BG-E2 Grip/20D LCD Displays Half Battery Power

[jwhite461]

This may have been addressed before, but I did a search and can't find it, Received my BG-E2 about 30 minutes from B&H, put in two fully charged batteries (one 511 and one 511A, instructions says that is OK), and all I get is an indication that I have a half charged power supply remaining. Is there a fix for that, do I have a bad unit? What have those of you that have experienced this done?

Thanks in advance,
Jeff

[defordphoto]

Yeah. It's been an issue though I haven't seen it. You did go to 1.05 right? Also try swapping battery positions and see if that makes a diff. The battery indicator is about as accurate as a fuel gauge on an old VW Bug.

[jwhite461]

Yes Jim, I do have the 1.05 firmware upgrade. I also sent an email to Canon, and they are saying I need to pack it up and send it to there Jamesburg, NJ repair facility. Man, I wasn't expecting this headache. Anyone else experience this problem, and what was your fix?

Jeff

[jwhite461]

Wow, how silly of me. I took the batteries out, switched them around and lo and behold, they showed a full charge. Took them out again, put them in their original position, and they still showed a full charge. Go figure!

Jeff
:oops:

[defordphoto]

I have seen this (also) from time to time with my 10D where it showed low battery and then later showed full. Some theorize that it changes as one battery gets low, and then it flips back to full when it switches to the next battery.

Personally, I don't think this warrants a trip to Canon, but you can do what you want.

[jwhite461]

Thanks Jim, I agree. :D

[pcasciola]

Yes, this happens to me too on the 20D w/BG-E2. It can be a little frustrating because I'm never sure if I'm actually going to run out, or if I'll suddenly see the full charge again when it switches batteries. I've been told it draws from both and doesn't switch, but I've seen it go from low to full so many times I can't see how it's not switching.

Being how two batteries in the 20D are good for about 1,500-2,000 shots, I just ignore the meter now and top the batteries off every couple of weeks.

[RichieHatch]

That happened to me also except when i took the batteries out and swapped the around it still read half full. I actually had to unscrew the grip, take it off put it back on and pop the batteries back in before it showed the full indicator....! I am not that bothered by it either as i have often taken 1-200 shots on a single half full battery on my 300D...!

Richie