It's official: Canon acknowledges BG-E2 grip is faulty

[slin100]

They're offering to repair it for free starting at the end of May. Read it here (http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/controller?act=PgComSmModDisplayAct&keycode=2112&fcategoryid=215&modelid=10464).

[OviV]

Sounds like they need time to figure out the fix. This is a good start.

Ovi

[mr.photoguy]

I just can't bring myself to order this grip.

[mr.photoguy]

I just can't bring myself to order this grip.

[slin100]

I think they've already figured out the fix. I think they need time to ramp up the resources to handle the onslaught.

[O/confusion]

They're offering to repair it for free starting at the end of May. Read it here (http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/controller?act=PgComSmModDisplayAct&keycode=2112&fcategoryid=215&modelid=10464).

Boy, will drisley ever feel justified now! Let's just hope this turns out to be a real and permanent solution to the problems so many here have been having.

Terry

[CyberDyneSystems]

Steven,. nice find!

[LouDawg]

Just had my first problems with the grip the other day, mine will be going in for servicing for sure.

[kawter2]

yep yep.. I couldn't believe that we should be onlyu allowed to take 10 pictures on 6 AA batteries!!!

in addition to the plethera of problems I have had with it.

[defordphoto]

They're offering to repair it for free starting at the end of May. Read it here (http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/controller?act=PgComSmModDisplayAct&keycode=2112&fcategoryid=215&modelid=10464).

They have unofficially been fixing them for free for some time now. I got mine fixed two months ago.

[slin100]

They have unofficially been fixing them for free for some time now.
I've heard, but this is still a big admission by Canon.

[Mark_48]

Wonder how this affects grips that are on resellers shelves, whether they'd be recalled or just sold and the purchaser gets to send it in for repair?

[deedas]

Oh wow, I thought it was fixed already. I better cancel my order for it before B&H starts shipping again in a few days.


Edit: Does anyone know when to expect a new grip for sale?

[soccerbyron]

I finally sent my grip in on Wednesday for repair. I'll be curious to see if there is any difference in my repair and the "official" repair. I miss it already :cry:

[Belmondo]

I have the grip on my 20D, and have never observed a problem. This could be because I've used the camera very little, so I'm thinking I'll make it a point to put some miles on it in the next couple weeks to see if any problems surface. I just got a hand strap for it, and the lack of it has been one of the reasons I haven't been using it.

[soccerbyron]

FWIW, I had the most trouble when shooting vertically with the 70-200/2.8. That combination seemed to put the most force on the grip to pull the grip contacts away from the camera.

[lkorell]

All this is making me paranoid! I've had the 20D and grip since the first week they were available and I've never had one single issue with either the camera or the grip. I shoot weddings and portraits with it and have enjoyed every minute.

I sure hope I don't go looking for trouble, after hearing all of this. Actually I was going to buy another 20D with the grip. Maybe I'd better wait until after May.

Lou

[robertwgross]

Sometimes in a case like this, they have the fix already figured out, but it will take them a month to get large quantities of some new part to their repair facilities and to get the repair technicians updated on the procedure.

They let a small number of the fixes happen early, and that is sort of a test-bed to make sure of what they are doing before they announce it to the world.

---Bob Gross---

[deedas]

So they're going to continue selling the same grip? There won't be a new version that does not need to be sent in for repair?

[GTV681]

Will this apply worldwide?
AUSTRALIA ?

[C.S.I.]

Good find.......about time, and pretty good at addressing the issue Canon!

[markubig]

They let a small number of the fixes happen early, and that is sort of a test-bed to make sure of what they are doing before they announce it to the world. I hope that it doesn't involve duck tapehttp://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gifhttp://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/tongue3.gifhttp://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif

so if i'm not having the problem ... *knock-on-wood* ... i wonder if it's just a matter of time before it starts happening . . .

[rokclimbertx]

so i'm looking at my grip and and i don't see a serial# (to compare with the numbers on the canon site) nor where one would have been... where's this thing located?

