EOS Rebel T7 - Mold and Software Failures

[Dianalane93]

Hello, my name is Diana Lane. I’ve been a Canon customer with you for years and my mom has been a canon customer with you guys for over 40 years. I want you guys to be aware over the last two weeks I’ve gone through two cameras and they really weren’t my fault. One of the cameras has mold growing between the mirrors on the bracket and it’s showing through to the next screen so I have spots all throughout the camera and that is on my T rebel7 I literally purchased that August 2024 and I never got a warranty with it besides me manufactured, which is my fault definitely understand. Now my mother’s T Rebel 7, which she bought in April of this year has a major software issue where the screen keeps going out so we had to send it in which she had the Best Buy warranty. It’s being taken care of so now that leaves me with five photos shoots this weekend with no camera. I want you guys to be aware of the issues that are going on. I love the T Rebel 7 love it. Now personally for me I have to buy a new camera because getting the mold out is almost going to cost me as much as as it would to buy a new camera I want to stick with Cannon. I’m not gonna be able to financially purchase a camera until the beginning of the year, but I want it to be a cannon, but I also want you guys to understand the situations that I was put in because of issues, I don’t know if the rebels are better than the mirror less I’ve never had a mirror less. I’m not sure I wanna switch to mirrorless because I have I’ve always liked the DSLR’s. I know I’m gonna have to do more research. I’m a photographer that never shoots inside most of the time. It’s always outside. If you guys can give me some opinions on what you think is better I would greatly appreciate that, but I also want you to be aware of the issues because now I have to purchase a whole new camera. In this weather right now for the state of Ohio is like perfect photography weather and I can’t take on any more projects so I am a little upset. I’m sorry if I ramble on it’s just hard cause that’s how I make my living thank you guys for taking the time out of your day to listen to my concerns and my worries and if you can give me advice that would be great.

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

That's quite a story.  While I'm certainly sympathetic to your plight, mold doesn't come with a camera. It doesn't just happen.  It's something that happens due to environmental factors or it being stored improperly.

Warranty all Canon cameras and accessories come with a 1-year warranty.   Mold however is not covered.  This is because mold doesn't happen unless the camera is exposed to unfavorable conditions and stored improperly.  I'm sorry, but whatever "issues" that are going on are your own.  If you're earning your living taking pictures, you need to have a backup camera.  If you want to meet your obligations, maybe you can run to Best Buy and buy a replacement.  

I've been a Canon customer for at least 45 years.  When I was 18 I took one of my cameras and lenses to the beach.  I took pictures all day.  To my knowledge nothing got wet. I put my lens back in its case and didn't touch it for about 3 months.  The next time I went to use that lens the front element had fungus and a little mold.  It was 100% my fault and on that day I learned a very valuable lesson.  Proper storage.

You have to keep things clean, dry and not store them in conditions that are favorable for fungus or mold.  Maybe you need to look at how or where you're storing your photography equipment.  You can't just throw the lens cap back on and put it away in a dark, damp closet.

I'm surprised that someone who earns their living taking pictures might have something like this happen, but I'll bet it'll never happens again.  

Best advice, keep things clean and dry, invest in a dry cabinet.  I bought one a couple of years ago and it's one of the best investments I ever made.  They aren't too expensive and it protects your gear.  

As far as what to buy next, I think you need two cameras.  I wouldn't buy a different style camera in the middle of the season.  There is a small learning curve and this could set you back.

You might want to consider a used DSLR and a new mirrorless body.  This won't disrupt your rhythm and will allow you to continue using your existing lenses seamlessly.  Depending on what your new camera is, some of your existing lenses might be compatible with a new mirrorless body adapted.  It depends on what you own now and the direction you plan to go in.  

I'm really sorry this has happened but unfortunately yhis is the result of neglect and improper storage.  

If you want help picking out new gear, we need to know what you own now. What type of photography you do most and your budget.  

[stevet1]

Diana,

You have to understand too that the Forum you posted to is made up of fellow Canon users like yourself. We don't work for Canon and do not represent the company. You might want to contact Camera Support with your issues.

As Rick said, mold and fungus come from your storage conditions. They are usually the result of high humidity. You might want to buy some silica gel packs and keep them with your camera.

As far as your upcoming photo shoots this weekend, you might also consider renting a camera for the weekend, while you consider what new camera you want to buy. Knowing how much you have to spend will help others make some recommendations for your next purchase.

Steve Thomas

[LeeP]

I think I would first solve storing your next camera so that mold doesn't destroy the camera.

Personally, I would buy from a reputable camera store like B&H Photo in New York City and I am sure the folks here can suggest other trusted stores.

I have nothing against Best Buy and I do not work for B&H Photo or in any way derive a benefit from recommending them.

It is deeply frustrating to have a non-operational camera and be faced with buying another.

The T7 is a very basic camera. I have owned an R100 since it came out and I have used it extensively. It is very affordably priced. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have that I may be able to answer.

With Canon there is a stair step of models that allow you to buy based on what you can afford and know you are getting a quality camera.

I jumped away from DSLRs first with the R100 and then added an R8 and I very much prefer mirrorless.

[LeeP]

"I've been a Canon customer for at least 45 years.  When I was 18 I took one of my cameras and lenses to the beach.  I took pictures all day.  To my knowledge nothing got wet. I put my lens back in its case and didn't touch it for about 3 months.  The next time I went to use that lens the front element had fungus and a little mold.  It was 100% my fault and on that day I learned a very valuable lesson.  Proper storage."

I also learned not to loan equipment to relatives. I loaned my Pentax ME--this is probably like 1979--to my mother who was working at a job in the mountains and wanted to take pictures. "Sure mom; here you go."

She dunked it in a stream by accident then kept it in the back seat of her car for a month.

I got lucky that a CLA by Pentax perfectly brought it back to life and it's still working perfectly in my rotation of 35mm SLRs for my film work.

[shadowsports]

Lee,

Many of us have made these types of mistakes.  I've certainly made 1 or 2. 🤣.  As long as we learn from them. 

[ebiggs1]

My interest is curiosity more than anything. I find these particularly 'interesting'....

"I have spots all throughout the camera and that is on my T rebel7 ..."

You know it is named a Canon Rebel T7? Somewhat odd for a person to refer to it as a "T rebel7" if they were camera savvy at all.

"...that’s how I make my living ..."

Again, I suppose not impossible but, yes, somewhat uncommon for anyone to base a profession and/or career on a Rebel T7. I must repeat what others have said that Canon is not responsible for your issues. I know you don't want to hear that but if you continue the same procedure and pattern of handling any with new photocopy gear the same result may/will happen again. Lastly, in my vast experience, mold and/or fungus can not be totally removed so beware of anyone that says they can remove it if you are paying for their service. If it isn't totally cleansed it will just return shortly.

BTW, if buying new go for the R10 or R8 far better to go with the current tech than stick with a Rebel T7. Good luck.

[LeeP]

Horsefeathers V2.0???

[ebiggs1]

"Horsefeathers V2.0???"

Oh, no. I hope not. 😬

[LeeP]

I see the same meandering, never-get-to the point kind of writing.