6D has thin white line at top of photos with Low F-Stop

[16birkr]

When I am taking picutes with a high aperture, a thin white line is appearing at the top of the image.  It is more prominent the higher the aperture.  I have tested this with multiple lenses (50mm prime, no filter) and (16-35mm, polarizer).  I also have tested against this being a reflection of snow, but using a lens hood, to the same effect.  The attached photo was taken with an f-stop of 2.5 at 1/2000 of a second with the 50mm lens, ISO 160.

Please let me know if you have come across any similar issues!

[MikeSowsun · Accepted solution]

What is the shutter count on your camera? (How many photos have you taken?)

What you are seeing is a symptom of a failing shutter called “Shutter Bounce”. Part of the shutter is closing with such force that it bounces at the end of it’s travel, partially re-opens, and allows extra light at the top of your image. (Bottom of the shutter)

It has nothing to do with your selected aperture but generally starts at shutter speeds faster than 1/500 of a second. 

Take your camera to a Canon Repair Center for a second option, but I bet they will tell you the same thing. The cost to replace the shutter might be $300-$400.

Watch this video to get an idea of how the shutter works and how shutter bounce can be a problem: https://youtu.be/CmjeCchGRQo

This Pentax shutter goes from right to left but illustrates well what shutter bounce is: https://youtu.be/kU79FQCm_es

Here are more examples:

[16birkr]

Thank you for all the information!  Your post was extremely helpful, and is exactly what I am experiencing.  Unfortunatley I only have ~8,000 actuations and have had the camera for a bit over a year now.  Will check my warranty.

One follow up question I have is if you had any advice on the timeline of the failing shutter, ie if this proble will significantly worsen until the shutter failure is more complete?  As is, I can get around the thin white line as I do all my photography for myself / friends.

Thanks again!

[ebiggs1]

It will get worse but it won't hurt it anything more.  However, I would call Canon support today at 1 (800) 652-2666.

A little over a year and less than 8000 clicks, it don't hurt to ask.

[ebiggs1]

Sorry it is a failing shutter.  It needs service.  A fellow photographer that uses a 6D said he paid $325 for a new shutter,  But that was a year or so ago.