topic Re: Canon R6 freezing issues - replace battery is the only known fix. in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

Canon R6 freezing issues - replace battery is the only known fix.

Nicholsandco — Mon, 29 May 2023 14:30:11 GMT

So I purchased my Canon R6 in November 2021 and had zero issues with it freezing up. Never even heard of this issue until a month ago. In April 2023 I attended Shutterfest in STL and Canon was there as an event sponsor and was offering cleaning and basic repairs to CPS members. I’m a Gold member and professional photographer shooting Canon over 25+ years.

I dropped off my camera to be checked out, have the sensor cleaned AND asked by the CPS camera check in person if I wanted to have my firmware updated I replied yes. Good to go!

I returned a few hours later and got my camera back. With in a few hours I started shooting with it and it froze up (first time). I figured it was weird since it never happened before so I just turned it off and took out battery. Turn it back on and it worked fine. I figured it was a first time fluke.

Since that day it (random freezing) has been happening on every shoot I do sometimes once sometimes multiple times during the shoot. I am very disappointed this has happened to my R6, if I had known about the issue I would have never updated my firmware that day.

I’m not sure what firmware I was using - How can I discover my previous firmware before upgrading it? How to a revert back to that firmware version? I want to see if downgrading it to previous version fixes the issue since I’ve never had it prior to Shutterfest.

Before anyone asks me: I’ve since updated to 1.8.1 use canon batteries + off brand batteries (both styles freeze up), canon vertical grip and multiple cards. Also different lenses old EF and new RF lenses. Happens on all those products. I just ordered a new R6 body as a backup and now considering sending that one back until this known issue can be fixed. 😞 Help me Canon!

Re: Canon R6 freezing issues - replace battery is the only known fix.

Stephen — Mon, 29 May 2023 14:47:37 GMT

Have you reached out to CPS so they can get your camera in to see why it's acting up? The camera keeps a log, and when the techs connect it to the diagnostic computer, it will read it (kind of like a car's check engine or a plane's black box). It may give them a clue as to why the camera is locking up on you.

Re: Canon R6 freezing issues - replace battery is the only known fix.

shadowsports — Mon, 29 May 2023 15:02:53 GMT

@Nicholasandco,

Really sorry to hear about the freeze ups. Since you are experiencing the behavior under a variety of conditions / hardware, etc., I think CPS is the best course of action as Stephen suggests.

@Stephen,

I did not know that Canon cameras had an embedded logging feature, but it makes sense they would. I have been using OBDII readers / COBB Access Port on all of my Subaru's for over 15 yrs. They are great diagnostic / performance enhancing tools. Very helpful to know about this 👍

Re: Canon R6 freezing issues - replace battery is the only known fix.

Stephen — Mon, 29 May 2023 15:07:52 GMT

I always suspected they did, but when I was at WPPI in Vegas this past March, I worked in the CPS room with the techs and asked a LOT of questions! That's where I confirmed this and had the opportunity to learn so much more! 😊

Re: Canon R6 freezing issues - replace battery is the only known fix.

Waddizzle — Mon, 29 May 2023 16:45:17 GMT

What lenses are you using? Are you using an EF-RF mount adapter?

You made no mention of SD cards. Have you tried a different SD card that has been freshly formatted?

Finally, make sure your Wireless communications are disabled when not in use. If all that fails, then follow Steven’s suggestions and contact CPS.

Re: Canon R6 freezing issues - replace battery is the only known fix.

Anonymous — Mon, 29 May 2023 20:25:55 GMT

Have you tried removing the grip as a test?

Re: Canon R6 freezing issues - replace battery is the only known fix.

Nicholsandco — Mon, 29 May 2023 23:46:30 GMT

Re: Canon R6 freezing issues - replace battery is the only known fix.

Nicholsandco — Mon, 29 May 2023 23:48:13 GMT

I have several EF: 24-70mm 70-200mm 85mm 50mm and the 35mm RF lens. All the EF lenses is use the Canon EF-RF lens adapter

Re: Canon R6 freezing issues - replace battery is the only known fix.

Nicholsandco — Mon, 29 May 2023 23:50:21 GMT

No it’s happening when I use the body during my shoots. I have not done any tests with it.

This is a known issue with the R6 and R5 freezing as I said in my original post. Do a quick search and see for yourself.

I was asking about downloading and reinstalling the original firmware for my camera before the freezing issue started a month ago.

Re: Canon R6 freezing issues - replace battery is the only known fix.

John421 — Tue, 30 May 2023 05:06:33 GMT

Thanks, Nick. I have the R5 and purchased it two years ago. No issues until I upgraded the firmware about four weeks ago (1.8.1) Camera freezes, or the viewfinder is entirely black for a few seconds. Repair costs were estimated at $500; I think it was a bug in the firmware upgrade. Disappointing that It will cost me $500 to get it looked at.

