How to clean terminals between lens and body

[MANKAN928]

7D

[ezpop]

I used Q-tip and very little 99% isopropanol to clean the contacts. Not sure if it is right. But it works.

[ebiggs1]

It is something that is rarely a problem.  The gold contacts are fragile as the gold is very thin.  If you change lenses regularly, the contacts are probably "clean".  Why do you think they need to be cleaned?

[MANKAN928]

When set on shutter priority or aperture priority, the camera will frequently not fire. A message (Err 01) appears on the screen that says communication between lens and camera is faulty. Clean terminals. If I switch to a "P" setting, it will often work fine for a few exposures, then I get the same message. If I switch back to "Av" or "Tv", again it will work for a few exposures but then the message reappears. It seems to happen more with the 17-85 mm lens than the 10-22 mm. 

[ebiggs1]

Might I suggest it is the lens and not the camera?  Has the lens been dropped or some other malady?  Recently?  Hmmmmm.

If you must clean use a qtip and denatured alcohol and be gentle.  Do not use a pencil eraser like some suggest.

You should clean the lens at the same time.  Hope it cures the problem for you.

[MANKAN928]

It could well be the lens. But, it hasn't been dropped or even handled roughly. I've used the lenses for many years and only recently has the problem arisen. I have been reluctant to use any solvents on the contacts, but I will try a bit of alcohol. Do you think I should only clean the lens contacts and not those in the camera?

[ezpop]

I cleaned both. 99% alcohol evaporated in seconds. Never any harm. If you worry, don't do it.

[MANKAN928]

Thank you, ebiggs1. I appreciate your good help.

[ezpop]

This problem happens several times to my different camera combinations when I used the gears in very humid places. Several times in asia -different countries and twice in San Juan.

Watch out also for the temperature difference indoor and outdoor. This will cause condensation and thus the problem.

[MANKAN928]

 Are you thinking that condensation might appear on the surfaces of the contacts where I could see it or perhaps dry it out with a hair dryer? Or, are you thinking moisture may have gotten inside the lens somehow?