[rokclimbertx]

so i've been looking at my grip and can't fine the serial # at all, not even a place where it might have been... where's it s'posed to be so i can check against the #'s from canon...

[Jonny]

so i'm looking at my grip and and i don't see a serial# (to compare with the numbers on the canon site) nor where one would have been... where's this thing located?

I don't see any serial numbers on the website, what are you looking at?

[big_ipaq]

Looks like Canon acknowledge only battery grip low battery warning problems, but not the flexing and power fail issues. Is this correct?

[Mark Kemp]

Whats the current state of play?

The link is gone and there is nothing I can find on Canon's website any more.

[Jon]

The link still works. The serial numbers are for 20Ds, not grips; they're a completely unrelated issue (the numbers rub off).

[Jon]

so i've been looking at my grip and can't fine the serial # at all, not even a place where it might have been... where's it s'posed to be so i can check against the #'s from canon...

The serial numbers are for 20Ds which have a problem with the serial number rubbing off. It's totally unrelated to the battery-life problem with the battery grip. If you get a premature low battery indication when using the grip, you have an affected grip. The grip S/N is on the box.

[soccerbyron]

FWIW, I received my grip back this afternoon--it took less than two weeks from when I sent it in, to receiving today.. The connection feels more solid/stable, but I won't be able to put it through its paces until tomorrow to be sure the problem is resolved.

[bikers1]

I called Canon UK about this and they say that there are no recalls in the UK for this grip and that "the american ones must be different" ! :confused:

[Jonny]

I called Canon UK about this and they say that there are no recalls in the UK for this grip and that "the american ones must be different" ! :confused:

Fools

[drisley]

Boy, will drisley ever feel justified now! Let's just hope this turns out to be a real and permanent solution to the problems so many here have been having.
Terry
Unfortunately this does not address the BIGGEST problem with the grip... power loss due to a loose fit with the camera. From what I can tell this affects ALL the grips, but some people just dont notice the problem.

[Mark_48]

At present I don't have the grip, but I'm following this saga with interest. There is discussion in other forums as well and I came across this in Rob Galbraiths. It is a bandaid fix for the intermittent loss of power due to flexing of the the grip. What was done is a small piece of Velcro was attached to the grip opposite the end where the connection end sticks up. When the grip is tightened to the body the Velcro acts as a shim to cause more pressure to be applied to the connection side.

Canon will shortly be mailing a piece of Velcro to everyone that registered their BG-E2 grip by mail or online!!!! (Ha,ha only kidding........... maybe)

Credit to RobBenton over there...
http://www.robgalbraith.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=278916&page=0&fpart=all&vc=1&nt=3

[drisley]

Thanks for the link.
That is an interesting fix. But mine is on the way to Canon again, so I can't test.
However, when I had the grip, I tried putting a business card in that spot, and it didn't help in the least. In fact, it seemed worse.
I still have NO idea how Canon could release such a problematic product!?
As soon as you attach it to the camera, anybody can immediatelty see that the grip doesnt fit properly.... nowhere near as tight as the grips for the 10D or 300D. The designers must have been having a drinking party that day!

[cmM]

I called Canon some time ago about the all too common flexing issue, and the tech guy told me it was a known issue, but he told me to send it to Tennesse for the fix... which I did't, I couldn't wait that long. Now there's a recall, but on the false low battery warning, not the other problem. Supposably that's a design mistake (missing a washer)... why it flexes. I'm right with you on this one, Drisley, It's embarassing how they designed the grip for this camera (the one for the 300d is way better)

[drisley]

When I called about my flexing problem when I first got the grip, Canon Service told me they were aware of the problem and it was a simple fix. The tech on the phone told me he had seen the problem with his own eyes many times.
Well, I sent in my grip, waited a month, told they had trouble fixing the problem so they would just send me a brand new one. Well, the brand new one ALSO has the same flexing problem.
So, I called them again, and they said that Canon had just announced a fix, and they should be getting parts to correct the issue later this month. I told them that I knew of the announcement, and it had nothing to do with the power flexing issue. They insisted it did. So, I send the grip back yesterday, on their coin, and included a message that said "test before sending back" and "do not return unless the problem is verified to be fixed".

