dkguill Loc: Elkhart, IN

I have had my Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens for several years now with NO problems whatsoever. Just recently I tried shooting with that lens on my 5Ds and I saw what appeared to be a flickering of the shudder and then the following error message...Err 01 Communication between the camera and the lens is faulty. Clean the lens contacts. I switched the lens to my 5D Mk IV and got the same message. I tried it on my 7D Mk II...same message. All of my other lenses work fine on all bodies. I concluded it had to be the lens and not the camera body. The problem does seem to be somewhat intermittent.

So, I read on this forum ideas for cleaning lens contacts. I tried a pencil eraser. No good. I then tried an alcohol swab. Still no good. I have noticed that the problem may not occur when the camera is first turned on, but it is more likely to start after the lens is zoomed to another position. Not sure that is anything but coincidence however.

My question now...
1. Is there another suggested way to clean the contacts that I haven't used?
2. Does this sound a repair at Canon is the best solution?

Thanks for any advice.

DeanS Loc: Capital City area of North Carolina

If you have shot this lens on three different cameras, and gotten the same msg on all three, VIOLA! Chances afre bettter than averge that the issue is with the lens. Canon will likely be your best shot at resolution.

leftj Loc: Texas

You might want to have an online chat with someone at Canon to see if there is a simple solution. Most likely they will tell you to send it in. Get an idea of the repair cost though. You may decide to put the money toward a new updated lens.

dkguill Loc: Elkhart, IN

Thanks for your comments. I of course am aware of the new version of this lens and will probably buy that anyway, but fixing this lens makes sense if it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. I will try the chat idea.

russelray Loc: La Mesa CA

I had the same problem a few of years ago. It was the lens. Although the lens was out of warranty, Canon fixed it for a reasonable price and I have had no problems since.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

A word of caution to you hoggers: Unfortunately, once contacts are "cleaned" with a pencil eraser, things are permanently changed. This action removes a layer from the contacts that prevents oxidation. Once removed, they will oxidize again soon. I am an electrical engineer who had to deal with this issue on circuit board contacts. Don't use abrasives!

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

There is a known ribbon cable issue with this particular lens. If cleaning the contacts didn't help, it may be time to send to Canon for repair. From what I recall, the cost is in the $200 neighborhood to replace the ribbon cable, but mine hasn't failed yet so I could be off on the price.

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

You can send the lens to Canon for a estimate. My rule of thumb is basicly 1/3 cost of a refurb, buy the refurb. Since Canon has come out with the Version II of the f4L lens, there will be a lot of those lenses on the market, either on ebay, or even Canon Refurbished Store. That exact lens new, in a "White" box could cost as little as $600.

B

dkguill Loc: Elkhart, IN

Thanks to all who have replied. I chatted with a Canon tech and he said essentially what you are saying...he referred to it as a wire, but I'm sure it is the ribbon cable that interfaces with the external contacts. He said that that "wire" wears after a time and it needs to be replaced. I have sent it off via UPS and will await the estimate. If it is only a couple of hundred dollars, it will be well worth the cost of repair. I bought the lens in 2007 and I use it frequently. I have been thinking that I will purchase the version II of the same lens because it is so flexible and I have three good bodies on which it can be used. The 2007 model is sharp and will have a lot of good service left in it on one of those bodies, hopefully for another 10 years...that's assuming I last that long. I am without warranty, just like that lens, so who knows.

I'll report the cost and results if anyone is interested.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Please tell me I'm reading your post wrong and that you did NOT clear any contacts with a pencil eraser. They contain abrasive materials than can remove the conductive coating. If you have, I am aware of no solution short of factory authorized repair service.

dkguill Loc: Elkhart, IN

Thanks for your concern, but I did two things that I have seen recommended by numerous members of fhis forum. It wasn't until I asked this specific question a couple of days ago that one person suggested that the eraser was a bad idea. Usually the info given here is pretty good and when multiple members recommend something you can believe it. I also noted that feedback from two different Canon techs did NOT include a warning about erasers and they had been told that it was one of the methods tried. That is not to suggest you are wrong and your warning about abrasives seems logical. In any case it is academic since the lens is on the way to the Canon service center for repair. It would be good to hear from someone who has talked directly to Canon about erasers however.

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

Did you mean shuddering of the shutter? Sorry.

dkguill Loc: Elkhart, IN

I hate typing with my thumbs and I often have to correct errors in results. This error, however, was one of those that is like typing their instead of there or they're. Thanks for the heads up. I must proof read better in the furure it would seem. I shudder to think I might do that again.
I guess I might have said shuddering of the shutter...but I didn't.

catchlight.. Loc: Wisconsin USA- Halden Norway

Good Tutorial

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUt-K6w7lc0

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

It sounds like a repair is likely needed. Call Canon. I think you've done a fine job of diagnosing your problem and have narrowed it down to the lens.