canon rebel, possible shutter issue?

Jon Buffington · Oct 21, 2014

So perusing the thrift stores I came across and original rebel with a 35-80 lens. Nothing special but I don't have a canon ef mount in film to use my ef lenses. So I figured what the heck. Body was in excellent condition. However, I just ran a roll of gold through it using the 40/2.8stm pancake lens and notice that the majority of the frames are half or 2/3rds blacked out. Shutter issue? I do have 4 or 5 frames that include the whole image.

summicron1 · Oct 21, 2014

very likely, unless you were shooting flash and the synch was off.

If it IS a shutter issue, you should be able to see it easily by taking the lens off and firing the camera with the back open. Face the camera towards a blank wall, or the ceiling or something ...

FYI -- those bodies are dirt cheap. I had a friend give me a EOS 650 a bit ago, I saw where they originally went for big bux and was concerned I'd taken something for free from a friend worth a lot of money.

Nope. $20 in Exc+ at KeH.

aaronlego2 · Oct 22, 2014

From what I've read it's a common issue with that camera. I have on myself, and I started getting 2/3rd and blank frames after the second roll.

I read up online and it's an issue with some foam deteriorating and turning into a sticky tar that will cause the shutter to stick intermittently.
If this is the cause you'll see some shiny spots on the shutter when you open up the back.

If you have steady hands (and patience) you can carefully clean up the goop following the instructions here: http://www.instructables.com/id/Manage-Your-EOS-Cameras-Sticky-Shutter/
(note, I did not have the lighter fluid available, and 95% isopropyl alcohol worked just fine.)

It's been 10 or so months since I cleaned it and it's been working like a dream.

Jon Buffington · Oct 22, 2014

Thanks summicron1 and aaronlego2. That is what I suspected. I may try that tutorial on cleaning the shutter but in the long run, no loss as it is a worthless body. I may just go the keh route. Thanks again.

gone · Oct 22, 2014

As mentioned, these have known sticky shutter issues. I had good results cleaning mine w/ a Q-tip and some lighter fluid or alcohol. You'll need lots of Q-tips, as once you wet the blades you have to quickly wipe off the residue w/ a clean one, or it just dries right back on there. It's really not difficult, you just have to be gentle w/ those ultra thin blades. Mine was also getting the goop on the focus screen a little bit, but the Q-tips and lens cleaner took care of that quickly.

Vonder · Oct 22, 2014

Jon Buffington said:
Thanks summicron1 and aaronlego2. That is what I suspected. I may try that tutorial on cleaning the shutter but in the long run, no loss as it is a worthless body. I may just go the keh route. Thanks again.

KEH is not a good option. They do not thoroughly (if at all) test their cameras. I've had numerous returned bodies with them.

The best route is eBay. Avoid any camera with any of these remarks:

"I know nothing about cameras"
"It was working when I last used it years ago"
"Sold as-is"
Or has blurry photos of the gear

What you are looking for is a seller who has used the camera recently, has owned it for a while, and can show you sample images. The last may not be possible, but it never hurts to ask.

Jon Buffington · Oct 22, 2014

Thank you. momus and wolfeye. I may try to clean mine. If I break it, oh well. It was a thrift store purchase.

Peltigera · Oct 24, 2014

Wolfeye said:
KEH is not a good option. They do not thoroughly (if at all) test their cameras. I've had numerous returned bodies with them.

The best route is eBay. Avoid any camera with any of these remarks:

"I know nothing about cameras"

"It was working when I last used it years ago"

"Sold as-is"

Or has blurry photos of the gear

What you are looking for is a seller who has used the camera recently, has owned it for a while, and can show you sample images. The last may not be possible, but it never hurts to ask.

Excellent advice.

Jon Buffington · Oct 24, 2014

Update: Followed the video tuturiol (used alcohol as that is what I had) and appears to have worked in initial testing at all speeds. I will run a roll through it today and see how that turns out.

Vonder · Oct 29, 2014

Jon Buffington said:
Update: Followed the video tuturiol (used alcohol as that is what I had) and appears to have worked in initial testing at all speeds. I will run a roll through it today and see how that turns out.

Sounds good! Sometimes cleaning makes things happier. My wife seems quite chipper when I shower after a 4 mile run, less so when I skip.

canon rebel, possible shutter issue?

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