EOS Rebel XS saying busy and won't take pictures

[mliz2486]

My camera worked fine the other day.  Now, it won't take pictures at all.  When I go to take a picture, it will act like it is focusing by flashing and such but it will never go through.  It always says busy.  I have tried all modes, and none will work not even without flash. 

I have also taken the battery out, taken the card out and reformatted it, and cleared all camera settings.  Can anyone help?  I have a newborn that I would really like to be able to capture. 🙂

Thank you ahead of time!

[jpgabald]

I had this same issue.  The camera would take pictures in Manual mode but not in auto focus. My wife and I found that a spec of dust was stuck between the UV filter and the camera lens.  The camera was trying to auto focus on the spec of dust and would not take any pictures.  We cleaned the lens and the filter. The camera started taking pictures like normal in Auto. Hopeully this simple fix helps you. 

[taovande]

Didn't want to start a whole new post for this issue, so decided to piggyback on this one.

Canon Rebel xs (roughly 6 years old).

Problem:  Camera does not take pictures at all. 

Solutions I have tried:  Took lens off and cleaned inside components.  Changed lenses.  Changed memory cards.  Tried AF and MF neither one works.

I do see two dust specs when I look into the camera, so I'm assuming it can't get focus because of these dust particles (I see the dust with different lenses, so it's nothing with the lens).

Could it be something else though?  I was hoping to fix the problem myself instead of having to take it in to get fixed...

[TCampbell]

It wouldn't be the dust... the focus sensors are on the floor of the camera.  The imaging sensor only does focus for cameras using "live view" mode.

You can test to see if it's a focus related issue by switching the lens to manual focus (the AF/MF switch).  In "One Shot" mode the camera wont take a photo until it can lock focus at at least one focus point.  But if you switch to manual focus it'll shoot immediately (it also shoots immediately if you swtich from "one shot" to "AI Servo" mode.)

[taovande]

Thanks, I just tried all of those suggestions and it still won't take a picture.

[Crosy00]

I had the same problem. The lens is made in two parts. The back which functions as the Zoom and the front which functions as the auto focus. I found that the focus was not working in AF mode and the camera would not take pictures. I gave that portion of the lens a gentle turn and I felt it give. The camera resumed taking pictures. I hope this helps. It was a rebel T3

[pogostick]

I got my camera yesterday and I am having this same problem, I tried going in different lightings and using the live view mode, but it will still only take pictures in the manual focus setting.

[Mykolas]

Hi pogostick!

Thank you for posting and welcome to the forum.

Here are a few things you can try:

  1.  Remove the lens, then clean the electrical contacts on the lens and camera using a soft microfiber cleaning cloth.

  2.  Set the AF/MF switch on the lens to MF, turn the focusing ring back and forth, then set the switch back to AF.

  3.  Try an alternate lens.

Do any of these allow a picture to be taken with autofocus?

What camera and lenses are you using?

[Artylady]

Some great suggestions here... Thanks to all taking the time to reply.  I am going to print all and work with camera... hoping SOMETHING is the answer.

[syst0aac]

Having a similar issue - but somewhat different.

I have a Canon Rebel XS - about 3 years old. Last week I was in Yellowstone - taking pictures of Mammoth Hot Springs - one moment the camera was working fine - then it stopped working.

Now - the "busy" message constantly appears in the view finder . . . but the camera wll not take a picture. The AF seems to work (it does focus and beep) - and the flash pops up . . . but it simply won't take a picture (inside or outside). What is different from the other people who have posted here with a similar problem - is that my camera will also not take a picture with the MF option - and the back video display is no longer working at all (for either looking at past pictures taken or by disaplying info in picture taking mode) . . . it is just completely dark.

Any ideas would be appreciated!

[Mykolas]

Hi syst0aac!

Welcome and thanks for joining.

In this particular case, your camera will likely need to be serviced by our Factory Service Center.  To start the repair process, you'll need to complete a Repair Request on our website.  You may also participate in the Canon Loyalty Program.

The Canon Loyalty Program option allows you to replace your current camera for a discounted fee.  The original non-functioning camera would then be returned to Canon USA for recycling using a prepaid shipping label that would be provided.  If you would like to take part in this option, please call our Sales Department at (800) OK CANON (800-652-2666) seven days a week, 8am to Midnight.  Let them know you have been working with online support and the Canon Loyalty Program was offered.  Be sure to have your serial number for your camera at the time of your call.