K.Cole

We just returned from the Texas Hill Country where the bluebonnets were spectacular this year. About half way through the 5-day shoot, the Canon 80D with 17-85 (less than 2 years old) started throwing the error code 01 "Communication between the camera and lens is faulty." I cleaned the contacts on both a couple of times to no avail. We tried the lens on the Rebel XSi and got the same code. Here's the odd thing; it only happens from 17mm to 35mm. When zoomed beyond 35, the lens and cameras work perfectly.

Just wondering if anyone has seen this same problem and if there is a DIY fix outside of cleaning contacts.

thanks all.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

Since it works fine beyond 35mm it is unlikely that your contacts are the problem. It seems to me that it is an internal issue with the lens. Time to contact Canon, IMO.

lsaguy Loc: Udall, KS, USA

Counselling?

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

MarcusTitus Loc: Dallas

Had the same issue with my daughters 17-85. I did some googling and found that lens has an internal cabling issue. Sent it for repair, but was costly. Next time may replace it with a used one or upgrade to the 15-85.

SyracuseOrange Loc: Manlius,NY

Seems to be a common problem with this lens. Mine did the same thing three years ago
and it was a failed internal cable. Sent it to Canon for repair and when fixed I have not had a problem since.

khorinek

I had a 24-70 once that did that to me. It only worked at f/2.8. I sent it to canon and it was the internal cable. It cost $450 to fix. The lens was worth $1,500 so I had it fixed. Canon does an excellent job in their service dept. You can send it to Canon for a free estimate. https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/support/service-repair/repair

dpfoto Loc: Cape Coral, FL

Since it's a "known issue" with that lens, they should repair it free.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

Agree!

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

Ribbon cables and cable connectors! Necessary, but problematic. Canon should reevaluate this one since it is a known/public issue, but they wouldn't be the first to continue to charge for repairs like these (No NTSB mandated recalls!!!). Many failures, and/or especially intermittent "connectivity dropouts" revolve around the cables/connectors high percentage of the time, then comes circuit board components and elec. motors, and mechanical issues like loose slide/guides/gears or chipped/broken gears and such. The cables get little breaks in the wire and early on will lose connectivity during part of their movement, then usually fail completely when the wire no longer makes contact anywhere in the movement cycle, or not enough contact to allow enough current to run the motor. Many of these things are user repairable (if, big if, you can get the part/know how to do it), but not for the uninitiated, inexperienced, or ham fisted.

$450 is a steep charge, possibly really buried deep and requires complete teardown, or cable is hardwired to the little motor, and/or they had to re-design the cable/connector/motor to cure the issue, and are trying to get their investment back.

Same sort of thing crops up with flippy screens, I love flip screens/articulating LCD screens, but the ribbon cable/connectors and mechanical connections are their weak point.

K.Cole

I appreciate the "serious" and "helpful" comments so far. I have sent an E-mail to the Canon help center since their 800 help line is not staffed on weekends. In that E-mail, I did mention this seemed to be a known issue and asked if there might be a recall or discounted repair with that knowledge in mind. I will update with that response which-ever way it goes so maybe others can benefit from it.

TheShoe Loc: Lacey, WA

The lens should be subject of a recall and fix for $0.

Frederick Wolf

Had the same problem with my Nikon 18 - 55mm. It only worked after 35mm. Shook the lens, heard a slight 'rattle'! Lens is broken inside. Bought a new on sale. Only slight difference between paying for repair, or getting a new lens on sale. P.S. The new lens, had an 'OFF-ON' button. Be aware! . . .and yes, the 'Blue Bonnets' are beautiful here, so are the 'Indian paints'!

K.Cole

Where are you located? I'm guessing central TX. If you want to see my bluebonnet pics, they are posted on the Texas Nature Lovers Facebook page. 5 days worth-1730 miles and 1900 images captured, but only posted about 140.

Thanks for the response on the lens issue.

williejoha

That lens is known to have issues with one of the flat cables inside the lens. Need to go for repair.
WJH