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]

Have you tried removing the grip as a test?

[Nicholsandco]

No it’s happening when I use the body during my shoots. I have not done any tests with it.

This is a known issue with the R6 and R5 freezing as I said in my original post. Do a quick search and see for yourself.

I was asking about downloading and reinstalling the original firmware for my camera before the freezing issue started a month ago.

[John421]

Thanks, Nick. I have the R5 and purchased it two years ago. No issues until I upgraded the firmware about four weeks ago (1.8.1) Camera freezes, or the viewfinder is entirely black for a few seconds. Repair costs were estimated at $500; I think it was a bug in the firmware upgrade. Disappointing that It will cost me $500 to get it looked at. 

[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!!

[Stephen]

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

[johnrmoyer]

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@Nicholsandco wrote:

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!!

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exiftool -G0:2 -"*firmware*"filename.CR3

will show the firmware version

"

======== IMG_4020.CR3
[MakerNotes:Camera] Canon Firmware Version : Firmware Version 1.8.1

"

[Anonymous]

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

[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.

[Nicholsandco]

Do you happen to have / know the link to the YouTube video? That would be very helpful for my situation.

a friend recommended I do a factory reset on the camera - if I do that will it revert the firmware to what was installed when I received it from Canon? Or the very first firmware that was installed?

is there any way to see what version I was shooting with just 3-6 months ago?