Just Trying To Focus Loc: Jackson County, Michigan

I have an older 24-105 F L lens that I purchased used several years ago. It works fine with my 60D and 70D. But when I put it on the 80D, it will take one or two shots, then gives me "Error 1" which is a communications error, and tells me to clean the contacts. I've done that to no avail. My other Canon lenses and Tamron lenses work fine on the 80D, but not the 24-105. Canon tech support tells me there is no known issue.

Has anyone else had this problem?

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

It sounds like the ribbon cable in the lens is defective.

Just Trying To Focus Loc: Jackson County, Michigan

Its odd that it still works fine on the 60D and 70D.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Call Canon about the problem again, and, if necessary, send the lens in for repair.

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

One of my 24-105mm lens worked correctly on my 5D MK III but gave me the error on my 6D. I was in the middle of a photoshoot with the lens on my 5D MK III and it also gave me the error. It could be just a matter of time before it happens on the other cameras. I would have it checked out by Canon. Again, this was my experience.

Haydon

Harold might be spot on. It's definitely communication between the lens and camera body. There appears to be a design fault with the Canon 24-105 F4 with an aperture cable or if you're lucky, just cleaning the contacts might solve the problem.

But much like you, others have experienced issues with some camera bodies while others seem to work perfectly fine.

Googling for Error 1 Canon 24-105 would have given you plenty of answers.

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3283417

Klsing Loc: Georgia

I have a 70D and have used a very old Tamron with no issues until about a month ago same error message. Now it is doing it on my very old Rebel. I think my basically inexpensive 25 year old lens might be done. I would definitely send in the lens to Canon and let them look at it.

Just Trying To Focus Loc: Jackson County, Michigan

Thanks. I'll have to think on that. I just spent $495 to repair the 70D when it froze while in video mode, and they had to replace the PCB (computer board??). I then spent more money and purchased the 80D because the 70D was going in for repair. Not sure I am ready to spend the money to repair the 24-105. I purchased it used from a professional photographer several years ago. I may be better off to save up the money and put it toward a new lens.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

There is a known ribbon cable issue on the 24-105L MK1. Mine hasn't failed (yet), but I understand the cost to repair from Canon is in the $250 range.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Since it is an older lens it could just be wear on the contacts. If the lens mount is at one end of the tolerance range and the camera mount at the other and the contacts on the lens have even a microscopic bit of wear then the contact could be iffy and heating due to the small amount of power through the contacts could cause it to lose contact.

Just Trying To Focus Loc: Jackson County, Michigan

The contacts do look like they could be worn.

bigwolf40 Loc: Effort, Pa.

Maybe you should buy a Tamron lens. They give you a six year warranty where gives a one year....Rich

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

When purchasing a used lens from a "professional" you're not really sure how, nor how much the lens was used. Most lenses of this mm value came under heavy use by professional photographers, even amateurs used this lens heavily as it was a very good "walk around" lens. The 24-105mm f4L IS USM lens also has its faults, such as the "ribbon cable" failure. This cable flexes every time the lens is focused, and zoomed. Just the nature of the cable, it is prone to failure over time. Of course the failure is more than the Canon warranty period of 1 year. You have two or three options on the table, you can get the lens repaired, calibrated, cleaned for about $250.00, buy the new EF 24-105mm f4L IS USM lens, or buy a 3rd party lens. If you're still wanting to buy used, look at KEH.com for their used lenses. I know they will warranty their lenses for 6 months, so I expect they tear down any lens with known problems and repair and replace the parts known to be defective. If the 24-105 is your main lens, and you use it regularly, look for a refurbished copy. If you want a new lens maybe a third party lens from either Sigma, or Tamron will work. Both make good glass, but I'd lean to Tamron for the 6 year warranty period.

B