Camerahand Loc: Huntsville, Tennessee

Thanks to everyone for the comments on the lithium battery but I don't think that is my problem. This problem first popped up around 1998 and them two or three times since then. I feel if the battery was beginning to give problems in 1998, it would have died shortly thereafter. However, if I send the camera in for repair, that could be what they find.

I wonder if I have screwdrivers small enough to fit those tiny screws. Hummmmmmm.

Burton

Camerahand Loc: Huntsville, Tennessee

You're right, MT Shooter! I do plan on getting a
Canon T3i as soon as possible. You know, #64 is scheduled to roll around near the end of January. That gives me time to drop a whole bunch of hints.

Burton

whopper247 Loc: Perth, Australia

I recently had an identical issue with my 1986 original T90. After some research, it seems the T90 needs regular use to avoid this 'known' shutter issue from arising. Periodically, I have dusted off my T90 to find the shutter refusing to fire and a very low clicking noise coming from the left-hand portion of the body, when trying the shutter button.

The possible good news for you is that I have coaxed my T90 back into full operation and, with regular firing of the shutter, it now fires at the full high speed (4.5fps), without any problems.

So, how did I bring it back from the seeming dead? 1) Ensure the drive indicator is not flashing, 2) hold the shutter button down continuously, 3) (still holding the shutter button down, fully press the stop-down button and release it so it retracts under its spring (i.e. don't release it slowly by holding it). You can also try setting the lens to manual, again use the stop-down button, then putting the lens back to 'A' to engage the mirror motor. You can also try pressing the stop-down button half-way, multiple times. With luck, as with my T90, you'll get the shutter to fire. if you do, persist and you should be able to get it firing at full speed.

Interestingly, once I got it running, the one thing that really seems to have improved it is not just regular use, but setting the shutter for longer exposure (i.e. 1/15 through to 3 seconds). I don't know if a longer exposure somehow puts the T90's shutter unit under more 'stress', but mine is now totally reliable. I'm now just firing the shutter every few days and, so far, no further issues. The only other advice I can give is to persist! For me, it really paid off.

Best of luck.

Camerahand Loc: Huntsville, Tennessee

Well, Whopper247, I have tried everything you suggested (plus some other things Canon would consider illegal) and still nothing works. I might try high explosives later today. 8-)

I certainly appreciate your suggestions. I guess I'll get around to taking it to a repair shop one of these days. I'm not giving up, though. I plan to give it the treatment every few days and see what happens.

Thanks again.

Burton

whopper247 Loc: Perth, Australia

Sorry to hear that Burton. So, you de-pressed the stop-down repeated times..I mean NUMEROUS times?

Also, can you hear the faint clicking when the shutter button is down? It's very faint, but it should mean it is at least trying. I think it may be the vibration from the stop-down process that helped kick mine into action, so perhaps some carefully placed explosives just might do it!

Camerahand Loc: Huntsville, Tennessee

Yes, I can hear the clicking sound, like it's trying to do something. I worked the stopped-down lever numerous times and will continue to work with it every day. Maybe something will break or break loose before long.

Thanks again.

Burton

lacsar Loc: Columbia SC and Newland NC

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-9370-1.html

This is a member on UHH that repairs camera's. I just read his add on the forum. You might want to check him out.

http://www.discountcamerarepair.com