Many users of Canon's xxD series cameras (20D, 30D, 40D, etc.) have reported problems with shutter buttons being unresponsive over time and I have been one of them in recent months. My shutter needs to be worked a bit before it becomes responsive or other times has a delayed-reaction before triggering.

Some have taken the drastic step of sending their camera to Canon for a cleaning or taking apart their camera themselves. Having sent back my camera at great expense a couple times already I was all ready to shelve mine. However, a recent simple fix has come up that, at least in my case, has proven to improve the shutter button responsiveness.

In this YouTube video "nielsstaehr" demonstrates how pouring isopropyl alcohol down the empty battery compartment with the body turned upside down will give the shutter button and its electronic contacts a good soaking. The result is that the contacts are cleaned of any dirt and other residue.

Understanding that isopopryl alcohol really shouldn't do anything bad to my electronics if given time to evaporate entirely (overnight), I gave this a try on the weekend and then went shooting on Saturday. Verdict: it certainly is noticeably responsive and my 30D is again pretty reliable.

Disclaimer

Obligatory warning: I am only reporting my own experience and not advising you to do anything with your valued instrument. Watch the video, read the description and understand it and the materials needed. If you read the comments some people tried different solutions - for whatever reason not understanding the very clear instructions.