Hi all,

My Canon 10-22mm EF-S lens gave a lens communication "Error Code 01" this afternoon (on my Canon 7D when I was about to shoot a still - shutter button would not activate/camera locked up). I looked it up and the Canon website said to carefully clean the gold plated lens and lens mount contacts (which all looked clean - but I gave them a clean with a lint free cloth anyway).

No joy.

Tried removing the battery etc. (but not some of the more extreme suggestions on the web like trying to clean the contacts with a pencil eraser...did n't fancy that as bits might end up in the camera etc.)

Tried all my other Canon EF and EF-S lenses on the 7D and they all work fine/as expected.

Then a bit of web searching told me that it is a somewhat common error and that cleaning the lens contacts rarely works as it is more often than not due to a fractured ribbon cable within the lens body itself. With zoom lenses, it makes sense that this ribbon needs to be flexible as it moves backwards & forwards depending on the zoom setting. However, apparently with time the cable ages, becomes fragile and then can crack/break. The other thing it might be is stuck iris blades.

I put the lens on my C100 and sure enough iris adjustment seems to be impossible...

This was all new to me but it seems the Error Code 01 is more common fault than I would have liked, even with L lenses (the Canon 24-105mm F4 L seems to get regularly mentioned...and a few others too).

My lens is about 6-7 years old. I have found a Canon certified repairer centre in Colchester that I'll ring in the morning and will go from there.

Just mentioning this as, although there seems to be lots of posts about Canon lenses getting this fault on various photography forums, there does not seem to be much on DVinfo that I could find (just one very short thread from a few years ago).

Lots of us use Canon glass and it might be useful for everyone to be aware of this potential issue. Luckily, it did not happen on a client shoot and I am hoping I can get the lens repaired (or replaced with a new alternative) before I need it next for client work. Even more luckily, all my shoots in the next 10 days or so are interviews/need other lenses but I will need it later this month on my FS5 via Metabones IV for some Letus Helix Jr "walk about" shots.

Below is a link to a tweet this afternoon with the very last shot I got with the lens before it died!

https://twitter.com/andykwilkinson/status/729337812290506753

When you look at the cost involved in fixing a problem with a lens such as the Canon 10-22mm EF-S I suppose you have to decide whether it's worth repairing.

I dropped my 100-400 L, focus ribbons were all snapped as well as the extension guides. I knew it was worth fixing but not worth claiming for on my insurance because of the excess. By the time it was finally sorted out it cost about £400, a third of it's purchase value.

Good luck with your repair.

Just to update this. The repair estimate has come in (includes a "full sevice").

P & P £7.00
SPARES £47.61
LABOUR £105.00
VAT £31.92
TOTAL £191.53

I also spent £8.55 sending it to them so, all in all, about £200 to get it fixed and back in my hands. The VAT I'll claim back anyway. To buy a new identical lens would be about £380. This is one review of the lens:

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-S-10-22mm-f-3.5-4.5-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

And this review site suggests getting the cheaper Canon 10-18mm IS EF-S instead...but it's a bit too slow for me and I don't like the sound of its focus by wire (the 10-22mm is mechanical, albeit not with very much throw). Mind you, with ultra wides most things are in focus anyway!

http://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/lenses/10-18mm.htm

I have given them the go ahead as I've found my 10-22mm a highly useful lens these last few years - so hopefully I'll get it back soon!

I think I have my 10-22 on the C100 at least half the time. Wonderful indoors (would be better if it were faster but the C100 is really good in low light)

Hope I don't have any issues with it!!! Fingers crossed.

Just had an email from Colchester Camera Repair that my lens is on its way back to me. I should have it tomorrow :-)