EOS 50D card won't work

[Coop]

Hi everyone,

I’m experiencing an issue with my Canon EOS 50D and a SanDisk CompactFlash card. The card worked perfectly fine until I transferred the photos to my computer. Now, when I reinsert it into the camera, it won’t format and gives a "Cannot Format" message.

Here’s what I’ve tried so far:

• Formatted it in FAT32 on my computer (both quick and full format options)
• Checked for hidden files that might have been added during the transfer process
• Reset all camera settings to defaults
• Cleaned the CF card contacts and checked the camera’s slot for dust

I haven’t tested the card on another device yet, but I know it worked fine with this camera before. Has anyone encountered something similar or have any tips? Thanks in advance!

[Tronhard]

Hi and welcome to the forum:
There are several things to consider here.
Where did you get the card from?
If you have access to another camera that can read and format the card, I suggest you do both and see if they work.
Also, check the card slot of your camera for any bent or broken pins.

[Coop]

Hey, 

I do not know where I got the card from because it is my dad's old camera. I do know the card is from 2009/earlier

[normadel]

Don't know how you can clean the contacts on a CF card.

Take the card out of the camera, look down into the bottom of the slot and see if any pins got bent when you last inserted the card. If you flattened out a pin (or more) your goose may be cooked. You could try lifting up a bent pin, but the possibility of breakage is high.

If you can get it working again, DO NOT remove the CF card anymore. Move files via USB cable. I have a 50D and a 7D, along with a G5. I do not ever take the CF cards out.