbarkley — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 12:04:52 GMT

As you said, it's the sensor or the mirror. You can take the lens off and try a cleaning to see if the mirror moves out of the way.

Re: LCD only shows data, NO images

webdzynes — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 15:09:52 GMT

All good information. Thank you. I did try removing the lens and going through the various menu's. Its set on auto-sensor clean and when I did this along with powering it up and off and shot pics (without the lens) nothing visibly moved inside the camera body.

Its all a catch-22 in that when I bought the camera, I also bought about $3000 in extra lenses and accessories. It was all intended for a business I was going to start with a friend and then he relocated so it all went stagnant. A short while ago I decided to get back into it (as a new hobby with my son) and that's when the camera was dropped. Given the investment in accessories and lenses, I felt replacing the 40D with another 40D (off of ebay) - if I can't get it fixed - would be the most practical way to go since I am a novice.

Basically, I'm looking for the cheapest way out to get me back to where I was. I can pick up a used 40D for about $100, which is probably what I'd spend anyway to get it fixed if not more. The problem here is that my equipment is all virtually new, maybe 500 shutter clicks. The used 40D options are listed as 15,000 - 20,000 shutter clicks already so that's why the interest in trying to get mine fixed is my #1 choice - but only if it's financially feasible. Spending more than $150 to fix it makes it counterproductive for me....

Open to any/all suggestions. Thanx for your input -

Re: LCD only shows data, NO images

CaliforniaDream — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 16:21:20 GMT

Are yo sure your battery is good. If the voltage/power is too low it may not be able to do the machanical stuff necessary to power your camera. If it has been sitting around for a long time it may be bad. Just a guess, if it was working before it was dropped then this may not be the case.

Re: LCD only shows data, NO images

CaliforniaDream — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 16:32:56 GMT

If you want to spend as little as possible you might want to look at the "Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi" body. It can be purchased from Adorama for about $100 and should support all of your lenses and other acessories. I would not consider ebay for a used body. You may win but also may not.

Re: LCD only shows data, NO images

webdzynes — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 17:24:34 GMT

This could be a great option! Is the Digital Rebel XTi a reasonable 'second choice' for options and features the 40D has? Again, as a relative novice, the super high-end options available on the 40D don't matter much since I dont know how to use them anyway... What would I be giving up if I go this route? (Thanks!!)

Re: LCD only shows data, NO images

BurnUnit — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 19:26:36 GMT

There seems to be a couple of decent deals currently on some Canon refurbished T6 with lens kits. And they have the same warranty as if they were new. You might even have a choice of colors with the one kit.

https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/eos-rebel-t6-ef-s-18-55-with-ef-75-300mm-f-4-56-iii-refurbished

https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/eos-rebel-t6-ef-s-18-55mm-f-35-56-is-ii-kit-refurbished#

I'd guess either kit at less than $400 would be less than repairs on your 40D.

Re: LCD only shows data, NO images

webdzynes — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 20:01:01 GMT

Thank you. Thats a lot more than I was looking to spend but will do so if it makes sense. Is the T6 at $400 that much better an overall camera than the Rebel XTi at $110 for a novice like me? Again, I do have several D40 lenses which need to fit whatever I buy and not go to waste... Thanx!

Re: LCD only shows data, NO images

Waddizzle — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 21:15:55 GMT

@webdzynes wrote:
Thank you. Thats a lot more than I was looking to spend but will do so if it makes sense. Is the T6 at $400 that much better an overall camera than the Rebel XTi at $110 for a novice like me? Again, I do have several D40 lenses which need to fit whatever I buy and not go to waste... Thanx!

Yes, the T6 is a much better camera than the XTi. Yes, the T6 is compatible with all of your EOS lenses that fit the 40D.

The XTi was introduced a year BEFORE the 40D, which means it, too, is no longer serviced by Canon.

Re: LCD only shows data, NO images

webdzynes — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 05:00:32 GMT

Wow - Thats GREAT information!!

2 more quick questions. It looks like I can get a T7 for $50 more than the T6. Is it worth it? Secondly, is it standard in the industry to stop parts/service on cameras in this price range (in 10-year or so cycles)? In other words, would I be better off to invest the $400-$450 in a Nikon instead expecting that if I need service in 5 or 10 years, I'll be able to get it - or do they do this too?

Thank you VERY much for the guidance!!

Re: LCD only shows data, NO images

kvbarkley — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 13:14:11 GMT

With a Nikon you won't be able to use your lenses, and yes, they do this, too.

Re: LCD only shows data, NO images

webdzynes — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 13:34:02 GMT

Thats good to know!

So now, do I get the T6 or spend the extra $50 and get the T7? It appears the T7 handles about 7 more megapixels per shot and adds a few other features but it doesnt have a lot of reviews. Would you recommend I spend the extra $50 when I'm already over budget and get this or save the 50 and get the T6?

Re: LCD only shows data, NO images

Waddizzle — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 13:45:10 GMT

@webdzynes wrote:
Wow - Thats GREAT information!!
2 more quick questions. It looks like I can get a T7 for $50 more than the T6. Is it worth it? Secondly, is it standard in the industry to stop parts/service on cameras in this price range (in 10-year or so cycles)? In other words, would I be better off to invest the $400-$450 in a Nikon instead expecting that if I need service in 5 or 10 years, I'll be able to get it - or do they do this too?

Thank you VERY much for the guidance!!

One of the most common reasons for electronics manufacturers to end produce support is the lack available spare electronic parts. Many integrated circuit chips that were widely available a decade ago are no longer being manufactured today.

Electronics manufacturers do not manufacture every component that might go into a product. They might manufacture their own mission critical electronic components, like an image sensor. But, most of the components on the electronic boards are typical off-the-shelf components.

As previously noted, all manufacturers go through this. By law in most countries, they are only required to provide support for a minimum number of years, typically 7 years. There are allowances for exceptions when their supply chains are broken, such as when electronics components are no longer manufactured.

[EDIT] I think the T7 for only a little bit more would be a good buy. But, where is this price being offered? It is hard to beat the prices in the Canon Online Store's Refurbished department.

Prices that are too good to be true usually are not. If the vendor is not an authorized dealer, you most likely will not have a warranty with the product. You may not even receive a fully functional unit, complete with all of the standard Canon branded accesories. Buyer beware.

Re: LCD only shows data, NO images

webdzynes — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 12:49:58 GMT

Its on Amazon for $449: [link removed per forum guidelines]

Thank you for the explanation. The more I learn, the more I realize what I dont know. I very much appreciate the help! Looks like the T7 is the logical next step!!

Re: LCD only shows data, NO images

webdzynes — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 14:56:34 GMT

Its sold on Amazon for $449. What I dont understand is why other older models (like the T5) are still sold for much more ($699)...