[BobbyC]

yep yep.. I couldn't believe that we should be onlyu allowed to take 10 pictures on 6 AA batteries!!!

Canon has been very clear about this, the AA batteries are meant to be used in an emergency if you are out of power from the rechargables and need to get a few more shots, it was not meant to be used for normal operation.

[picnic]

For anyone ordering from B & H--mine had had the battery problem--showed low battery immediately upon turning on. I took the grip off, packed it up and am retunring it. I"ll most likely buy one when there is a 'fixed' version as I've used grips for quite a long while. Just got my 20D also and am getting used to shooting without a grip--I just moved the old grip from body to body, but--

Diane

[drisley]

Curious, picnic, did you place the batteries into the grip THEN install the grip?
That is supposedly the cause of the low battery indicator for most people.
If so, remove the batteries, remove the grip, then install the grip, then install the batteries.

[Jonny]

Curious, picnic, did you place the batteries into the grip THEN install the grip?
That is supposedly the cause of the low battery indicator for most people.
If so, remove the batteries, remove the grip, then install the grip, then install the batteries.

You are right dude, that does sort out the problem. BUT if i do that and then turn off the camera for a while it comes back on with the low batt sign!!!

[drisley]

Ah, Ok, definately send it back.
I would almost say that Canon is losing major money on this grip because of all the returns.
But then again, they did charge alot more for it than the 10D or 300D grips.
I do know that many stores that I've talked to wished they never carried the BG-E2 because they have indeed lost money on the BG-E2 because of all the exchanges, returns, shipping, etc.

[gregincharlotte]

This blows mightily.

Purchased grip with new 20D this past Friday.

I just removed both BP-511s from my grip (attached to the camera) and inserted the AA carrier with 6 swear-to-god fully charged nimh 2500 mAh. Closed the door, turned the camera back on then sputter blink low battery then no battery game over pal, game over.

Am I hearing I have to send this thing off to Kookamonga for a repair...?

[drisley]

Yup. Atleast they acknowledge the problem with AA has been acknowledge, and a repair is now available. Still blows mighty though.

[shifters]

Hi everyone,

I live in Australia and have just bought a 350D. I've ordered a BG-E3 grip which should turn up in a day or two. Does anyone know of any problems with this grip or is it just the BG-E2?

Shifters.

[drisley]

That is a good question shifters. I actually haven't seen any complaints about the BG-E3.
I think they may have designed it better. Maybe start a new thread and ask, and or do some googling.

[shifters]

OK Drisley I'll have a look in Google and see if I can dig up anything.

Shifters.

[smudge]

I was just about to ask about this problem, saw this thread. My 511 with the bg-e2 has been showing low batt. I thought nothing of it, as it hasn't affected the actual life. But when I used the aa mount, nada. I will be reporting to canon uk tomorrow.

[V6GTO]

I dropped my camera on the grip and it's totally ******! Do you think Canon will repair it FOC now?
http://www.fancysplace.com/smileys/bigsmile.gif
Martin.

[tvagell]

Hello All -

I am new to this forum although I have been lurking for some time.

I have been reading the post on the BG-E2 grip with interest. I have had mine since January and have not had a problem yet. Having said that, I called Canon technical people anyway to see what they had to say. I was told that a subcontractor making the grips made the screw too short on many units and the grip does not make good contact with camera. He told me to check how much daylight there is between the grip and camera with the screw fully tightened. If you can slide a piece of paper through it, than it is not seating all the way and battery contacts are compromised. There will be a minute sliver of daylight in the middle if you hold it up to a strong enough light though, at least there is on mine.

Also, someone mentioned here to hold it by the grip withe LCD on to see if there is a power interuption. Canon agreed this may be a good test. I went to the extreme, mounting my heaviest lens (70/200 2.8 L IS) and my 580 EX speedlite, held it by the grip only and shook the living daylights out it, the LCD did not go out. I would send it back if it failed this test, even though under normal use I've never had a problem. My reason being that mechanical things get loose over time anyway.

