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

[Nicholsandco]

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!

[Waddizzle]

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.

[Nicholsandco]

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!!

[Nicholsandco]

@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...

[Anonymous]

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

[Waddizzle]

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@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...

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Good luck with your issues, then.

[Stephen]

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

[shadowsports]

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@Anonymous wrote:

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

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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"

[Anonymous]

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.

[shadowsports]

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

[deebatman316]

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