24-105 error 01

[KeithT]

I have just had the dreaded error 01 problem with my Canon 24-105L whilst on holiday in Kefalonia. What a bummer! It would not shoot anything past 24mm even after cleaning the contacts, so I had to limp along with 24mm with thoughts of some serious cropping in post when I got back.

For the record, there is a problem with this lens it seems, as others have posted similar faults on the web. Apparently it has to do with a weakness with the diaphragm and/or IS motor. Not a cheap repair me thinks, although Canon should own up to this and do it free seeing that there are so many other instances of this problem posted on the web.

Just be warned if you own this lens. It might even be a good idea to write and mention it to Canon and see what their response would be. It might even be a good idea for this magazine to delve into it for its customer’s sake considering it rates this manufacturer's products so highly - as indeed most of us do. But then that might be asking too much of them of course.

[GrahamMcPherson]

I've just had an Err 01 message and the same thing as you and yes there are loads of people complaining about the same thing. This is a manufacturing fault no doubt as it is nearly always the 24mm -105mm L lens that has the problem when you Google "err 01". £800 for what? I'm thinking of going Nikon and starting an anti Canon revolution based on their lack of support for their faulty design. I love my 5D MK II but this is unacceptable from Canon as many other disgruntled customers I'm sure will agree.

[chris-p]

Keith - what a bummer. Sounds like Canon may well do the repair for free though. If it's a known fault or design problem they will probably have a legal responsibility.

Originally Posted by GrahamMcPherson

I'm thinking of going Nikon and starting an anti Canon revolution

Welcome to the forum Graham. You wouldn't be the first to rally against Canon!

[Cathus]

Graham,

out of interest I did Google 'err 01 Canon' & whilst some of the returns didn't specifically mention the lens, most of them did & in the top 40 hits only 2 mentioned the 24 - 105, it seems other lenses are more prone to this error than yours.

I'm interested as I have this lens.

[KeithT]

As an update I have now had my lens back from Canon for several months since my first posting. Canon didn't repair for free, although I did get a discount through a family member. The price for fixing is a little over £100, with no mention of it being a known fault.

The diaphragm was replaced and all the elements cleaned, along with tightening up of the barrel which had started to creep if the lens was held down. The lens was returned after about ten days and it was just like un-boxing a brand new lens. I have now added a Hoya HD clear filter to the front element to complete the weather sealing and just keep my fingers crossed that this won't happen again for a long time to come - if at all.