Hope this helps some of you.

Tom

[drisley]

TVagell, that is good to hear that your grip indeed works fine. If I did what you did, with such a large lens a larger external flash (I only have a 420ex), I dont think I would have to even shake it for the power disruption. Just the 420ex and a mild shake will cause power loss on the 2 grips I tried.
I wonder how you know what grips are ok, ie, have the longer screw? Up until now, even the serial number doesnt seem to guarantee a working camera.
TVAGELL, are you in N. America? What is your serial number?

[tvagell]

Drisley, I was told the screw is indeed longer, and going by the serial number to find the good from defective ones would make sense to me, I asked the Canon rep that same question and he said they didn't know which ones. I don't believe that, and now that I think about it, I bet that would be an admission of knowing which units to do a mandatory recall on, probably (I'm guessing) governed by some international, federal and/or state laws. Although that may only be in the case of safety/fire hazard issues, like the recent recall by Microsoft on the XBox power cords. My son got a notice to check his XBox serial number, and it was indeed on the list. Lets face it, Canon will do whatever is least expensive for them and stay within any applicable laws, as the financial hit is huge. I will check the serial number on mine and let you know, if you think you can still use that information. Yes, I am in N. America, Colorado to be exact.

Tom

[drisley]

Thanks Tom.
The reason I asked where you were was because it seemed those in Europe were having fewer problems.
Well, when I sent my grip back the second time to service, I told them "do not return until the problem is fixed and tested".
The funny thing is that the last time they just replaced mine with a new one... the new one was actually a much older serial number than the one I had initially.

[Searchlight]

Great, I just ordered a grip yesterday from B&H.

I feel they should have informed me of the faulty grips...

I guess I'll call and attempt to cancel.

Q) Are all grips bad, do they have serial #'s for affected grips?

[drisley]

Not all grips are bad, but it seems the majority have the flex/power issue. However, most don't notice it because the power flicks off and then back on breifly. So unless you test for it, or lose pictures in the buffer, or get an ERR99 which often happens (but then some dont know why), you may not even know it.
There was once a rumour that all grips over a certain serial number were the fixed ones. However, that turned out to be a huge load of bunk.
Currently it's a crapshoot.

[RobbTC]

I sent my grip back to Canon NJ Repair (for the flex problem) and a week later they sent me back the same one. Look like it fits a little better, but can still see that the battery side isn't completely flush with the bottom of the camera.

[drisley]

Apparently the BG-E3 grip for the 350D doesn't have these problems, and according to one user, it's the "best designed grip canon has ever made". I guess Canon realized they goofed bad with the BG-E2,and got a new design team for the BG-E3.

"The BG-E3 is completely different in design. It's much smaller due to the smaller battery and has a side-load design similar to the battery compartment on the 1 series cameras. This design allow a continuous swath of pleather (or whatever it is) to be wrapped around the entire grip making it very comfortable. The grip also employs a "notch" on the camera's grip side that make the join with the grip absolutely rock solid. It is by far the best grip Canon's made for their dSLRs."

[mikolaj]

Wow! So it wasn't me, then. (For some reason I thought my use of the Force fighting the Dark Side near the batteries somehow drained it while using the grip. My fault.)
Thanks for the find!

[drisley]

Update:
After sending my replacement grip back for the same "flex" issue 3 weeks ago, I decided to give Canon Service a call.
Just like last time, they initially told me the fix was simple and to send in the grip. Just like last time, now that they have the grip, they tell me they are just going to replace it with a new one, AGAIN.
If I get ANOTHER grip with the same problem, back it goes AGAIN, on Canon's dime, AGAIN.
I'm going to make them regret selling this thing without a better design.
Once they send it out to me again, it will have cost them about $40 in shipping (in addition to the $16 it cost me). I doubt there is any profit for them on this grip at this point.

