emrob62 Loc: NEPA

My daughter is reporting that the shutter won’t trigger on her Cannon t3i. Has inserted different memory cards and taken battery out and reinstalled. She had just started taking orders for senior portraits and really needs to get this working. Any help would be great

tgreenhaw

Long shot to check something I ran into - is the lens mounted properly with the lens cap off?

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

The Canon T3i is a crop sensor camera. I would say it is good for 100,000+ shutter clicks. I would recharge the battery first. Clean all the lens contacts with a Q-tip with 70% Isoproproyl alcohol. Use a different lens, if the one on it still doesn't work. Last, do a factory reset. If, that doesn't solve the problem, you probably need a new shutter replacement. That can cost you about $300. And, the camera may be too old for Canon to service it for repairs. If, that is so, I would see if I could get a used shutter on eBay, and have a local repair shop to charge you labor to install it. Good luck.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Hopefully, the issue can be resolved. If not, used EOS T3i's are selling for $184. New money should go to a new camera, not a repair for an old camera, if that is what is required.

Beyond the suggestions above, does the camera work on Auto? Does the camera work with another lens?

emrob62 Loc: NEPA

Thanks for the info. I’ll let discuss it all with her later but very helpful. Biggest problem is she’s in FL and I’m in PA

BB4A

I apologize in advance if this offends you; that is not my intention, and what I offer here is merely my own perspective (I freely admit to my distorted view of reality), solely based on your original post.

1. Your daughter is using a camera designed a decade ago, for personal, hobbyist use; you don't mention when it was purchased, but that's likely to be more than 5 years ago. It's a fine camera for the average consumer, but it wasn't designed and built to be used as a professional photography tool.

2. As others have already commented above, it may have just failed as a consequence of being worn out, or there's always the possibility of user error (and I hold up my hand, I've had that experience too!). If a local camera shop will take a look at it without charge, they may spot a simple remedy, or at least be able to quote you for the likely costs of a repair? At that point, you may find that repair of this relatively inexpensive camera body isn't financially the best use of money, and/or the downtime, while waiting for the repair?

3. If your daughter needs to urgently complete a paid commission, the most expedient option is probably to buy a replacement camera body. Used T3i's (in good condition with a limited warranty) are available from reputable camera shops for $150-$175; not a bad investment to rescue the commission, and that will also provide a reserve body if the original is cheaply repairable, or it turns out to be a user error? The advantage here is that it's an identical second body, so zero learning curve to experience before completing the commission.

4. I'd recommend for anyone taking their photography from hobbyist to paid commissions, to seriously look at a cost-effective upgrade to a professional build quality body (ideally two, because of the risk of accidents or failures during a paid commission). In my opinion (and again, I freely admit my perspective may not be others), the best value for money Canon body on the used market at the moment is the 7D Mk II; prices start around $600, for a body with years of life left in it. You can also pay more and get a package of body and lens; a cost-effective way to upgrade with better glass, if needed? The advantage with the 7D Mk II is that it was until recently the top of the range Canon crop-sensor body (so your daughter will have no problems with existing lens incompatibility), and has a host of very useful features that will really help her photography (although there will be a small learning period).

I do hope that this advice is helpful; as I don't have the T3i body in front of me, these are the only suggestions I can make. Whatever the outcome, best of luck for your daughter; I hope she can complete her commission in a timely manner, without too much inconvenience and cost.

emrob62 Loc: NEPA

Thanks BB4A, and no offense taken especially when looking for free advice. I had been figuring for a while of looking to upgrade since she does use it quite regularly. Appreciate the input and we’ll be checking all our options.

Farm Boy Loc: Mendota Illinois

I am not sure what this would do but the mirror lock up for cleaning?

wireloose

Used 7D, very good, on Amazon for $219 with priority shipping. My daughter still using my old one, semi-professionally, despite having the option of the much newer Sony 6500 I’ve left with her. With the battery grip it looks big and professional which impresses customers more than the Sony- which makes sense as I bought that as an inconspicuous travel camera.

BlueMorel Loc: Southwest Michigan

She doesn't have it set accidentally on the A-Dep instead of manual? (Assuming the mode selector dial is similar to my t2i)

spaceylb Loc: Long Beach, N.Y.

Dirt on the shutter button contact is a very common problem. There are youtube videos on how to clean it. A few drops of isopropyl alcohol dripped into the battery compartment, with the camera being held in the correct position and problem solved. Search YouTube and watch the video. I have used this trick on a T2i and two 40d's.

Shoeless_Photographer Loc: Lexington

My first thought if the shutter won't trigger is that it's not able to focus. Does she have another lens to try? Does it beep when it's properly focused (assuming she has that feature turned on)?

Worst case, she could definitely get another one or a better camera for likely less than it would cost her to get the T3i repaired.

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

If reset, battery charge/lens contact cleaning/and a check for improper menu adjustment doesn't fix it - does it show an ERR Message, or just won't fire? At any rate - MPB.com has 35 of them, starting at $184, easily replaced, low count, warranty for $200 or less. Repair is uneconomical. Even large T3i bundles top out around $300-350 in the Ebay sold & completed listings. Might be a good time for an upgrade, or Dad, if you are like me, give her your T3, you probably don't use it anyway!!! Or an early B-day present...etc, etc. I wish her good luck and good fortune on this!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

Quickest fix is 1(800)275-2273 Apple Tech Svs. They will solve it or fix it. You can spend the day asking us but, as good as most of us are they are better. They have done it before