5D MKII repair dilemma, what to do?

[White Rabbit]

My 5DMKII no longer tethers making it fairly useless for astro photography. I called up a repair shop and if it is repairable it will cost me about $200 or $300 to fix, but if it isn't repairable it will cost me around $900 as the mother board will have to be replaced, ouch!!!

My thinking is this, if I need to get it replaced I'd rather spend that money on a wireless grip as it will add value to the camera if I decide to sell it. The grips are expensive though, about 1K or there abouts. Does any one know of any other solution out there? Are ther any non wireless grips that have a USB port on them? The wireless function would be good but if I can avoid spending a grand I will.

The other alternative would be to not repair it, keep it for landscapes and time lapse photography and buy a dedicated ccd for astro work. 1K doesn't really get you much in astro world though does it??

So wich way would you go?

Thanks

[White Rabbit]

Mmm, been doing a bit of research and motherboards are relatively cheap see here

http://www.uscamera.com/cg2-1689.htm

And

http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/5D-Mark-II-Mainboard-for-Canon/409829_519627611.html

Any one ever pulled one of these apart? How hard would it be? Or am I going to end up with a very expensive paper weight?

[White Rabbit]

Just gathering resources in one spot for future reference.

5D MKIi tear down video

http://youtu.be/UOb55J09wbU

And

http://blog.planet5d.com/2009/08/wanna-tear-apart-your-canon-eos-5d-mark-ii/

[White Rabbit]

EOS 5D Mark II – Parts Catalog – Parts List & Schematics

http://www.hdcamteam.com/2010/06/23/5dmkii-parts-catalog/

[Octane]

What software are you trying to use to tether?

H

[White Rabbit]

Maxim Dl, for plate solving, max point in conjunction with maxim Dl and Backyard EOS for imaging as I prefer the interface to maxim.

I'm begining to get a bit scared because the more I watch the tear down vid the easier it looks. The voice in the back of my head is saying that "Eric Clapton makes guitar playing look that easy too, and I sure as hell can't play like that" lol


Thanks

[MrB]

You can do it.
If you have everything you need at hand, tools, parts etc, and all neatly laid out on a table cleared for the sole purpose of fixing the cam and you take your time while going back to the resources to check your progress, you can do it. One step at a time.

You could play like Eric too, just not as deftly as he can.... twang.... (reposition fingers) twang...... twang....
Sure, it might not sound like Eric, but you do play all the right notes and chords. It just takes time and concentration.

[leon]

I think you could manage it, pull it down and have a go, what is the worst that can happen, I personally wouldn't be buying expensive add on stuff to a dodgy camera.

Leon

[White Rabbit]

Thanks guys, the camera is sound only the tethering no longer functions. I nudged the cable when it was plugged in at last years star party and its never worked since.
When I connect to the PC the PC recognises its connected but then gives me a communication error. So it may well be fixable.

Thanks again.

[MrB]

That sounds like a cracked solder joint, so *should* be a relatively simple fix.
I'd definitely have a go at it :thumbsup:

[White Rabbit]

There has got to be a way of connecting via the extension system terminal that WTF grip uses. It's essentially the same thing as the USB port. Anyone know what type of connector that is? I'll bet it's specific to canon.

[solissydney]

Pulling apart the 5D is one easy thing to do.

But a 5DMKll forget it. Near impossible.
take my word for it.

[White Rabbit]

Thanks ken.

I'll put it into the shop first and see what they have to say about it.

[Octane]

Have you got EOS Utility installed?

H

[rcheshire]

Dismantling a 5dmkii to the extent required to expose the USB is not difficult.

[White Rabbit]

Thanks,

Yes I have have all the drivers installed. Also tried the camera in several computers, again with all cannon drivers and software installed.

Thanks