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!

[Anonymous]

Search "downgrading an R6 from FW 1.8.0 to 1.7.0" on youTube. It was the first video in the list when I searched it. I don't think they allow posting outside links on the Canon website. A factory reset does not change the firmware. I don't know what your old firmware was, but 1.7.0 would be worth a try.

I also found a post where the poster used the EOS Utility program to downgrade the firmware.

[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.

[Nicholsandco]

I answered most of those in my previous posts. Everything is Canon, no off brand gear.

[Nicholsandco]

Here is the error I get when it freezes up. Sometimes the touchscreen / viewfinder just goes black and or the camera shuts down / locks up even though the on/off switch is in the on position. The only way to reset / turn it off is to remove the battery completely from the body (vert grip) then reinsert it and turn it off and then on again. This is a problem right in the middle of a paid client shoot. Missed several captured moments. Really sucks!

[Waddizzle]

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@Nicholsandco wrote:

Here is the error I get when it freezes up. Sometimes the touchscreen / viewfinder just goes black and or the camera shuts down / locks up even though the on/off switch is in the on position. The only way to reset / turn it off is to remove the battery completely from the body (vert grip) then reinsert it and turn it off and then on again. This is a problem right in the middle of a paid client shoot. Missed several captured moments. Really sucks!

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I would not describe an error message as “freezing up.”

There has been another firmware update, 1.8.2, released today.

[shadowsports]

@Nicholasandco,

You need two SD cards to do a FW downgrade.  The EOS Utility will not help or provide any utility or function. This is because it will pull the latest FW available from Canon USA.

As you will see, Its a manual process.  I really don't recommend it, but if its what you want to do, there are YouTube videos on how. 

Given the complexity I think Canon is your best bet.  There are others who got this resolved with a PCB/Mainboard replacement.  Its possible the entire thing could start again if a v1.9.0 is released. Please let us know what happens.  

[Anonymous]

If you download the firmware from Canon using a web browser, then connect to the camera using the EOS Utility. In the firmware update portion of the Utility, you can browse to where the FW file is located on your computer. The file would have to be unzipped for the EOS Utility to use it. It doesn't look that complicated. 

[Waddizzle]

Just released on 05/31/2023

https://www.usa.canon.com/support/canon-product-advisories/Firmware-Notice-EOS-R6-Firmware-Version-1... 

[shadowsports]

@Waddizzle

EXX-CELLENT!!! 👍

Hopefully this will be the ticket for Nicholas.  

Just remembered John421 has the R5