[RobbTC]

Drisley, which one do you send yours to?

Canon NJ sent me the same one back, only slightly better.

Maybe once they finally announce that recall for battery issue is available, I'll send it back again.

[drisley]

Im in Canada.
It seems that Canon Service in Canada is not good at all.
When I talked to them last month about my replacement being as bad as the original, they told me that "Canon just made an announcement regarding the BG-E2, and they ar going to be providing a fix in May". I told them I was aware of the announcement and it didnt seem to mention the "flex/ poor fit" problem at all. The person on the phone then checked with her supervisor, and came back and said "yes, the fix will include a solution for your problem as well". *lol*
Obviously not, since they once again are just sending a new one.
This time they insisted the replacement is part of the "new, fixed" batch. Somehow, I HIGHLY doubt it!

[fatrat]

Er am i the only guy who has not had a problem with there 20D battery grip?

[Moody Blues]

I got my 20D last week. I ordered the BG-E2 with the camera but it has been on backorder with B&H for 1 week now. I just called B&H. They said the grip was still out of stock and that when my grip shipped it would be whatever the latest and greatest was from Canon. Hopefully that means one without problems.

UPDATE:

BH just said that they got a shipment in this morning and that mine is being shipped today. I will let you know what I get. Should I be looking for a different design? what else should I be looking for?

[SkipD]

To those of you who have talked to folks in the New Jersey repair center - what number did you use and who did you talk to?

I called (732) 521-7007 and talked to someone who had no detailed knowledge of the BG-E2 grip repairs. He did know of the problems, but not what they do to fix them. I asked to go up the line. I was told that the technicians can't talk on the phone, but after some prodding he gave me the first name - Lou - and phone number - (732) 521-7065 - of the technicians' manager. I tried calling him but just got his voice mail.

[SkipD]

BH just said that they got a shipment in this morning and that mine is being shipped today. I will let you know what I get. Should I be looking for a different design? what else should I be looking for?When you get the grip, please take some close-in photos of the right end of the grip (the end with the battery connector) as well as the mounting screw. Several of us will be able to compare ours to the new one and possibly see what they've done different.

Thanks.....

[Moody Blues]

When you get the grip, please take some close-in photos of the right end of the grip (the end with the battery connector) as well as the mounting screw. Several of us will be able to compare ours to the new one and possibly see what they've done different.

Thanks.....


Will do

[calibano]

What about Italy???
I've got the problem but "canon.it" seems to ignore the issue

[drisley]

Here is the easiest thing to do to test it.
Attach an external flash. Turn on your LCD. Hold the camera by grip and give a few shakes to see if the LCD turns off. If so, you have the sme flex/power disruption issue caused by the grip pulling away from the camera.

http://images2.fotop.net/albums/sharpnsmart/miscellaneous/grip.jpg

[Moody Blues]

Here is the easiest thing to do to test it.
Attach an external flash. Turn on your LCD. Hold the camera by grip and give a few shakes to see if the LCD turns off. If so, you have the sme flex/power disruption issue caused by the grip pulling away from the camera.

http://images2.fotop.net/albums/sharpnsmart/miscellaneous/grip.jpg


I just took the grip home and performed the test shown above. The grip worked perfect. I had 2 canon batteries in the grip, the 580EX attached and 24-70 L on the base.

Here are the pics of what I got.

[drisley]

Hey! On that second grip it looks like there are 2 more screw holes that have been added on the left side!
On the pictures of my grip, and others, it looks like there are only indentations, no actual holes with screws. Am I seeing things?

http://images4.fotop.net/albums/sharpnsmart/miscellaneous/grip_comparo.jpg

[drisley]

Now that I look closer at your picture Moody Blues, it almost looks like you have some sort of black foam on the top of the grip. No?
Can you supply a better picture? Maybe one taken without a direct flash?

[SkipD]

Moody Blues' grip looks exactly like mine - at both ends. Mine has the flex problem (except that I added a little rubber to the top of the pin on the right end to keep the switch made). It doesn't look like they made any external modifications whatsoever.

