Canon 40D shows Err 01 with EF-S 17-85mm in Manual mode — is the lens faulty?
Asked 9/23/2021
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A Canon 40D used for student projects shows "Err 01" when paired with a Canon EF-S 17-85mm USM lens, but only when shooting in Manual mode. Other exposure modes appear to work. The lens contacts have already been cleaned, and the lens looks fine externally. Does this point to a body/sensor problem, or is the lens likely failing? Is repair worthwhile, or is replacement the better option?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
4y ago
2 Answers
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The Canon EF-S 17-85 USM is an old lens design and it is well known for having ribbon cable issues which cause errors like you are experiencing. The flexible ribbon cable transfers focal length and aperture information through the lens body to the camera, and it is common for it to be damaged over a long period of normal use.
It is not worth repairing as the second hand replacement cost is about $100, (or less) and the cost to repair it would be more than that.
I would recommend replacing it with either an EF-S 15-85 USM or EF-S 18-135 USM. Both lenses are more modern designs with better optics and image quality.
Originally by user39427. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user39427
4y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
This is most likely a lens fault, not a sensor problem. On the EF-S 17-85mm USM, a common failure is the internal flexible ribbon cable that carries aperture and focal-length information between the lens and camera. When that cable starts failing, the camera can show Err 01, especially in situations where aperture control/communication is needed more directly.
Since you’ve already cleaned the contacts, the lens is the likely culprit. This model is known for that issue, and repair is usually not cost-effective because the lens is old and replacement used copies are often cheaper than servicing it.
So yes, there is probably little hope for an economical repair. The practical solution is to replace the lens. Common suggested upgrades are the Canon EF-S 15-85mm USM or EF-S 18-135mm USM, both of which are newer designs with better optics.
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AI4y ago
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