Canon lens developed a fault

This is a complete pain in the back side.

All of a sudden yesterday I started getting "Err 01" on my 350D while using my Canon 17-85 IS lens.

From what I've read that means there is a comunication error between it and the body. My 50mm prime and 70-300 IS both work fine so it must be the 17-85 that is the problem.

What is the best way of raising this with Canon? I went through their support system yesterday, but haven't heard back yet.

The most annoying this is thats my general purpose lens, only got the other two I can use at the moment (I gave the 18-55 kit lens to my uncle).

Have you tried cleaning the contacts on the lens itself?

If it is a communication error it could just be grease/grime stopping full contact?

I haven't cleaned them other than wiping them with a cloth. They are completely shiney and look brand new.

The lens practically lifes on my 350D

get a rubber and just gently rub over the contacts on the lens and try again

have you taken the battery out of the camera and replaced it again?

I'll give them both a go tonight.

Thanks Bob.

OK, tried both and still the same problem.

Sometimes though, instead of getting Err 01, i just get '00' as an aperature.

What is the best way of contacting Canon to get this sorted? The message through their support system is unanswered as yet. Should I just phone them?

Phone them up, or take it to a Canon service center. The 17-85 does have a reputation for failing randomly, I have seen 2, one similar to you, another got stuck aperture. I sent them both to Canon for service.

Any idea about duration and cost of repair.

I never got a chance to phone them on friday.

Depending on how long it takes I'd be tempted to get another lens so I can still use it in the mean time. Perhaps just a general purpose Sigma 18-200 or something.

It was ages ago so I cant remember the exact cost, something around the £90 mark. Took 5-7 days.

Thats not too bad. I'll try and remember to give them a call today :)

Thanks Hans

I've RMAed to Cannon before, but nothing Camera wise.

Fast and painless, although mine was within the first year.