[Moody Blues]

I will take some better pics. I had just a few minutes to take these and get them on the computer.

I shot 100 frames last night with the Grip, 24-70 and 580Ex with no problems whatsoever. I did make sure that the grip was snuggly tightened to the camera base.

[deedas]

B&H is selling fixed grips?

*rushes to order one*



Edit: Dagnabit! They're not in stock. :(

[TomPierce]

I noticed that the Canon website link on this issue used to read 'end of May' for the announcement of the fix but now reads 'soon'.

Oh, well, at least they updated the website...

[Bamamike]

Hi,
I just made a short test with new Duracell MN1500 LR6 in the BG2.
After a couple of shots it showed "battery low". I removed the battery holder, turned the batteries in it and back into the grip. Approximately 4 times I had to repeat this, but at least I got 230 shots out of the batteries. And they were able to deliver 7.2 Amps after this, so good enough for flashlights....
There is an issue with this grip and I think it's caused by the lack of pressure of the contacts inside the grip against the batteries and in the battery-holder the springs aren't hard enough.
I also think that with the BP511s staying such a long time in that grip oxydation of the contacts can cause additional problems. After removing them and inserting them back the thin oxyde layer is gone. What do you think?
Mike

[Moody Blues]

I just got back from Disney World. The BG-E2 was put through the paces. I took over 1000 frames and half were vertical shots. The grip never lost contact once. The battery level never went below full. I shot the first 2 days with no charging. I was using 2 - BP511A's.

[jojiboy]

I'm sending my grip to Canon in the next day or so. But before I do that, would some kind soul please let me know where I can locate the serial number? I must be blind or something, for the life of me I can't find the serial number anywhere on the grip. I want to note it down so when they return a grip to me I'll know if they sent mine back repaired or if they just end up sending a replacement. Thanks for any help.


Joe

[drisley]

It's on the bottom of the grip jojiboy.

[jojiboy]

Thanks much drisley.

[drisley]

Jojiboy, when you get the grip back, usually the work order included will tell you if it is a replacement.
What problems are you having with your grip?

[jojiboy]

Thanks for that info drisley. The problem I had was the battery status indicator showing a depleted charge with the batteries and my 20D shutting down as a result. It didn't matter whether I had one 511A or two in the grip, it would show the same status. Incidentally, the batteries were fully charged. When I removed the grip and installed one of the batteries in the 20D, the battery status indicator would show a full charge. I hadn't noticed if I had the flex issue even with my 100-400mm and the 20D w/ grip in portrait mode though. It's possible it's suffering from this also but hadn't noticed it.

I've already shipped my grip to the Irvine service center this morning so hopefully it'll come back better than before. Funny, when I called Canon yesterday, the guy I spoke to knew all about the problem. Says they've received many calls on the grip. I told him I'm not surprised. I had asked him the question about the serial number and he told me it would be on the warranty card. I told him that as far as I know the BG-E2 didn't come with a warranty card. So he had no clue where the serial number is located on the grip. Hence, the reason for asking my original question regarding the serial number here on the forum.

[drisley]

Haha! That's funny. Canon doesn't even know that the grip does NOT come with a warranty card *l*
And that they don't know where the serial number is located. It just goes to show the reason why I don't trust the Canon service people when I tell them about my flex issue, and they say they are aware of the problem and "it's a simple fix". DO NOT BELIEVE THEM. I've heard that story 3 times, and so far they have always just sent me a new one (each one as bad as the last).

From my experience, there appears to be NO fix for the flex issue.
The problem with the battery indicator appears to be luck of the draw, and the fix for the AA battery problems is just using gold leads.
The big post Canon made a few months ago acknowleding the problems, and saying that there is a fix coming (which was supposed to be last month), is a bit of hogwash. I believe it was done so to make the 20D owners more confident to buy the grip.

[tradrock]

Do we have any indication from Canon that there will be an overhaul of the grip? I was seconds away from purchasing one (shopping around, actually), when I found this thread. Thanks, and sorry to hear about all the problems folks have had.
Cheers.

