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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

normadel · ‎09-27-2022

Regarding use of Lithium batteries in Canon Speedlite: Here is a Service Notice issued by Canon in 2019:

******************************************************************************************************************************

"Service Notice: Caution Concerning use of Lithium Batteries

Update

Thank you for using Canon products.

Products

Speedlite 220EX
Speedlite 270EX
Speedlite 270EX II
Speedlite 320EX
Speedlite 380EX
Speedlite 420EX
Speedlite 430EX
Speedlite 430EX II
Speedlite 540EZ
Speedlite 550EX
Speedlite 580EX
Speedlite 580EX II
Speedlite 600EX
Speedlite 600EX-RT
Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX
Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II
Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX
Compact Battery Pack CP-E2
Compact Battery Pack CP-E3
Compact Battery Pack CP-E4

Details

AA Lithium batteries cannot be used with any Speedlite or Macrolite products and compact battery packs including those listed below because certain AA lithium batteries, in rare cases, may become extremely hot during usage in such products."

*********************************************************************************************************************************

Apparently, Canon Canon doesn't want you to use Lithiums, and I have read independent articles which discuss AA battery types and warn, in greater depth, against using Lithiums in flashes. Here is an excerpt from one:

**********************************************************************************************************************************"Lithium AA batteries Lithium/Iron Disulfide (Li/FeS₂). These 1.5 volts and are
NOT the same as the Lithium ion batteries used in cameras. These work well, and
with some advantages, except they are not rechargeable, and will recycle more slowly
than any of the others. Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA Batteries (8-Pack) can provide
more flashes than the others. Better life than alkalines at high current loads (flash
units), and much better performance than any in extreme cold temperatures (to -
40°C per Energizer data sheet — this is what you want in sub-freezing temperatures).
Even the weight is lighter. Shelf life is 20 years. A bit more pricey, but better in a few
ways except for recycle time and heating concerns (and of course replacement
cost). Recycle time is important for speedlights, but these lithium cells contain
protection to limit the maximum current for safety reasons (heat).
Note that this above is now a new improved AA Lithium battery, which limits the
current less, better and faster recycle. Those I saw recycled faster, at least at same
speed as alkalines in flashes now. If using a lithium AA, flashes will want the new one
called Ultimate. But these cells start out at 1.6 volts. Be very aware of heating
conditions (fast shooting speed makes it worse). In fact, Canon put out an advisory
stating: Do Not Use AA Lithium Batteries in a Flash.
If shooting rapid flash shots, the lithiums can get especially hot, especially fast, and
could damage the flash, and may just quit (thermal fuse). A single flash only every
now and then is one thing, but any rapid shooting is surely better off with NiMH (but
rapid is always a concern to a flash). The lithium flash recycle times are longer too,
which is a biggie when waiting for the next shot. Eneloop NiMH rechargeables remain
my own choice for my speedlight use.
The previous data sheet (older battery named "Advanced") previously said they limit
current to 2 amps for pulse loads, to prevent hazard. The current new L91 data sheet
(battery named "Ultimate") now says only limited to 2.5 amps continuous, or 4 amps
maximum peak (2 seconds On, 8 seconds Off), with less internal resistance, and
seems as fast as Alkaline now, and will last longer than alkaline in flashes. The
lithium high internal resistance was artificially added as a safety factor. See their
Application manual page 19-20 for reference of this safety protection (It says L91, but
both were L91, each in their time. This document dated 2001 is the older version).
Flash wants the new version called "Ultimate".
These AA size lithium are NOT rechargeable. Lithium rechargeables are not AA size,
because lithium rechargeables are about 3.3 volts instead of 1.5 volts for AA (lithium
ion for cameras and laptops are a different chemistry. 3.6 volts per cell). The big
point is, lithium rechargables are NOT 1.5 volts. Lithium AA cells are instead Li/FeS2
chemistry."
***********************************************************************************************************************************

nomadphoto · ‎04-12-2023

I just wanted to share a quick update about the battery problem that I was experiencing with my Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT. Recently, I was having trouble with the batteries not making proper contact with the flash unit, which was causing the flash to not turn on.

After doing some research and troubleshooting, I decided to try cleaning the connection points that touch the batteries with some 91% isopropyl rubbing alcohol. And I'm happy to report that this simple solution worked like a charm! The connection points are now clean and free of any debris, which has greatly improved the reliability and performance of my flash unit.

I have found the techniques on this message board to be very useful. Firstly, I keep the battery door open, then turn on the flash and close the battery door. This method has proven to be quite effective when the flash fails to turn on in the usual way. It's worth noting that removing the flash diffuser from the top of the camera enhances the effectiveness of this technique.

Garymac · ‎04-12-2023

I'm glad this thread is still active and helping others. Still not sure why there are so many problems with this flash. I have an old and well used 580 and it works flawlessly.

Mine was actually a board issue and that seemed to have solved the problem. I still don't trust it as it seems very sensitive to base battery voltage and doesn't always like rechargeables.

Best of luck all!

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Speedlite 600ex-rt battery problem