5D MkIII Shoots once then dies

[Blackbird2021]

I turn on the camera, everything works, all the buttons, dials, focus, etc.  As soon as I take a shot, the camera shows the image in the screen, then everything shuts down - all the buttons, dials - focus still works, but I can't shoot.  I have to take the battery out and put it back in then I can take one more shot.

The problem started yesterday while using a Sunpak DigiFlash 3000 - I assume this is related to the camera problem.

The problem persists whether I am trying to use the flash or not.  All settings reset to default.  Flash disabled.  Still doesn't work.  

[AtticusLake]

Obviously the camera could simply be broken, but it does sound a bit like the battery is knackered.  Lithium batteries will eventually wear out, so that even when fully charged, they don't have enough capacity left to do anything useful.  Or in your case, grab just one shot.  The flash may be a coinidence.

So maybe try a new battery?

[Blackbird2021]

Don't think it's the battery.  I've tried 2 different batteries, both new, both fully charged.  Same problem regardless of battery.  

I still think it's related to the flash, the instructions for the flash (which I now can't find) said something about the importance of turning the flash on only after the camera is on, and turning it off before the camera is turned off.  I think my camera my have shut off with the flash still on, or maybe I even did that.

[Waddizzle]

Sounds like your issue could be related to the flash, especially if it goes away when you are not using it.

[Blackbird2021]

The problem doesn't go away when I don't sue the flash.  Flash or no flash, my camera is now a one-shot camera.

[rs-eos]

If the flash is still attached, remove it.  Do the issues persist?  Also, try resetting the camera and try again.

As stated above, the camera may now be broken.

The flash you have is incredibly inexpensive.  But to me, that's a warning sign that sub-par components are being used.  I do wonder if it has damaged your camera in some way.

[kvbarkley]

I tried to look and see what voltage the Mk III can withstand on the flash contact, but couldn't find it. Cheap/older flashes can put hundreds of volts on the sync terminal. Some cameras can't handle that much voltage. Generally "pro" models can withstand it.

[wq9nsc]

kv,

I have not seen any Canon specs on what the sync terminal on the hot shoe is rated for but the PC sync terminal is rated to only 250 volts on the 1 and 5 series and I suspect that applies to the hot shoe also.  A failing flash that exposes the sync or communications lines to the Xeon tube firing voltage can easily cause damage to the camera.

I owned a Sunpak flash a LONG time ago with a Canon AE-1 and it was a decent and well made unit.  The 3000 doesn't seem to fit that category.

Does the camera not show any error message when it locks up?

Rodger

[Blackbird2021]

Removed flash, reset camera, problem persists.  I too suspect the cheap flash.

[Blackbird2021]

No error message, camera just shuts down.