Canon Error 01 and coffee leak

ChrisJB · #1 (**permalink**) 11-10-2009, 09:34 PM

I've had a bit of a nightmare today. My flask of coffee leaked a bit in my rucksack and a small amount of coffee soiled my Canon 100-300mm lens. It wasn't much and I wiped it and worked fine for about two hours after. Then it didn't and said on the screen something like 'Error 01 - wipe the contacts'. I've wiped them with a clean cloth but the lens still isn't working. Now it is currently in a room with a de-humidifier going. Is the lens likely to be wrecked beyond repair, or at best is it an expensive service/repair?
I've only had it about six months as well. Boo hoo.

Regards, Chris

Merrow · #2 (**permalink**) 11-10-2009, 09:49 PM

I can't offer any technical advice but oh gosh what an awful thing to happen, hope the dehumidifier does the trick

Words · #3 (**permalink**) 17-10-2009, 11:22 AM

A good quality pencil eraser may do better than a cloth. Don't rub too hard though, just a light touch across the contacts. Otherwise you may have to get it repaired. Given that it's only 6 months old they may do it under guarantee if the moisture really was a small amount. I'd be honest with them and see what they say. Otherwise a paid Canon repair will come in (usually) at over £100.

Willo · #4 (**permalink**) 19-10-2009, 10:44 PM

I am afraid that this piece of advice may be too late for you Chris but I hope that it may help others who may find themselves in such a situation.

I am assuming that these lenses do contain their fair share of complex electronics and perhaps treating them like other complicated electronic items (phones etc) may help. I have learned that once dropped into a wet place puddle, beer glass etc you should not turn the item back on. Take it home and take it apart as best you can (probably not applicable with lenses) and leave it on a towel on a warm radiator for 24hrs before attempting to switch it back on. The theory is that if there is any moisture on the circuits when the gadget is switched a short could be caused which would irrevocably damage components.

A word of warning this has worked with my mobile phone but I have not tried it on lenses but it may explain what has happened. I haven't had any experience with dSLR lenses so I don't know if they should even go near heat sources like radiators. I'll stand corrected if somebody says this isn't a good idea for high quality optics.

Will

ChrisJB · #5 (**permalink**) 22-10-2009, 10:39 AM

Update: I took it back to the retailers, who sent it back to Canon and the upshot is a repair bill of £136. Not ideal, but I'm, just glad it can be repaired. A cautionary tale, don't but cameras and flasks together in rucksacks.
Thanks for your advice folks too.

Regards, Chris

nytecam · #6 (**permalink**) 22-10-2009, 10:51 AM

Hope the cam/lens is insured - usually this resolves the pain - check your household contents policy

ChrisJB · #7 (**permalink**) 23-10-2009, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nytecam

Hope the cam/lens is insured - usually this resolves the pain - check your household contents policy

I was planning to claim on the insurance, but with an excess of 100 dabs it doesn't seem worth it, especially if future premiums go up. Galling isn't it.

Regards, Chris