Reset a Canon Camera Lens
Modern interchangeable lenses for SLR (single-lens reflex) cameras have taken away the need to focus so that photographers can concentrate entirely on composing the shot. The downside to this, is that lens electronics can jam up, often at the most inconvenient time imaginable.
Mercifully, clearing basic communication errors between lens and camera is quick, painless and can be done with things you probably have in your backpack. In a few seconds, you can be up and shooting again in no time.
Instructions
Lift and Set
1. Often the problem can be corrected simply by turning the camera off, removing the lens and then resetting it.
Locate the power switch for your camera. Some Canon models have them near the shutter release, while the "prosumer" and professional models have the power switch on the back. Move the switch to the off position. (Note: Nothing bad will happen if you remove the lens with the power on, the camera will automatically shut off.)
2. Next, press the release for the lens. On Canon cameras, this is located near the base of the lens on the left side.
3. Remove the lens with about a quarter-turn and lift it out. Reset the lens until it clicks into place and then turn the camera on.
Rub and Scrub
4. If after resetting the lens there still are problems, it may require a more thorough cleaning.
Remove the lens as previously described. Make sure the lens cap is in place and set the lens aside. Lay the camera down.
5. Pick up the lens and look at the base--the part that goes into the camera. There are a series of gold contacts that will need cleaning.
Hold the lens with the contacts facing down toward the floor and --very gently--rub the contacts with a pencil eraser. Clean each contact gently, always holding the lens with the contacts facing down to keep shavings from the eraser from falling into the lens.
6. Set the lens down and pick up the camera body. You should see the same gold contacts where the lens sits. Hold the camera body with the contacts facing down and repeat the same, gentle cleaning motions on the contacts with the pencil eraser.
7. Before resetting the lens, use a brush to gently brush both the lens contacts and the camera contacts, making sure to keep the contacts facing toward the floor. This will help remove any remaining bits of the eraser or dust.
Checking the Manual
8. If, even after these steps, the problems persist, it is time to double check the manual.
Most modern cameras will provide an error message if there is an error. If you are getting an error message, write down the message and check to see what it means.
9. If you have a second lens, try attaching that lens to the camera to see if you get the same result. If the camera has trouble with both lenses, it could be a problem with the camera body. If the trouble is just with one lens, it likely is just the lens.
10. If troubles persist, contact a camera repair center or Canon Customer Service
Tags: contacts facing, lens with, camera body, contacts facing down, facing down
