My Canon 20D is 3 yrs old, has approximately 40K images taken. Lately it's been front-focusing pretty badly (very noticeable at wide open apertures), and is currently in the shop (along my most-used lens) for an alignment.
The shop said they might not be able to fix it, and some local photog friends have advised me that after 3yrs this camera may be near the end of its life. :(
(Hmm, I recently found an article on the internet about how the screws that hold the mirror box assembly in place can come loose, thereby throwing off your focusing. So it *would seem* an easy fix to be able to find the correct alignment --my repair shop has computerized equip to do that-- and snug the screws back up.)
So I am looking for input from a broader group of 20D users...
How long (how many shutter actuations) has your 20D lasted before you had to retire it?
Thanks!!
~Kathy.
Side note advice...
Kathy,
I don't shoot a 20D and haven't heard of your problem. I just wanted to tell you that I suggest sending your camera to Canon. Though you are probably happy with your repair shop, I would think you are better off sending the camera to the folks who know the camera like the back of their hand.
I recently dropped my 5D mounted with a 70-200 2.8L series lens about 5ft. in the air onto concrete. Both were devastated and I had no insurance. I sent them off to Canon fearing the worst, only to find that both were returned within two weeks totally repaired, mechanically and cosmetically. The real treat was... it only cost me about $600 for both and Canon put a 6 month warranty on their work.
Just a thought... good luck.
20D
1) Do a google search for "canon 20D focus" and you'll learn a lot about the issue.
2) My problem might not be "that" problem, as it's been getting progressively worse. Tells me something could be loose, perhaps the screws that hold the mirror assembly in place. In fact, I may have bumped the mirror the last time I was in there cleaning. So all I wanted was for the shop to check/correct the mirror box alignment. Straighten it out and tighten it up.
3) My day job happens to be a technical writer. I write mechanical servicing instructions. My machines happen to be bank gear that take digital images of checks and process/endorse them for payment. I've known what a jpg was before I held my first p&s digicam. And I've *written* camera replacement and alignment procedures!!! Therefore I know that correcting the alignment is a minor procedure and should not take more than an hour, given the proper tools to do so.
4) The shop I went to is an Authorized Canon Service Center. Also, I network, I know other photographers who shoot for their livelihood. I asked them where they'd go for service. This shop was named more than once. I called them about their ability to realign the mirror and yes, they have computerized calibration equipment and it would be no problem. By going to a local Authorized service center I could have my camera fixed same day, or maybe in a couple days, rather than running directly to Canon.
5) It just so happens that this problem is perplexing the techs at the shop. I asked if they couldn't reproduce the problem, or if they could but didn't know the cause. Basically they can't reliably reproduce the problem. (Hmmm, I can.) So yes the next step IS to send the camera to Canon.
---Anyway! I wasn't posting to ask what to do.---
A 20D is known to be prone to have minor focus wobble. All I was here to ask is, I am curious as to "how old" (in terms of shutter clicks) other 20D's are when the AF problem manifests itself or gets unmanageable. (I should not have suggested 'retiring' it, because parts are replaceable.)
I broke 70,000 shutter
I broke 70,000 shutter actuations on mine last week and it's still going strong.
Well...
There's a guy in my area that specializes in shooting rodeos in addition to the usual weddings and portraits.
He uses a 20D exclusively for his rodeo work. Doesn't like the 30 or 40Ds as their focus isn't as sharp. He uses his 30D for portraits only.
But if it can't be fixed, you can either try to find another one used or step up to either a 40D or 5D.
Jamie "Shooter" Taylor
Photographer
TailWind Imaging
"Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment." -- Buddha
http://www.myspace.com/tailwindimaging
http://tradewindimaging.photoreflect.com
I have a 20D too
and I bought it in May of 2005, have no idea how many clicks are on it, but it's a LOT. No problems at all. Though I upgraded to the 5D in 2007, I still use the 20D as my backup and second camera to reduce lens changes in busy situations.
How do you check the number of clicks?
Daniel Knighton
Pixel Perfect Images
(760)730-3224/(858)335-4540 cell
Carlsbad, CA
www.PixelPerfectImages.net
www.MySpace.com/PixelPerfectImages
Number of shutter clicks
To get the exact count, a service center or Canon has software to read this counter stored internally. Other cameras may store the count in their EXIF.