[drisley]

Nope, no indication of any overhaul at all.
Only that they are aware of the problems with the AA batteries, and power indicator (no mention of the flex problem), and that a fix will be available SOON (previously MAY).
Toogy and I have tried 4 grips each, and they all have the flex problem. My last grip had gold leads in the AA battery adapter. That was the only change.

[Jon]

I sent mine in for the battery problem after calling them (again!) and finally being told to go ahead, and it just came back yesterday. Same grip, with PARTS BACK ORDER. - REPLACED W/NEW BG-E2 FROM S/N #006150. AND CHECKED ALL FUNCTIONS. on the repair ticket. Same grip s/n that I sent in, but they added in the original instruction sheet, and some packing that I don't think I'd included.

I gave it Dr. Isley's "flex test" with the 100-400 and 550EX in portrait orientation, and holding only by the grip; didn't see it lock or anything. But then, I didn't before it went in either.

Can't tell for sure if the battery level issue's taken care of. It came back with a new (additional) page of instructions (Xerox copy), with a highlighted section in "Attaching to the Camera" Be sure to attach the BG-E2 to the camera before loading the power supply in the BG-E2. The results of the battery check may not be displayed properly if you attach the BG-E2 to the camera with the power supply already inside.. So they're doing something anyway.

[drisley]

Jon,
I had heard of the problem about loading the batteries first causing the low power indicator.
But that didn't help on my latest grip, which was much newer than yours s/n 10xxxx.
My previous grips, much older, actually didn't have any problem with power indicator levels, just the flex problem.

As far as the flex problem goes, it's not a lockup you will experience. It's a temporary loss of power. You won't know it happened unless you have something like the LCD turned on to see if it powers off. This is because the power comes back on immediately afterward (but not the LCD).
This can mean loss of any pictures in the buffer at that time though, and just a general annoyance.
Oh, you will also see the little red power led on your camera briefly flicker, much like it does when you insert a battery, or insert a cf card.
So they're doing something anyway.
Yes they are, AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE. :rolleyes: :lol:

[n.e.photo]

I've just purchased the BG-E2 grip for the 20d and it is working beautifully. I was unsure whether or not to purchase it after I had read so many grim reviews about problems with connectivity, but decided that not EVERY grip can be bad so I took my chances. The major test I did with this grip was put my Metz 54-mz4 flash unit on my 20d, turned it sideways to portrait mode, and then shook the hell out of it (read that this was how most people tested theirs on other forums). I had a preview picture on the screen and watched for any sort of power loss, and to my pleasure, there was none, I tried this a few times just to make sure, and have not found anything to be wrong with it. Other problems people had were rapid battery loss, which does not seem to be a problem, and a loose feeling between grip and camera, which is definately not an issue with mine.

I found a thread on dpreview.com which talks about "new codes" on the boxes of repaired grips, which mine matches, and it was shipped out brand new, the store recieved it the day before I bought it, so perhaps canon has come up with a fix for the faulty grips? The link below will direct you to the thread I am referring to:

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1019&message=13996877

[drisley]

My last grip I got from Canon was actually newer than the one he mentions in that thread.
Mine was serial number #109xxx, and I still had the problems with flexing/power loss, and even the half power indicator problem (which none of my older ones did, just the flex problem).

I'm really starting to wonder if this is a problem with the 20D design too, and maybe some models have this problem. Canon have told both Toogy and I, after 8 returns between us, to send the camera in with the grip. There is NO way I'm going without my camera for 4-6 weeks!

[cokinut]

okay, i'm having problems too and having been tracking this thread.

When you send your grip out (i'm sending mine to the NJ location), do you need an RMA # just in case something happens to your grip, or incase they lose it and need proof, etc? and what else do i need to include besides the battery grip itself? And what is the usual turn around time?

thanx!

[drisley]

I called Canon Canada.
They gave me a service centre phone number (long distance) I had to call and get an address,etc.
Then I sent the package using a trackable, insured service.
No RMA required I don't think.
Each of the 4 times I've sent mine in, it's taken just over 1 month which seem average here in Canada.
However, things could be different in the US.

