Dear Board,

Just today my camera is shooting me a "Check The Lens" error message. The image is out of focus and I am unable to zoom and focus. It allows me to record but with that exact setting.

Has anyone else encountered such an issue? I checked both lens and camera for any broken/dirty parts and everything was in good condition.

Thanks for your help in advance!

Cheers,
John

edit - I also removed the lens itself to inspect parts. And re-inserted it several times before coming to this question.

The "Check lens" error message appears if no lens is mounted, lens is not mounted fully, or there is a communication problem between the lens and body (which could be as simple as dirty contracts - or far mor serious). If you can get hands on another XL1, try its lens to isolate the problem to the lens or body.

Yup. Dismount the lens, check the contacts on the body and the lens, clean if needed. Remount. If the problem persists, remove the main battery -and- the back-up (watch) battery for an hour or so. Replace and check. If the problem persists, get your checkbook out and send the camera to Canon service.

Thank you much for your advice so far. I checked the lens and body and the the areas in which they connect - both seem clean and fine.

Just to know, how would/should I clean the contacts? Any special procedure?

I will try that battery removal procedure as Ken recommended.

Thanks again folks!

Denatured alcohol and a FOAM swab.

This has just happend to me. I have returned the camera to Canon under warranty. What was the outcome of your problem?

<<<-- Originally posted by Chris Gaston : This has just happend to me. I have returned the camera to Canon under warranty. What was the outcome of your problem? -->>>

I called Canon up to see if I could troubleshoot the problem a little more with a phone tech. He suggested this amusing solution to an otherwise extremely aggravating problem.

- Disconnect your lens from the camera body.
- Take the eraser at the end of any wooden pencil and wipe over the len's connectors and Body's connectors. Blow away any eraser rubbings. Connect the lens back to the camera and the problem is solved.

I love how the highly technological world we live in can still have such simple organic solutions.

The Canon technicians must be lurkers here.

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?s=&threadid=27983&highlight=eraser
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?s=&threadid=30237&highlight=eraser

Thanks for the reply, I did try that prior to returning the camera. Canon have had it for a week now with no response via the dealer, are Canon that slow everywhere?

Did you send it to Canon via the dealer? I found in the past that sending an XL1 direct to canon usually winds up being less than 5 work days plus shipping time. Going via a dealer could add time depending on the dealer.

Don, I delivered it to the dealer in person and the Canon service centre is 5 miles down the road. I didn't realise I could do it direct. The dealer informs me that the standard turn around time from Canon UK is two to three weeks and there doesn't appear to be any hurry when it is under warranty. As I am planning to video Red Kites in about a week, the delay is anoying as the trip may have to be cancelled.

Chris - I sent my GL1 directly into Canon USA for a faulty LCD and the turnaround was 2-3 weeks. Via a dealer I'm almost certain it would take longer. I highly recommend renting or borrowing another camera to shoot your project ASAP.

Devin, I think that may be the best bet. Thanks to everyone for their input.