Speedlite 600ex-rt battery problem

[PhotoSmurf]

Hi

I have just bought a 600ex-rt ... But the batteries I put in it (which are all new) only result in a "replace battery" sign and the flash refuses to switch on.

I have tried 3 new sets of batteries, all are top grade lithium batteries, is there a known issue with lithium batteries - the manual says they can be used?

Many thanks for any info that could help.

[df105]

Thank you all.  This was very helpful (when I finally read enought of the posts).  I came to the forum several different times and tried the clear buttom and power switch method several times, but only a couple times each time.  When I read that it takes several times I poured a glass of wine and settled in.  It took me upwards of 10 times plus, but it is working again!!!

[congagreg]

Same same here and everyone else it appears...not happy for money 😞

[moranjr]

I wish Canon would give us a trade in credit for our 600EX-RTs.

[MajRoj81]

THANK YOU!! Brough mine back to life with this.

[Son]

I just read on the Canon website to power it down, detach the colour filter holder (the plastic cover that fits in fromt of the flash and holds the lottle colour filters) and then power it up and oh my word it works!!!

[TCampbell]

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@Son wrote:

I just read on the Canon website to power it down, detach the colour filter holder (the plastic cover that fits in fromt of the flash and holds the lottle colour filters) and then power it up and oh my word it works!!!

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The filter holder is really only included if people are actually going to use a filter.  With no filter (clear) the filter-holder shouldn't be attached.  

When I first read about this issue it was a bit of a mystery.  Then I read the solution and was a bit suprised... it never occurred to me that people were leaving their filter-holder on the flash (with no gel in it.)  I only use my filter-holder when I actually want to gel a shot.

[ranrog48]

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@jakartaguy wrote:

WOW!! I just posted a second ago sharing my similar plight but just now found my own solution - please try it. 

Step 1. Place in your batteries, don't close the cover.

Step 2. Turn the Flash ON

Step 3. Close the cover, you will see the "battery drained" sign

Step 4. Turn off the Flash, wait a few seconds.

Step 5. Push the SEL/SET button and don't let go.

Step 6. While holding the SEL/SET button turn ON the flash, or even move it to the LOCK position.

Your green light (hopefully) should turn on at this point. 

If this works for you please be sure to do what you can to one day give back to the community, 

cheers

Jakartaguy

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Thanks Jakartaguy.  This was the only solution that worked for me.

[belflo]

You are my angel today. I have to cover a wedding this afternoon and my flash won't start even with fully charged battery. I tried to do exactly what you did and YES!!! Thank you soon much for posting.

[ShootingStarsHI]

The power of like minded Canon users & the internet!
This answered and fixed my problem.
I was able to read & follow the directions while in a total panic at (1) how much is this going to cost to fix at Canon!? & (2) why does this happen the night before a shoot!?

[RobertTheFat]

Has Canon come out with an actual fix for this problem?