I've recentley picked up a Canon 5D original and found that the camera will sometimes refuse to take pictures. The camera knows it is on as the top view is live but it will refuse to show anything on the LCD. It will change the mode, ISO, AF drive, ...
I've contacted Adorama and I'm going to return the unit. The polarizing thing from what you mentioned is half of the problem. The other half is that the camera will sometimes refuse to show anything like the menu or take a picture. I'm going to pick ...