Camera Problem

[jgrindal]

OK, so I have a 50D that was purchased in December with ~5,400 clicks on it. It was working fine earlier today. I went to take a few photos this afternoon and now it is not taking photos. The shutter will snap, the mirror will flip up and the sensor is exposed, but the photo is just solid black. I've tried different lenses, new battery, but same problem. The exposure sensor still seems to function, but the image is solid black.

Any ideas on what to do? Bare minimum, it is still covered under warranty, but I'd rather not do without a camera for 2-3 weeks (especially since I just got a shiny new 85 1.2L!). Thanks in advance for your help!

[txphotog]

well you have to take the lens cap off!!! j/k It was just too easy. The shutter sounds like it is snapping but more than like likely it is not opening inside the camera. sounds like it need to go back to Canon.

[KD5NRH]

Well, one thing I learned when I was a PC tech is to never forget to see if the user plugged the computer in...check all the obvious stuff first, particularly looking for anything you can do to change the nature of the problem. Often, in the process you'll find something that will narrow it down for you.

Try something that really should change it, like f/3.5, 2 seconds at max ISO. In any normal lighting that should be solid white. Also, do a 1-2 second exposure at f/22, then wide open while looking in the front of the lens to make sure the aperture is changing. While you're gawking into the lens, if it has mirror lock-up, you can get the mirror out of the way and try to spot the movement of the shutter.

[groovyone]

At the risk of sounding like a jerk, are you sure you didn't switch off the LCD display on accident? Sometimes it is the most obvious.

That, or the cops shuts it down.

[jgrindal]

Thanks for the advice. I've tried actuating on several settings, all with the same result. As far as turning off the LCD, the data on the picture still pops up (histogram, etc).

I suppose I'll take it by camera repair today and see if they can diagnose the problem. I really wanted to have my camera for my vacation in a week... =(

[Truckman]

Is it just not showing on the LCD or have you taken the card out and tried to download the images?...Ben

[crazeazn]

try a different lense?

[SevenAndMe]

Give these guys a call.

From the canonusa web site:
For toll-free technical support, please call 1 (800) 828-4040 during regular business hours (currently Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 midnight. EST, Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., excluding holidays).

[jgrindal]

Took the camera by PCR in houston today, they confirmed my worst fears, it's an electronics problem. Send back to Canon =.(