R5 - Randomly will not take a photo

[Bear2112]

I have a Canon R5 and on occasion it will not take a picture when turned on. Normally I hear the sound of the "click" inside the body when I turn the camera on and I know I am good to go, but on random occasions I don't hear that click and I see nothing but black through the view finder. Eventually I can get the camera to work by switching modes and/or turning the camera on and off, but this can be very frustrating. Does anyone else have this issue? And before people ask...

YES, the battery is fully charged

YES, my SD card(s) are fine

YES, I have updated the camera's firmware

NO, It does not matter which lens I am using (though I I should note I am using an EF adapter).

YES, I have meticulously cleaned all the contacts on the camera and lenses.

and NO (LOL) the lens cap is not on.

Is there something in the camera settings I should check?

[Bear2112]

It's not the lenses.  It's the camera.  If it were one, or even two, of my lenses I might think they could be the problem, but I have had this issue on at least 4 different lenses, and one is a RF, so clearly it's the camera.  And since I am using a brand new EF adapter, and I have never heard of an issue with the Canon adapter, I'm good to rule that out too.  Anyways, thanks for trying, this is obviously not an issue you have in knowledge of so I will work with people that are better equipped to handle it's complexity.

[Bear2112 · Accepted solution]

From an actual expert: "From the details you've provided, this could be an issue with the shutter mechanism in the camera. With the default settings, the shutter closes over the sensor to protect it from dust when the camera is powered off. It should open up when the camera s powered on. Now, if the shutter is sticking, then that may be the reason why you do not see an image on the LCD or viewfinder on those instances when you do not hear that "click shutter sound" when it is powered on. And if the shutter is malfunctioning, it would not allow you to take a photo.

To confirm whether this indeed the issue, I'd like for you to do the following with the camera. Remove all accessories from it, including the lens, memory card, and battery pack. Next, move the Power Switch to the "ON" position then press and hold down the Shutter Release button for approximately 20 seconds. After that time has elapsed, let go of the Shutter Release button, then move the Power Switch back to the "OFF" position. Proceed by inserting your battery, memory card, and attach your Canon lens. Turn on the camera again and check whether the issue persists. If the camera continues to prevent you from taking a photo, or displays no live image on the LCD and in the viewfinder, I would then recommend sending the camera to our factory so they can be inspected and serviced by a technician."