EOS R Can't see anything through viewfinder in bright sunlight

[eapples]

Hello:

I have a Canon EOS R camera.  I use primarily a Canon EFS 18-135 lens.  Sometimes I'll use a Tamron AF 70-300 lens.

Whenever I'm in bright sunlight, not necessarily direct sunlight but bright daylight surroundings, I cannot see ANYTHING through the viewfinder or using the digital screen.  If I adjust the aperture setting, the best I'll get is a very dim image, barely visible.  If I move to a shady spot, then there's no problem -- the images are crystal clear.

Am I doing something wrong?  Is this a shortcoming of mirrorless cameras?  I tried researching this, and the articles relate to focusing on a subject that is in direct sunlight.  That is not my issue -- my issue is using the camera whenever it's sunny outside, and I'm not standing in a shady spot.

Please note:  I am a technology dinosaur -- my eyes glaze over whenever I try reading technojargon.

Thank you for your help.

[kvbarkley]

Show the problem to them, see if they have any ideas.

[deebatman316 · Accepted solution]

@eapples Did performing the factory reset work? Or is the camera still malfunctioning? 

[eapples]

deebatman316:  I'm juggling other priorities for the moment.  It's on my to-do list for tomorrow.  Thanks for asking.

[jrhoffman75]

---

@eapples wrote:

I don't know what Green a+ is.  I generally use aperture priority, if that's what you mean,

---

Since your camera has a Mode LCD display instead of a Mode dial here is what you want to try:

Close-up:

This setting will temporarily override many settings that the previous owner applied.

If you reset the camera you may run into the password issue.

https://community.usa.canon.com/t5/EOS-DSLR-Mirrorless-Cameras/EOS-R5-how-to-bypass-password/m-p/584...

[eapples]

Hi:  I did a factory reset -- at least, I think I did.  I reset all the custom settings back to the default settings.  I panicked when none of my go-to settings were there -- I had to do a hunt & peck to find 'em and put 'em back in place.  Anyway, I took some test photos, and I did a few where the sun was in the photo, off to the right or in the corner of the viewfinder.  The viewfinder did not go dark, and the photos came out better than I expected.  So, it appears that the reset is working.

[jrhoffman75]

Check also that you have the latest firmware for the camera (1.8 is latest.

[eapples]

[eapples]

Problem solved with factory reset.

[shadowsports]

@eapples 

I'm very pleased that my reset recommendation solved your problem.  I don't care who gets credit for it. I'm just glad that that your camera is now working correctly.  If you've been using the camera since last year with the previous owner's settings, your use and enjoyment of the camera has been severely impacted.  This is going to open up a bunch of tools and creativity that you probably weren't aware of.  

Take your time. Review the manual I linked to previously.  It will also help you to become familiar with all of the controls and capabilities of your camera.  Your photo looks great!  Puffy cloud, blue sky, you're on your way!