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

[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!

[RobertTheFat]

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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!

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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.

[ezpop]

I have been playing with electronic gears for over 55 years since I was a teenager. I did a lot of repairs too. It became my hobby over the decades.

I am brave enough to experiment and investigate the causes of malfunctioning of various type of electronic equipment from tube amplifiers and radios to semiconductor to IC and now the computer hardwares and camera (and lenses) etc, etc. There are things beyond my knowledge and capability and I can't repair everything right. But, what is the loss.I learned everyday. I shared with people the joy of making things well whenever I have a chance. All for nothing but sharing.

Yes, to eliminate possibilities is the one of the way to troubleshoot. But, how do you eliminate possibilities if you are not even taking steps to look into the problem and start with simple fix to see if it works. Some great inventions were base on assumption and sometimes imagination.

I was suggesting something simple and easy to fix (if it will fix at all) in lieu of big cost for a 10 years old camera equipment. I did not pointed out that my assumption is the only solution. Did I ?  And BTW, obviously, Canon is not servicing this model of camera any more.

I hope people will respond positively to posts and suggestions. There is no absolutely right or wrong. If you have the heart to help, that's good enough. Denying suggestion of possible cause will not solve the problem. BTW, what is the point of reiterating 40+ years experience. I must say again, I have just 55 years playing with electronics repair and I am (irrelevant) a medical specialist. I don't earn my living repairing electronics.

[Waddizzle]

No, it was bad advice. What is simple for you, is hazardous for someone who is inexperienced with taking apart electronice devices and re-assembling.  I have known people who have repaired items for years, and do not understand basic troubleshooting.

Furhermore, you overlook the simple fact that the person probably lacks the proper hand tools, which they would need to have on hand.  I have no wish to argue with you, but you make too many false assumptions.

[ezpop]

Yes. Of couse a piece of rubber ring is hazardous to some. I agree. If one swallows it.

This is no arguing from my side. I posted my words with good will.

"Bad" is not the word for me to use. I would say "ït's not a good idea" and not "bad idea'. No ideas are bad unless one makes them bad.

May be to make some happy, let me revise my standpoint. ( obviously, it's not for me but for those who want it this way)

Send the 30D to Canon repair center for their professional job. period.

[ezpop]

BTW, what are my false assumptions ?