Troubleshooting your Gear
If you’re experiencing issues with your camera or lens, don’t worry- we have you covered.
This article will help you identify and fix common issues with your camera or lens before contacting our support team. You’ll find quick checks and simple steps to try at home- from cleaning lens contacts to resetting the dioptre on your camera to get you back shooting.
If your camera or lens isn’t working as expected, try these quick checks before getting in touch with our support team:
Power: Make sure the battery is fully charged and correctly inserted.
Memory card: Check that it’s properly seated and formatted.
Lens connection: Ensure the lens is securely attached and the contacts are clean.
Reset: Try restoring your camera to factory settings.
Test: If possible, test the lens or body with another compatible item.
All of our used equipment comes with a 14 day return period and most includes a 6 month warranty (unless otherwise stated). Please see our Returning your Gear article for further information
Common Issues
Image Stabilization / Autofocus Noise
Many modern lenses include Image Stabilization (IS) and Autofocus (AF) features to help capture sharp, steady shots. It’s normal for lenses with these features to make a high-pitched whirring noise while in use.
This comes from the internal motors working to stabilise the image or adjust focus. The sound is often more noticeable with telephoto lenses or when shooting in quiet environments, and doesn’t usually indicate a fault.
Different manufacturers use unique terms for image stabilization. Here’s how to identify it on your lens:
Canon: IS (Image Stabilization)
Nikon: VR (Vibration Reduction)
Sony: OSS (Optical SteadyShot)
Sigma: OS (Optical Stabilization)
Tamron: VC (Vibration Compensation)
Fujifilm: OIS (Optical Image Stabilization)
If you hear an unusual noise from your lens, try switching off Autofocus (AF) and Image Stabilization (IS) to see if it continues. If the sound stops, it’s likely just the motors working normally. If it persists or sounds unusual, like grinding or clicking- stop using the lens and contact our support team for advice.
Lens ‘Rattle’
Some lenses include internal or “floating” elements that move freely when the lens is not attached to a camera or is powered off. This movement can cause a light rattling or shifting sound, which is completely normal. In many cases, parts of the autofocus or image stabilization systems mechanically disengage when inactive, allowing these internal components to move slightly.
Once the lens is mounted and powered on, the elements lock into place and operate as intended. This design helps protect delicate internal mechanisms and does not indicate a fault with your lens.
Viewfinder Dioptres
A camera dioptre is a small dial or slider located next to the viewfinder that allows you to adjust its focus to match your eyesight. This feature helps you see a clear image through the viewfinder. It is especially useful if you wear glasses or have different vision in each eye.
Sometimes, if the dioptre is accidentally adjusted, the image in the viewfinder may look blurry, even though your photos are perfectly sharp. To fix this:
Hold the camera up to your eye.
Locate the dioptre control beside the viewfinder.
Slowly adjust it until the display and image appear sharp and clear.
Once set, your viewfinder should appear in focus, ensuring a more comfortable and accurate shooting experience.
Electronic Viewfinder Sensors
Many mirrorless cameras feature an Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) that uses a built-in proximity sensor to detect when you bring the camera to your eye. This sensor automatically switches the display between the rear LCD screen and the EVF, giving you a seamless shooting experience.
However, it’s common for users to notice that the EVF:
Always appears to be on
Always appears to be off
Switches inconsistently between the EVF and LCD
These behaviors don’t always indicate a fault. The most common cause is an obstruction near the sensor, such as a finger, camera strap, or dust, which can interfere with detection. Try gently cleaning the area around the viewfinder and ensure nothing blocks the sensor.
In some cameras, you can also manually control EVF behavior through the display or finder settings. Options may include keeping the EVF always on, always off, or allowing automatic switching. Adjusting these settings to your preference can help ensure consistent performance.
For further information on cleaning your gear, see our Cleaning your Gear article here.
If the EVF still doesn’t function as expected after cleaning and checking settings, try restarting the camera or resetting the display settings to default before contacting support.
Camera Power Issues
If your camera isn’t switching on or is experiencing power-related issues, follow these steps to identify and resolve the problem. Most issues are caused by either the battery or charger, so it’s important to start there.
1. Check Your Battery and Charger
Most digital cameras use a dedicated charger with a specific battery and power cable. However, some newer models can charge directly via a supplied USB-C cable.
Before troubleshooting further, make sure you’re using the correct charger and battery designed for your camera model.
2. Clean the Battery and Charger Contacts
Dirty or obstructed contacts can prevent your battery from charging properly.
To clean safely:
Remove the battery from the camera and charger.
Use a dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe the metal contacts on both the battery and charger.
Avoid using liquids, cleaning sprays, or pressurized air, as these can damage delicate components.
After cleaning, reinsert the battery and try charging again.
3. Test the Battery
Rechargeable batteries can lose charge over time, especially after long periods of inactivity.
Charge the battery fully before first use, even if it appears charged.
If the camera still doesn’t power on, try using a second, compatible battery (if available). This helps determine whether the issue lies with the battery or charger.
4. Test the Charger
To rule out charger issues:
Try charging a different battery (if possible).
If that battery also fails to charge, the charger may be the problem.Many chargers include indicator lights that show charging status.
Consult your camera or charger manufacturer’s user manual for details about specific light codes or error messages.
5. Additional Checks
Make sure the battery is correctly inserted in the camera.
Inspect the battery compartment for any dirt, corrosion, or bent contacts.
Batteries and chargers are covered under our 14-day returns policy, but are not included in the MPB warranty as they are considered consumable items.
If you continue to experience issues with your battery or charger, please contact our support team here
Memory Cards
Modern cameras rely on digital storage to operate correctly. Using an incompatible, slow, or faulty memory card can cause your camera to behave unpredictably or restrict certain features.
Compatibility
Memory cards come in various formats and speeds, and not all cards work with every camera.
Common types include:
SD / SDHC / SDXC — used in most digital cameras
CFast or CFexpress — used in many professional cameras
microSD — used in smaller cameras, drones, or action cameras
Always check your camera’s manual to confirm which card type and speed class it supports. Manufacturers often publish recommended or tested cards that ensure the best performance.
Performance Limitations
Using an older or slower card can impact how your camera performs. You may notice:
Slower menu or interface response times
Longer image or video loading times
Reduced write speeds, causing delays between shots or longer video buffer times
Shorter recording durations
Restricted access to certain camera features — e.g. high-resolution video or RAW recording formats
If you experience these issues, try using a higher-speed card that meets your camera’s requirements.
Format Your Memory Card
Formatting your card prepares it for use and clears old data that may cause errors. It’s a good practice to ensure that you format your card before every major shoot.
To format safely:
Backup any important files to another device first.
Use your camera’s built-in format function rather than a computer whenever possible. (This ensures the correct file system is used for your camera.)
Avoid frequently switching a card between different camera brands or models, as this can lead to data corruption.
Faulty or Damaged Cards
If your memory card isn’t recognized, fails to store files, or shows read/write errors:
Test it in another device to confirm whether the issue is with the card or the camera.
If the card works elsewhere, clean the camera’s card slot gently with a dry microfiber cloth.
If the issue persists, the card may be corrupted or physically damaged and may need replacing.
Need further support? Contact us