MY EOS 30D works just fine until I put it on a tripod, then it won't take pictures. Any ideas?

[jimocarroll]

I have had my 30D for some time now, and it has worked flawlessly.  Today, I tried mounting it to a tripod to take some pictures.  It will not release the shutter.  If I press the shutter release button, the indicators in the viewfinder all light up as usual, but the shutter will not release.  If I activate the built in flash, pressing and holding the shutter release eventually causes the flash to blink as though in red-eye prevention mode, but the shutter will not release at all.  Pressing the * button results in the flash firing.

The tripod is a Manfrotto model, which I have also had for some time and am using for the first time.  The lens is a zoom tnat came with the camera.  The camera is mounted mechanically to the tripod using a quick-release adaptor, also a Manfrotto product.  The quick release adaptor has been on the cemera for some time, and it has operated flawlessly until I mounted it on the tripod today.

There are no electrical connections that I am aware of between the tripod and the camera, unless there's some hidden feature of which I am unaware.  I have no remote shutter release, but planned to use the timed shutter release setting.  Both the timed and normal modes work flawlessly when the camera is hand-held, both modes work flawlessly, but when the camera is on the tripod, it won't take a picture.  I am flummoxed by this.  Neither the camera manual nor the Manfrotto tripod manual are any help.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

Jim Carroll

[jrhoffman75]

Not likely if camera and lens don't have faulty components. He could test that by taking camera off tripod and trying to shoot without holding lens.

kvbarley's idea has merit since bright light coming in through the viewfinder could fool camera into overxposure and then shutter wouldn't fire. The rapidly firing flash points to a focus problem though. Are you pointing at the same subject on and off tripod.

[Waddizzle]

If the lens has Image Stabilization, you should probably turn it off when using a tripod.

[ezpop]

I came across a problem when the same generation 5D was mounted on a tripod and the rear LCD started to show pictures of weird polarized effect.

Screwing on the tripod mount will result some pressure to the base plate of the camera causing misbehaviour  on some electronic connections inside.

If you are brave enough, open up the rear panel of the camera and investigate. I believe it is only 6 screws and 2 ribbon cables to remove. It is pretty straight forward. There is one youtube tutorial about 40D and thery are similar. I even replaced the LCD of 40D and tightened up cable connection of 5D. They worked perfectly after the surgery.

A simplier fix will be adding a rubber ring between the tripod screw and the camera base plate. Thus shorten the screw into the mount thread. Or you may DIY to shorten the screw of the mount plate. Or insert a few mm rubber piece into the camera screw hole. A shorter screw into the camera will definitely reduce the pressure of the base plate and hopefully the electronic connection will not be affected. (But make sure that the camera is secure and will not fall from the shorten screw)

Just my 2 cents. Do so at your own risk.

The cost of repair of a 30D is possibly equivalent to buying 2 X 30D.

[Jason · Accepted solution]

Hi!

We just wanted to let you know that we don't recommend do-it-yourself repairs. So, if you’re experiencing a problem with your EOS 30D, it’s best to let a professional Canon Factory Service Center Technician do the work to keep you and your gear safe.

You can reach out to our friendly, U.S.-based support team at http://bitly.com/CanonSupport for some troubleshooting steps, and they can let you know the steps for service is necessary.

Thanks!

[ebiggs1]

"... open up the rear panel of the camera and investigate."   

I strongly advise against doing this.  Nothing but bad can happen.

[RobertTheFat]

---

Jason@ [of Canon] wrote:

Hi!

We just wanted to let you know that we don't recommend do-it-yourself repairs. So, if you’re experiencing a problem with your EOS 30D, it’s best to let a professional Canon Factory Service Center Technician do the work to keep you and your gear safe.

You can reach out to our friendly, U.S.-based support team at http://bitly.com/CanonSupport for some troubleshooting steps, and they can let you know the steps for service is necessary.

Thanks!

---

I'm a bit surprised that Canon will still repair a 30D.

[ebiggs1]

"I'm a bit surprised that Canon will still repair a 30D."

I am not at all surprised if the OP doesn't want to try it himself !  Really bad advise.  IMHO, of course.

[ezpop]

Bad advise what ? Please elaborate "bad advise". 

Sending to Canon for repair or try adjusting the tripod screw ? The latter will do no harm and will waste only 1 minute or so.

Think about Canon may charge $200 for the repair (if they still repair it at all) or you get a rubber O ring to try it on or you can buy one on your local Kijiji and pay only $80 for a good one.

To me, all advices are good. The OP can decide what to follow and what not to. I guess this forum is for sharing ideas. If everything ends up sending to Canon for repair, then what is the purposes of this forum.

Please let me know if this forum is not open to ideas and suggestions and sharing experience.

Thanks.

[ezpop]

The oldest model Canon will still repair is 40D.

[Waddizzle]

"Sending to Canon for repair or try adjusting the tripod screw ? The latter will do no harm and will waste only 1 minute or so." 

You make the assumption that your diagnosis of the problem is the correct one.  The proper way to troubleshoot is to eliminate possiblities, not assuming a certain condition and then conducting tests to confirm or deny the assumption.

I have been repairing electronic gear for 40+ years, BTW.