Canon Remote BR-E2 Battery Problem: Unable to open battery compartment

[Bubenikt]

This is a simple, stupid question. I just bought a Canon remote control BR-E2 for my R6iii. I want to check the battery. I cannot open the battery compartment. Before you conclude I’m an idiot, I’m a mechanical engineer with decades of real world experience. 

I have followed the instructions to a T (slide the battery compartment release button toward the compartment, the pull out the battery holder - sounds simple, right?).  No matter which tools I use, no matter how much time I spend,  the compartment will simply not slide out. Whoever designed the mechanism should be shot.

Has anyone successfully replaced the battery in this remote? Is it even possible? I’m afraid I’m destroying the remote, but all I’m doing is becoming frustrated and damaging the compartment door. Please share your experiences.

Canon - if you are listening, fire whoever was responsible for designing and approving the mechanism used in the remote. 

[TomRamsey]

I don't have this, but I looked up instruction that said this: 

• Pull out the battery holder while pressing the edge of the lever with a ballpoint pen or similar.

Also of note in the B&H reviews one customer said they have sent two of these back because they could not get the door to open.  Is it possible they have changed the battery door and have wrong directions included?

[Bubenikt]

Thanks for the suggestion and for letting me know others have had similar problems. I’ve tried every variation I can think of based on the description you gave. None of them works. I’ve exclusively owned Canon products, and I’m generally happy with everything else. This is an exception. 

My original post was a rant. That doesn’t excuse shoddy product design. Most buyers/users won’t realize the problem until long after their purchase, when the warranty is over. I hope Canon reacts. 

[normadel]

This type of battery holder has been used on numerous other devices. I have fought with them time and again. Canon ought to come up with something different.

[jrhoffman75]

I was finally able to remove by using one of the tools that can be used to pry iPhone screens.  Ine was in an iFixit kit. It is very user-unfriendly, especially since there is no OFF switch. 

[FloridaDrafter]

I just ran across this thread and decided to see for myself, LOL!

I just lightly pressed my knife between the body and the tiny latch to depress it, and the tray pulled right out. I think the key is to be gentle so you won't torque the tray and make it stick or hard to slide out. Personally, I would rather it be a little difficult to remove so it has to be a deliberate effort for the tray to come out. I've lost to many tiny things like this 🙂

Newton

[Bubenikt]

This is a great point. I wonder if I’ve now damaged it by pushing and pulling it too hard. Soft or hard touch, no matter what I do now, it still won’t open!

[FloridaDrafter]

I wouldn't think so, unless you tried to pry it open. Can you see the latch moving? I used my thumb on the first try and could see it move towards the tray, but couldn't get my thumbnail in the little grove along the front of the tray. That's when I decided to use my knife as a wedge to lightly force the latch towards the tray.

Newton

[Bubenikt]

You’re right. I finally managed to open the compartment with the help of an x-acto knife. The fit between the compartment and the sides is too tight to allow much leeway near the actual latch. The instructions say to press the tiny button. The compartment and button are part of the same holder. If you press the lever in, you can’t pull the holder out because you’re pressing in and pulling out on the same part. Even knowing how it’s supposed to work doesn’t help because the fit on mine is too tight. 

Sorry for ranting. Canon should (1) redesign the holder and (2) change the instructions to say to slide or move the button toward the holder. Now, I need to get a new battery holder because I chewed mine up trying to get it out!

[PaulMix]

Giving a +1 on this complaint (thanks to @jrhoffman75 for the iFixit pry tool tip).

I worry how quickly the battery will drain from sitting if I don't remove it between infrequent uses.