Canon Community

PhotoSmurf · ‎01-02-2013

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.

Flash_Speednite · ‎12-16-2014

Solution Summary

Steps to Resolve Speedlite 600EX-RT Low/Change Battery Issue:

Turn the Speedlite power switch to the Off position
Remove the SCH-E1 Color Filter Holder
Turn the Speedlite power to the On position

Details

After recently purchasing a new Canon 600EX-RT in preparation for a family portrait session, I was eager to get the Speedlite out of the packaging and onto a stand for some test shots before packing up and heading off for a weekend with my extended family.

I grabbed a package of fresh batteries, loaded (4) AA's, secured the battery cover, attached the provided SCH-E1 Color Filter Holder and powered on the Speedlite expecting to see the default factory settings on the 600EX-RT's main LCD display.

Instead I was greeted with a blank LCD and the Low/Change Battery symbol.

I was fairly sure that the batteries that I'd selected were unused, but I usually unpack batteries from their shipping material and add them to a larger container of batteries, so it was possible that used batteries had somehow made their way into the group or that some number of the batteries were simply too old. I set aside the batteries in question and tried another group of four batteries.

I was more than a little disappointed when I was again greeted with the Low/Change Battery symbol. I was fairly certain at this point that the batteries were not the issue, but just be sure I tried a third set of batteries with the same result.

I quickly searched for an online resource that might help me troubleshoot and resolve the issue and found this Canon Support forum thread.

The problem state and the proposed resolutions seem to be inconsistent and involve variations of some or all of the following:

Power-cycling the device a number of times
Opening the battery cover, moving the power switch to either the Lock or On position and then closing the battery cover
Holding the Sel/Set button while powering on the device
Holding the Clear (Reset) buttons while powering on the device

Unfortunately, none of the proposed solutions resolved the issue for me. So I gave Canon support a call and to see if this was a known issue.

I described the behavior to the support engineer and at first he too was stumped, suggesting that perhaps this was a defective device. He offered me several options for either returning or repairing my new 600EX-RT.

I was hoping for a more immediate resolution AND based on the large number of people reporting this same behavior (here in this thread) I suspected that there might be a Canon support advisory (perhaps only available to Canon support personnel) with information describing the issue along with a resolution that did not involve returning or repairing the device.

I asked the support engineer to check and he kindly agreed. After a few minutes on hold he came back and said there was in fact a support advisory that described a similar problem, but it involved the color filter holder. As previously mentioned, I had installed the color filter holder shortly after unboxing the flash.

I was dubious at first that the filter holder would cause the Speedlite to malfunction, but hoped he was right.

Steps to Resolve Speedlite 600EX-RT Low/Change Battery Issue:

Turn the Speedlite power switch to the Off position
Remove the SCH-E1 Color Filter Holder
Turn the Speedlite power to the On position

I performed the steps as indicated and the Speedlite 600EX-RT powered on correctly. I placed the filter holder back on the device and power-cycled the flash a few more times, and each time the Speedlite came back up as expected.

Upon closer inspection you see sensors near the top of the flash unit and just underneath the bottom clasp of the color filter holder, as well as what appears to be a small magnet in the bottom clasp of the filter holder. These sensors are used by the EOS system to determine when the filter holder is attached to the flash unit and assist in white balance calculations when using Canon supplied filters.

For a more detailed explanation of the color filter's form and functions alongside an EOS camera, google 'Speedlite 600EX-RT SCH-E1 review'.

For a copy of the advisory google 'Canon Issues Speedlite 600EX-RT Product Advisory'

View solution in original post

MSPORSCHE · ‎02-25-2020

did you get a response - i have the same problem

jakartaguy · ‎02-25-2020

Hi it is so great you are still using the Speedlite 600ex-rt! I posted 6 years ago, here is my solution:

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.

Step 7. If it does not turn on try these steps a few more times

cheers

Jakartaguy

MSPORSCHE · ‎02-25-2020

thank you - just tried it and it didn't work but i will try again in a little bit - did you have the flash on your camera or off - i tried both ways.

jakartaguy · ‎02-25-2020

Hi I had it turned off, then I put the batteries in (don't close cover) and turned it ON

MichaelD · ‎03-09-2020

I have the Speedlite 600EX-RT and I'm having the same issues as i've seen others have. I have had my flash for about 3 years and have NEVER had an issue. I do not leave my batteries in the flash and now it will not come on. I put new batteries in it and tried it but nothing..i've put 2 sets of new battereis but still nothing. I have another flash that i've put those same batteries in and the other flash worked. I am very pissed off and disappointed in Canon and this is not the first time i've had issues with Canon and the lack of support by your product. I am truly TRULY ready to give up all my Canon equipment and go to another brand. I need help and I need Canon to do something.

Stephen · ‎03-10-2020

Hi, MichaelD.

Welcome to the Canon Community!

The Forums aren't intended for immediate assistance. If your question is of an urgent nature,click HERE to visit your My Canon Account to discover your personalized support options.

If you're outside of the USA, please click HERE to find your support options.

lbow · ‎03-15-2023

I'm also having a similar issue. The unit is about 3 years old, and I don't use it that often. It's been fine until today. I turned it on, and...no power. I changed the batteries, twice. Still no power (not even and icon on the screen, nothing. A complete mystery and VERY frustrating!

nomadphoto · ‎05-04-2020

take off the gel filter, place in the new batteries, turn on the flash. it worked for me, hopefully it works for you too. good luck.

lbow · ‎03-15-2023

I'm also having a similar issue. The unit is about 3 years old, and I don't use it that often. It's been fine until today. I turned it on, and...no power. I changed the batteries, twice. Still no power (not even and icon on the screen, nothing. A complete mystery and VERY frustrating!

nomadphoto · ‎05-04-2020

Remove the SCH-E1 from the top of the flash. It's the clear, whitish plastic piece on top of your flash located where the light comes out. The back should say, Made in Japan (in black) and below that, SCH-E1. Take off the SCH-E1 from the unit, open the battery department door, place new batteries into the battery department, close the battery lid, and turn on the flash. If that doesn't work, also try cleaning your battery department connectors located behind the little door.

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Speedlite 600ex-rt battery problem