EOS 3 "bc" issue (a.k.a "Is my EOS 3 dead ?")

[Laurent]

Hello all,

I have an issue with my EOS3 camera. It's showing the "bc" signal each time I trigger the sutter, with fresh batteries.

When I test the battery, it appears fully charged, so I guess the issue is something else.

This happens both with the PBE2 booster and the "regular" 2CR5 battery.

Did this happen to some of you, and what could be the causes ?

EDIT:I found (should have searched more before) that it's a common issue (the same or similar to the one that killed my T90) but this time a "bang" on the bottom seems to have fixed it... Not sure how long it'll last ?

Cheers,
LAurent

 

[Poisson Du Jour]

Hello all,

I have an issue with my EOS3 camera. It's showing the "bc" signal each time I trigger the sutter, with fresh batteries.

When I test the battery, it appears fully charged, so I guess the issue is something else.

This happens both with the PBE2 booster and the "regular" 2CR5 battery.

Did this happen to some of you, and what could be the causes ?

EDIT:I found (should have searched more before) that it's a common issue (the same or similar to the one that killed my T90) but this time a "bang" on the bottom seems to have fixed it... Not sure how long it'll last ?

Cheers,
LAurent

The bc flashing with three horizontal bars is an error state, albeit a vague one that has infuriated and perplexed legions of Canon EOS users. When using lithium batteries, this can be a precursor to sudden death of the battery power rather than actual depletion because of the steep 'death curve' of lithium AA batteries. But, a 'bang on the bottom' (of the camera I mean, not yours...) seemingly correcting the problem would mean an inproperly seated terminal block of the power drive booster E1 and E2 variant. Remove the power drive booster, inspect the terminal block (for, among other things, contacts that are lose or have come away from the grid) and refit tightly. Inspect the terminals on the base of the camera also. Also remove the battery holder and inspect the internal terminals (with a small torch if necessary). Ditto all the terminals visible on the battery holder.

 

[Vonder]

It's a problem with the electro magnets that control the shutter. I have two EOS-3 bodies and one of mine did this. I disassembled it and tried to clean the contacts, but wasn't very successful. Only a HARD bang onto a stone mantelpiece fixed it "permanently" - in other words, it has happened since. I don't suggest that as a repair method but it did work for me and I can use the body reliably. The EOS-3 is a great body and available on eBay for less than it'd cost to fix it, so I took a chance. My gamble paid off.

It has nothing to do with the battery or power booster.

 

[trythis]

My 630 was doing the same. A few good thwacks on a wood beam and its perfect!

sent from phone. excuse my typing.