topic Re: Erratic power issue with 6D Mark II in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

Erratic power issue with 6D Mark II

Skip70 — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 20:23:04 GMT

My camera has been acting erratically — some kind of power issue. Yesterday, the autofocus beep was faint, then went totally silent Then the camera would not focus or take a shot. I restarted the camera several times snd it seemed to start up, but then due again The data screen goes blank. Before the screen dies, I am able to see that the battery is at 60%. I am out of town snd do not have another battery to test.
Any ideas what it might be? I’m hoping to avoid turning it in for repair, which could take up to six weeks.

Re: Erratic power issue with 6D Mark II

Waddizzle — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 20:30:16 GMT

Welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear you are having issues during your trip.

Carrying a spare battery and memory card is always a good idea when traveling. Definitely sounds like some sort of battery issue. Are you using the Canon battery that came with the camera?

How are you recharging the battery? Are you able to use the battery charger that came with the camera?

Re: Erratic power issue with 6D Mark II

Skip70 — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 20:38:04 GMT

I’ve already reprimanded myself for traveling too light but, again, it does not seem to be the battery for two reasons:

The indicator shows at least 60%. As well,I fully charge my batteries (batteries and charger are both genuine Canon) and I only took about 50 shots yesterday before it died.

Re: Erratic power issue with 6D Mark II

Waddizzle — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 20:51:32 GMT

I asked about your charger because the standard charger included with the camera is typically designed to be used in the “country of origin”, or where the camera is sold or intended to be sold.

I am talking about voltage compatibilities. But, if you say the issue is not the battery, then I guess the issue is not the battery. The battery would be my prime suspect. Are charging the battery overnight? In other words, the battery is not left in the camera overnight.

What lens or mount accessories are you using? Some third party lenses and lens mount adapters have been known to cause issues with the R Series cameras. The new R Series bodies were failing and malfunctioning left and right. Many customers were angry and upset with Canon.

This issue is probably what led to Canon prohibiting third party manufacturers from selling gear that is supposed to be compatible with the new RF mount.

Re: Erratic power issue with 6D Mark II

Skip70 — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 21:06:07 GMT

I appreciate you responding but we,are pssing in mid-air. Again, the charger is a Canon charger that’s I’ve used before with no issues. I have a 6D, not an R model. I use L series Canon lenses.

i simply say it is not likely the battery because it was fully charged the day before, I only took 50 shots, and the indicator showe it at 60%.

Re: Erratic power issue with 6D Mark II

shadowsports — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 21:50:22 GMT

Hi Skip,

When you are back home, reset the camera to defaults, test with a different battery and freshly formatted (full size) memory card. If the behavior continues, enable release shutter without lens attached and remove the lens. Retest, if the behavior occurs again, open a support case and prepare to sent the camera to Canon. I'll bet the repair takes 7-8 days including shipping both ways. 😉 Repairs usually take 3 days once approved. Summer is the busiest time of year.

Re: Erratic power issue with 6D Mark II

Skip70 — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 22:02:54 GMT

Thank you very much for your helpful reply. I’ll try those steps — if the other battery fwill keep it running.

if jt needs repair, I have to send it to KEH under their warranty.

Re: Erratic power issue with 6D Mark II

Waddizzle — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 22:34:57 GMT

@Skip70 wrote:
Thank you very much for your helpful reply. I’ll try those steps — if the other battery fwill keep it running.
if jt needs repair, I have to send it to KEH under their warranty.

If you bought a used 6D, then the battery just might have reached its end of life.

I have had battery issues with one of the cameras I bought from KEH. Battery was bad. I was surprised when I opened the box to find the battery mounted on the charger, which was then shrink wrapped as one package.

They mailed me a replacement for free. Told me to keep the bad one.

Re: Erratic power issue with 6D Mark II

Skip70 — Sun, 26 Nov 2023 19:04:20 GMT

Well, Waddizzile,you were right -- it was the battery, but more a defective battery that was not charging fully nor discharging fully. Even though the camera data screen showed 60% and checking the battery in the settings showed 60%, it never got above that after being in the charger all night. So, it apparently died with its boots on -- 60% with no prospect of getting above or below that. I put in an extra battery that I had and everything worked fine. And shadowsports -- I did a complete reset anyway as you suggested, and that brought back the beep.

Re: Erratic power issue with 6D Mark II

shadowsports — Sun, 26 Nov 2023 19:08:30 GMT

Good work. So all you need now is another battery 😄