Eos 7d Mk1 Mirror Freezes in Photo Mode

[SwiftSword]

I have had my Eos 7d Mk1 for a while now and recently had a problem. In photo mode when using the eyepiece the mirror freezes when taking a photo after the first or second shot, I can take photos fine in video mode or when I'm using the screen to preview my shot, I've tested my two lenses, Ultrasonic 50mm and Ultrasonic 28-135mm and it freezes with both, I've formated the card and reset settings, don't have a battery grip, and shoot primarily manual, although this seems to effect all modes. I know the camera is getting old and has been used 2-3+ times a week for over two years now. If there is anything else that would help I'll do what I can, thanks!

[SwiftSword]

I used isopropyl alcohol to clean it

[John_]

Ok, have you replaced the small button battery?

[SwiftSword]

I have not, but I did test to see if it still had power and it was still giving the correct amount

[John_]

Voltage yes but the capacity to power it may be shot. Only reason I am suggesting replacing it is I saw a post on the internet where that alone solved an Error 40 problem and it is a cheap option also.

[Waddizzle]

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@SwiftSword wrote:
I am using genuine Canon batteries-I have tested the both of them and it doesn't seem to have made a difference. The camera will turn on and works fine so long as I am not shooting photos with the eyepiece, I don't seem to have any problems without a lense but of the 6 now that I have tried all of them cause an error. As for cards I have tried 3 separate ones and tried without to no avail.

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Not exactly what i asked, but I will take it.  I wanted to eliminate possibilities.

Can we review what happens when you use the viewfinder in more detail?  The viewfinder is dark?  If the viewfinder is dark, then what do you see on the rear screen?  

Is the mirror stuck in the up or down position?  I guess you mean it is stuck in the raised position, exposing the image sensor, which is why I wanted you to test it without a lens attached to the body.  Observe what the mirror is doing with your eyes and ears.

The memory card draws power, too.  You seem to have a power related issue, and completely removing the card could eliminate the memory card as an issue beyond a shadow of doubt.  I doubt if it is the issue, but I had thought that you were reporting an issue just powering up the camera.

[SwiftSword]

the viewfinder becomes dark when I take a photo, the green displays showing iso etc. dissappear, the rear screen remains black, the processing light stays on until I turn it off, I left it over night to see if it would finish but it never finished, the mirror gets stuck in the up position but only when using the viewfinder-if I use the screen then the camera works fine, nothing wrong nothing stuck, when it gets stuck the camera makes quite a bit of noise that sounds as if it's thinking quite a bit until I turn it off. Removing the card doesn't seem to make a difference,

[arnauasitto]

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@SwiftSword wrote:
I have had my Eos 7d Mk1 for a while now and recently had a problem. In photo mode when using the eyepiece the mirror freezes when taking a photo after the first or second shot, I can take photos fine in video mode or when I'm using the screen to preview my shot, I've tested my two lenses, Ultrasonic 50mm and Ultrasonic 28-135mm and it freezes with both, I've formated the card and reset settings, don't have a battery grip, and shoot primarily manual, although this seems to effect all modes. I know the camera is getting old and has been used 2-3+ times a week for over two years now. If there is anything else that would help I'll do what I can, thanks!

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nothing on the screen as it isn't on when I'm taking the photo, through the eyepiece it just goes black, including the displays