Re: Canon R6 freezing issues - replace battery is the only known fix.

Waddizzle — Tue, 30 May 2023 11:23:21 GMT

Did you check your wireless settings?

You seem convinced that you know what the issue is. Yes, there could be an issue associated with the firmware update, except it does not seem like everyone is reporting your issue.

I recommend a camera reset to factory defaults. If the camera allows you to save settings to the memory card, then do so prior to resetting the camera.

Re: Canon R6 freezing issues - replace battery is the only known fix.

Nicholsandco — Tue, 30 May 2023 15:51:44 GMT

John421 - I have read that Canon will do it for around $350 if you are a CPS member but after they “fix it” the problem still persists. So that’s why I wish to downgrade the firmware to the version before they updated it.

Does anyone know how to figure out what firmware I was using before Canon updated me to 1.8.1? I shoot RAW so I’m wondering if that info is saved in the images or somewhere?

I’m really disappointed this has happened to my R6 which was working totally fine before the update. I’m also not thrilled to spend $350-500 to fix it knowing it prob won’t resolve the issue. Ugh!!

Re: Canon R6 freezing issues - replace battery is the only known fix.

Nicholsandco — Tue, 30 May 2023 15:56:32 GMT

@waddizzle - check this link below. I’m definitely not the only one having this issue. Here is just one of many post describing the same issues with R5 / R6 mirrorless cameras:

https://community.usa.canon.com/t5/EOS-DSLR-Mirrorless-Cameras/Canon-R6-Freezing-Up-Intermittently/m-p/363572

Re: Canon R6 freezing issues - replace battery is the only known fix.

Anonymous — Tue, 30 May 2023 17:23:06 GMT

Canon Hong Kong has several older firmware versions on their site. Use at your own risk.

Re: Canon R6 freezing issues - replace battery is the only known fix.

Waddizzle — Tue, 30 May 2023 17:24:49 GMT

@Nicholsandco wrote:
@waddizzle - check this link below. I’m definitely not the only one having this issue. Here is just one of many post describing the same issues with R5 / R6 mirrorless cameras:
https://community.usa.canon.com/t5/EOS-DSLR-Mirrorless-Cameras/Canon-R6-Freezing-Up-Intermittently/m-p/363572

Good luck with your issues, then.

Re: Canon R6 freezing issues - replace battery is the only known fix.

Stephen — Tue, 30 May 2023 17:26:29 GMT

Have you contacted CPS about this? Have you actually spoken to anyone on the phone?

Re: Canon R6 freezing issues - replace battery is the only known fix.

shadowsports — Tue, 30 May 2023 23:05:46 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
Canon Hong Kong has several older firmware versions on their site. Use at your own risk.

Just wanted to mention that downgrading FW is not supported, and its not just a matter of putting an old version on a card and flashing. There's a process and as you indicated, some risk is also involved.

The Canon USA website has R6 FW going back to 1.3.1, however, I recommend sending the camera to Canon for diagnostics over going back to an earlier version of FW. They can also see what FW he was using prior to the 1.8.1 update. Bottom line though is this. This is something you want to have corrected. Not something you should "live with"

Re: Canon R6 freezing issues - replace battery is the only known fix.

Anonymous — Tue, 30 May 2023 20:33:16 GMT

The OP says he has an R6 camera. Canon USA also has earlier firmware versions for the R6. I missed those when I searched, but they have back to 1.1.1.

Some on the internet have downgraded the firmware, but it may be risky. There is a youTube video on downgrading an R6 from FW 1.8.0 to 1.7.0 because of the problems that it was causing.

If it works, he saves a trip to Canon repair. If not, he sends it to Canon, which he is facing now.

Re: Canon R6 freezing issues - replace battery is the only known fix.

shadowsports — Tue, 30 May 2023 23:09:08 GMT

Same applies (model typo) I appreciate you pointing it out. l'll correct my post.

Re: Canon R6 freezing issues - replace battery is the only known fix.

deebatman316 — Tue, 30 May 2023 23:40:32 GMT

What are the shooting conditions like.
What mode are you shooting in.
What Mount adapter are you using Canon or 3rd Party.
Are all the legacy EF lenses mentioned Canon or a 3rd Party.
Are you using any battery grip or 3rd Party Batteries. I suggest using 1st Party Canon LP-E6 series batteries.
What shutter type are you using. Electronic, EFCS or Full Mechanical.
What type of memory card(s) are you using. SD, CF or both are IN USE also brand name too.