EOS Canon R5: Viewfinder goes blank

[Jeffrey49]

The viewfinder will sometimes go blank when following a subject to my left, usually at about the 45º range.  This is particularly noticeable while in my kayak following a bird flying on my left towards me.  As the bird passes I will follow the subject to the left and then the viewfinder is blank.  The viewfinder returns when I move the camera to the right.

[BrighamBB]

I have a clarifying question to ask.  Do you have the screen open at the same time as you put your eye to the viewfinder?

 I have found the viewfinder sensor to be very sensitive to light and if as I track a subject or back my face away a bit from the viewfinder it will switch to the screen image and I didn't notice as my eye was still looking through the finder which goes black.  Not sure how that may or may not relate to the angle to your left, but just a possibility that a physical habit may be that as you pan left the camera comes away from your face just a bit? 

[Jeffrey49]

Brigham - Thanks for this 'check' on the procedure.  This usually only happens when I'm in my kayak and my movement to the left while sitting in a sometimes moving platform could be just enough to create the situation you mention.   It happens consistently so I'll be monitoring   I'll be watching for this;  I appreciate your help!

[BrighamBB]

happy to be of any service. Might not be the problem, but something you can rule in or out.  Cheers!