Canon 1D with flashing "Err", yet no code

[Larry Placido]

OK,
Here's something for the group... I still have an original 1D that I purchased new (2002) when there was a wait list and the price was $5500.00

Now many years later, I still use it for a back up. I was shooting at the Giants game last night when it failed. I shot a sequence of shots and all of a sudden it stopped. I don't know if it was writing to the card at that particular time. Looked down at the top screen and all I saw was a flashing "Err" with no code, nothing else on the screen.

Thought it was the battery, installed a fully charged one and came up with the same. Took off the lens, the CF card, nothing seemed to work...

Not only do I show nothing but the "Err" message on the top screen, but, there was nothing on the rear screen as well. I'd turn it on and I would see the digital display on the rear screen and it would fade to nothing within seconds.

I pressed the shutter and I could hear it "click", but as I was looking at the mirror, it wouldn't move at all...

I've encountered "Err" codes before on other models but always with a specific code. This time, no code...just the flashing "Err". I know that this is an older model, yet, it perplexes me to no end. The last time it was in for service/adjustment was about 4 years ago.

I'd appreciate any words of advice or help... I called Canon and the customer service rep told me he's never heard of a "Err" without the corresponding code.

Perhaps Chuck could shed some light on this?

Thanks,
Larry

[ChuckWestfall]

Hi, Larry:

Sorry to hear of this problem. Based on your description, the most likely scenario is that the shutter mechanism has failed. This could happen for any number of reasons, including the number of actuations (i.e., how many exposures have been taken by the camera with that shutter), etc.

Beyond that, though, the bigger problem is that Canon is no longer offering repair service for the original EOS-1D, mainly due to lack of service parts like shutter units, etc. It's essentially a 9 or 10-year old camera at this point. You can try to have the camera serviced through an independent authorized service facility, but that is up to you. If the camera cannot be repaired, it might be time to replace it with a newer model.