[antibt]

I take it that there is no problem with BG-E1 battery grip.I just bought one from ebay.

[drisley]

Probably not. It's just the BG-E2 which is a different design.

[jojiboy]

Well, I finally recieved my grip back from Canon in Irvine. Actually, they just replaced my original grip with another. The previous SN was 082xxx, the new one is 105xxx. So far so good. The low battery state is gone and I notice that the grip seems more solid when attached to my 20D. Also, there doesn't seem to be any play on the mounting dial as before. I tried to induce a power loss/flex condition using my 100-400mm, with the LCD on, and didn't experience any power loss when in portrait mode and shaking the heck out of the 20D while holding the grip. Time will tell I guess. Any other suggestions on what I can try to induce the power loss? In a couple of weeks I'll be gone on vacation for three weeks so the 20D and grip will be getting a workout in Hawaii and Arizona.

[defordphoto]

Any other suggestions on what I can try to induce the power loss?

Smack it with a hammer repeatedly. ;) Seriously, I had my grip repaired some time ago and it's been flawless. If I yank on my 10D's grip hard enough I can get it to power down. As an aside I have shot the 20D and its repaired grip with multiple lenses, including a 500mm Canon and have had zero issues.

[jojiboy]

Smack it with a hammer repeatedly. ;)

LOL, my father always told me that I never listen to him, glad it's coming in handy in this instance.:D I'm hoping that I have the same experience as you as far as the grip goes. Zero problems is an excellent goal!

[RobbTC]

July 12, 2005
Canon U.S.A.

To customers using the EOS 20D/EOS 20Da Battery Grip BG-E2
*Grips will be received for free repairs starting on July 12, 2005.

Thank you for using Canon Products.

It has been discovered that when using Battery Grip BG-E2 with EOS 20D/20Da digital SLR cameras, there are cases that, even with fully charged batteries (exclusive battery pack or NiMH battery) or unused AA size batteries, only a few shots can be taken or "bc" is displayed immediately.

BG-E2 Battery Grips that cause this phenomenon will be repaired free of charge.

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this issue has caused for you. We will make every effort in quality control to provide products that our customers can use with confidence. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.

Please refer to the following for details:

Products:
Battery Grip BG-E2 and Battery Magazine BGM-E2
- Battery Grip BG-E2
Serial Number 000001 - 096000 (shown below)
- Battery Magazine BGM-E2
Old type products (shown below)

http://consumer.usa.canon.com/app/images/d_eos/BGE2_Battery_Grip.gif

* New type products have gold-plated terminals and different configuration.

Phenomenon:
Even with a fully charged battery (exclusive battery pack or NiMH battery) or with an unused AA size battery, only few shots can be taken or "bc" may be displayed immediately.

NOTE:
Please note that phenomenon concerned may occur under the following conditions. The products will not be considered as defective in these cases.

When a BG-E2 grip that is being charged is attached to the camera, the camera may not check the battery level correctly. Please attach the grip to the camera, and then charge the battery.
If AA alkaline batteries are used under the temperature below 20&degC, shots may not be taken. Also, the power of the AA alkaline batteries depends greatly on manufacturers' design specifications and storage conditions. With some AA alkaline batteries, shots may not be taken.
The number of shots taken and the level of battery power vary with the quality and the condition of the battery.
With NiMH rechargeable batteries, the battery level may not be shown as full even if they are fully charged.
Services Offered:
Battery Grip BG-E2 will be repaired free of charge
Battery Magazine BGM-E2 for BG-E2 Battery Grip will be exchanged with a new product free of charge.

Contact Information for inquiries:
Call Center
1-800-828-4040 (toll free)
*Available with your cell phone or PHS.

Office Hours:
Weekdays: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturdays, holidays: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

[drisley]

Wow, that is a full one month later than Canon stated in their initial release.
They still don't address the flexing issue either.