40D problems.

[glsammy]

At long last, after suffering since new with a really annoying inconsistent fault, my 40D today packed up!
Err9..with the shutter obviously stuck.
I must be weird as I'm really pleased this has happened!
The camera is now on its way for repair so perhaps for the first time since I've had it the thing might just work as it's supposed to.
The only galling point about it is what I was trying to capture when the fault showed itself. A pair of Goldcrests, in good light, displaying to each other. It's the only time I've ever seen these birds almost stationary for more than a second and there I am with a sick camera.
Just to rub it in, We then watched a Wren hunting for food amongst leaf litter, stopping to pose time after time. I'm convinced the darned bird knew my camera didn't work!
After that we had a really enjoyable day. For the first time in ages I was able to actually LOOK at things, rather than trying to take shots of them.

[squishy]

The excuse you've been waiting for to get a 7D

[Gill Catton]

ok so that's rubbish / great news!! Well at least you got to enjoy those little birds that otherwise would have hidden stubbornly deep in the bushes

I think I am going to stick with Panasonic for my next camera

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by squishy

The excuse you've been waiting for to get a 7D

Not yet! The repair bill isn't too steep so I'm sticking with the 40D for now.

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by glsammy

Not yet! The repair bill isn't too steep so I'm sticking with the 40D for now.

ahh yes but the stuck shutter/ missed opportunity is a perfect justification for getting a second body

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by eeyore

ahh yes but the stuck shutter/ missed opportunity is a perfect justification for getting a second body

I can't work that scam either Pete. I've still got my 20D.

[Geoff F]

Well if it has been checked over by Canon it should be as good as new now. Many 'occasional faults' can't be correctly identified until something goes seriously wrong.

I know what you mean about how all creatures know when you don't have a camera with you. I was watching an Eristalis tenax today (the first this year) and was only 6 ins away from it; but as soon as I had the camera ready it was gone.

My theory (but I'm no expert) is that the moment you pick a camera you get tense and animals can sense this. Then they start thinking 'There's something wrong with him, he looks dangerous' so they get nervous. Sometimes when I pick up my camera I deliberately look the other way then casually move the camera forward while pretending to be interested in something else.

It's silly but it does appear to work for me.

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by Geoff F

Well if it has been checked over by Canon it should be as good as new now. Many 'occasional faults' can't be correctly identified until something goes seriously wrong.

Yep. The shutter fault I had was annoying but I could go weeks and nothing would show. The camera had been back for repair for a broken rear screen and no other faults were found then. Within a few days of getting it back it happened again.
I don't blame the repairer, identifying a fault when it doesn't show must be just about impossible.
Now they can't miss it!

[Ollie]

Let both the 40D and 20D go mate and put the proceeds towards a 7D. Tell you what, next time I come over to Nottingham which could be as early as next week weather permitting you can use my 7D with the bigma for a day and I will use my 40D.

Will be in touch after the weekend.

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by Ollie

Let both the 40D and 20D go mate and put the proceeds towards a 7D. Tell you what, next time I come over to Nottingham which could be as early as next week weather permitting you can use my 7D with the bigma for a day and I will use my 40D.

Will be in touch after the weekend.

Thanks Roger. Much appreciated.

Whatever happens I'll keep my 40D, if only to use as a macro camera with my MPe65.
I may be tempted to buy a 7D...I'll see how I get on next week!