Bent Pin in Compact Flash Slot - 5D MIII: I had both my Canon DSLR's (7D MII & 5D MIII) cleaned & checked by Canon at a "Takeover" at Unique Photo in NJ. Cost was $10.00 per item, but...

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

I had both my Canon DSLR's (7D MII & 5D MIII) cleaned & checked by Canon at a "Takeover" at Unique Photo in NJ. Cost was $10.00 per item, but I received two $10 tokens for a future purchase at Unique. Upon completion there was a determination that the 5D MIII had a bent pin in the CF slot. The Canon tech suggested I take it to the Canon repair in Lyndhurst, NJ.
Upon returning home, I inserted one of my CF cards, took a few shots and viewed the image. No apparent issue, so the CF card does record images. Of course I also have the SD slot. Generally I use the CF card as a backup. I can take a ride to Lyndhurst and let them repair it, but functionally, as far as I can tell, it's fine.

So, what is the advice from experienced Uhhers?
Thanks,
Mark

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

It will fail when the card / camera detects the problem will cause you the worst pain ... I'd get it fixed before the camera goes out of support and before you have a body you can never sell ...

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I wish I knew the pin-out for the CF cards.
My initial guess would be that a bent pin on a high order address line could simply cut the card capacity in half? Has there been a change in capacity?
Another possibility could be a pin where the signal is normally active high. Being disconnected from the card, if there is an internal pull-up (there should be) that pin would be high all the time.
I'll look to see if I can find a pin-out for the card.

(Not that I wouldn't get it fixed, just looking for an explanation as to why a card works in the camera.)

ken_stern Loc: Yorba Linda, Ca

CHG_CANON wrote:

It will fail when the card / camera detects the problem will cause you the worst pain ... I'd get it fixed before the camera goes out of support and before you have a body you can never sell ...

PLEASE take his advice!!
I didn't on my 5D2 & it eventually failed at the worst possible time & "eventually" Canon fixed it

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Longshadow wrote:

I wish I knew the pin-out for the CF cards.
My initial guess would be that a bent pin on a high order address line could simply cut the card capacity in half? Has there been a change in capacity?
Another possibility could be a pin where the signal is normally active high. Being disconnected from the card, if there is an internal pull-up (there should be) that pin would be high all the time.
I'll look to see if I can find a pin-out for the card

I have not used the camera to any extent since purchasing the Sony RX10 IV last July. Thanks for the feedback. Maybe the easiest & wisest move is to take a ride to Lyndhurst - only 45 min away.
Mark

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

ken_stern wrote:

PLEASE take his advice!!
I didn't on my 5D2 & it eventually failed at the worst possible time & "eventually" Canon fixed it

Thanks, Ken. I'll heed the advice!
Mark

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

markngolf wrote:

.....
Maybe the easiest & wisest move is to take a ride to Lyndhurst - only 45 min away.
Mark

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Longshadow wrote:

I'm not only getting older each day, occasionally I even get smarter?

Thanks,
Mark

ken_stern Loc: Yorba Linda, Ca

Lyndhurst !!
That's where my Grandma lived 60+ yrs ago --- Many happy memories
Hope the place has not changed but assume like everything else it has

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

markngolf wrote:

I had both my Canon DSLR's (7D MII & 5D MIII) ... (show quote)

Of the 52 pins used for CF cards, 6 are "guide" pins and have no communication purpose. These pins are also slightly longer and as such are more prone to bending. Loss of one or more of these guide pins will not affect card communication at all, but would necessitate even more care will inserting a card to assure you do not bend one or more of the designated communication pins. That would definitely necessitate a $225 card port replacement job.

Kuzano

Knowing my style... there would just never be a Compact Flash card in the camera ever again.

However, at the rate I sell cameras, I would have it fixed. The 5DIII still has a relatively good value. What does the fix cost? If over $150... forget it.

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

MT Shooter wrote:

Of the 52 pins used for CF cards, 6 are "guide" pins and have no communication purpose. These pins are also slightly longer and as such are more prone to bending. Loss of one or more of these guide pins will not affect card communication at all, but would necessitate even more care will inserting a card to assure you do not bend one or more of the designated communication pins. That would definitely necessitate a $225 card port replacement job.

Thanks for the info. I cannot see the bent pin, even with illumination. There has never been resistance inserting the card. It still inserts with total ease. I've always been extremely careful with inserting a compact flash card.
Mark

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

ken_stern wrote:

Lyndhurst !!
That's where my Grandma lived 60+ yrs ago --- Many happy memories
Hope the place has not changed but assume like everything else it has

I did undergraduate work at FDU (Teaneck, 54-58') but did have a few classes on the Rutherford campus, right next to Lyndhurst.
Mark

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

CHG_CANON wrote:

It will fail when the card / camera detects the problem will cause you the worst pain ... I'd get it fixed before the camera goes out of support and before you have a body you can never sell ...

That is an example of Murphey's Law!

I expect the bent pin to eventually fail. I vote to get it fixed.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

markngolf wrote:

I'm not only getting older each day, occasionally I even get smarter?

Thanks,
Mark

Haha. My problem is stuff keeps leaking out.

It must be making room for the new stuff?