19.04.2026, 13:06   #1

Hobbyfotograf

Camera reports error Err 01 when using the lens

Message: Connection between camera and lens is faulty. Please clean the contacts.
The lens had been working perfectly until now. However, after taking a photo, I’m getting the error message mentioned above. The autofocus still works, but the photo doesn’t display—only the error message appears.
I’ve checked the contacts and they look like new, so I rated them as okay. I even cleaned them, but that didn’t help.
Does anyone have any ideas?

Lens:
SIGMA DC, 18-250 mm, 1:3.5-6.3 HSM Camera:
Canon EOS 7D
19.04.2026, 13:53   #2
How does the camera perform with a different lens?
Can you still access older recordings?
Is it possible to format the memory card?

PS: This "contacts" error message can also appear if the electronics inside the lens are damaged. Inside the lens, there’s a very thin cable that transmits information to and from the aperture mechanism. This cable is subject to mechanical stress and can eventually bend or break, causing a loss of communication and requiring repair.
19.04.2026, 14:02   #3

Hobbyfotograf

Hello Erich, thanks for your support.
So: other lenses don’t cause any issues. Everything is as usual.
When I take a photo with this lens, I can’t see the picture; I only get an error message. Other photos are also not visible.
Additionally, all functions are disabled. Nothing works anymore.
I was just able to format the memory card, but the error persists.
19.04.2026, 14:04   #4

Hobbyfotograf

I also reached out to the company SIGMA to request some information. I'm curious to see what they say.
19.04.2026, 14:19   #5
The good news is: it's not the camera. I already have three defective EOS Zooms here, which, unfortunately, is quite common. Repairing them isn't financially worthwhile.
19.04.2026, 14:56   #6

Hobbyfotograf

That's somewhat reassuring. The camera itself might not be that great. So, I'd probably need to buy a new lens.
Do you have any recommendations or experience with which lens brands are good? Online reviews can often be a bit biased due to connections with companies.
I'll let you know what SIGMA replies.

Do your faulty EOS zoom lenses have the same issues, or what's going on with them? Sounds pretty bad. What do you prefer now?
19.04.2026, 15:42   #7

Hobbyfotograf

Hello Erich,
The problem has disappeared again. Over the past few days, I repeatedly set the AF mode to "manual" to get a close-up shot in focus. Now I’ve switched back and forth between AF and manual several times, then took a photo. It’s working again. The switch was probably stuck, preventing proper contact. Phew—glad that worked out.

Still, I’d be interested in your recommendation for a good lens.
19.04.2026, 16:47   #8
With a zoom lens, you occasionally get this "contact" error because the cable inside is loose. For the other two, the autofocus nervously jumps back and forth and can’t settle. All three are Canon "kit zooms." These lenses are made as cheaply as possible, so they don’t last very long. My general recommendation would be to avoid choosing a zoom lens with too large a zoom range.
19.04.2026, 17:11   #9

Hobbyfotograf

Thanks for the feedback. Anything with moving parts is naturally prone to mechanical issues. And cable connections, if not properly made, are always vulnerable. A small cause can have a big effect, and that usually ends up being costly. Let’s see how long my lens holds up.
With that said – have a great Sunday – best regards, Klaus.
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