"New" BgEd 20D Grip

[kafene]

Well, I just picked up the "new" grip from Canon. I had called late last month about the battery issues w/ the grip attachment for the 20D and they told me that it wouldn't start until the beginning of this month.

I took it down to Canon two days ago and they originally told me the "repairs" were going to take 7 to 10 working days, but I got a call today (two days later) saying that my grips were ready! (I also turned in my brother's grip).

My brother hooked it up to his camera and said that it NOW feels tight and snug. He said that it used to "flex" on the "old" one. Well, I tried it on mine but mine seems to flex. I never noticed it on my old one, but maybe I wasn't looking for that issue.

Anyways, the real test. On my older grip, when I used the BP-511A battery from my 20D, it worked great. When I put in my BP-511 regular battery from my 10D, the battery level would go really low VERY quickly. This issue's been talked about in this forum. The new grips also came with a new AA battery adapter. The Canon rep said that they are now gold connectors for better electricity flow (the old ones have silver metal, the new ones are gold). I took over a 100 shots and the BP-511 (the D10 battery) is still showing full (I charged it a couple of weeks ago). Before, I don't think it made it past around 20 shots without showing almost empty. (BTW, on the old grip, the battery wasn't REALLY empty, it just showed empty on the 20D. Put it back in the D10 and it would show full).

BTW, the "repair" was an entirely new grip; so they don't actually fix anything. They just gave us new grips. I hope this really takes care of it.

Besides the flex issue (which only seems to be on mine), I'm happy because the battery issue was what REALLY bugged me. Now, I don't have to buy a spare battery just for the 20D. I can use my D10 batteries too.

Damn...sorry about going so long with the post. It was SUPPOSED to be short ;)

kafene.

[drisley]

It looks like that is all the "repairs" are here too... just a replacement.
That is interesting that your grip flexes, but your brother's doesn't!
Who's camera is older? You should try his grip on your camera and vice-versa.
I have been wondering if the problem is related to the camera as much as the grip?
I'm waiting for my 3rd grip to see if it fixes the flexing issue.
According to Toogy, he was told by Canon Canada that he has to send both his grip and camera in so they can be matched together or something.
Personally, would not accept the "flex" issue. In fact, I haven't.

[kafene]

It looks like that is all the "repairs" are here too... just a replacement.
That is interesting that your grip flexes, but your brother's doesn't!
Who's camera is older? You should try his grip on your camera and vice-versa.
I have been wondering if the problem is related to the camera as much as the grip?
I'm waiting for my 3rd grip to see if it fixes the flexing issue.
According to Toogy, he was told by Canon Canada that he has to send both his grip and camera in so they can be matched together or something.
Personally, would not accept the "flex" issue. In fact, I haven't.


I called my brother up and told him we need to try swapping and see how it fits, as you mentioned. He said suggested I take it back also. I hope swapping works...if not, then I guess I'll have to take it back.

Funny that you mention the grip AND camera because when I took the grips in, the rep said I needed BOTH the grip and the camera. I told him I spoke to someone a couple of days ago and was told I just needed to bring in the grip. The rep went to the back room and came back to tell me that the particular models of the grip did not require both, so I was good to go. I don't know how they determine which need just the grip and which need both.

kafene.

[drisley]

Kafene, yes please try and let us know how you make out.
Who's camera is newer, yours or your brother's? Or were they bought at the same time?

[Toogy]

I honestly don't think Canon has done ANYTHING in the design of these grips. I just picked up my FOURTH grip today, yes that's right FOURTH grip and it is no better or worse than the previous ones I have had. I just hope this one at least doesn't have the low battery problem my previous one had.
I have given up on the loose fit problem.

[AjP]

this is most interesting issue, why are some grips working without problems and some have issues, so weird...

[drisley]

Toogy! That SUCKS man. Are you getting these from Canon Service, or from Camera Canada?
What do they say each time you bring it back?
I really think the problem may also lie with the camera, perhaps in the tripod mount. Just a guess.
I have an older model 20D, from September. How about you guys?
My camera has been 100% flawless, until the grip comes in to play.

I also think many more people have flex issues with their grip than we are hearing about (although we have heard of many already). However, since the power disruption occurs only briefly, you may never notice it (until you lose all your images in your buffer). For me I noticed as soon as I put on my 420EX and held the camera vertically, and saw the little red power led flashing whenever I gave the camera a slight shake (meaning the camera was powering off/on). Also, I didnt like the amount of play between the camera and grip. It just didnt feel tight as it should.

[crusher420]

I just bought a new accessory kit that was delayed because of the 'updates' they were doing to the grip. The one that I just received fits on the camera fine and there is no play or anything. I shot with my camera all weekend and again last night....a total or probably 600 shots....and it still reads full on the battery. I am guessing that I am not seeing the same troubles that you guys have in the past. I would start to wonder myself if it wasn't the camera that was at issue if I had tried four different grips. I realize there was a problem but that might extend to the camera as well.

[drisley]

I would start to wonder myself if it wasn't the camera that was at issue if I had tried four different grips. I realize there was a problem but that might extend to the camera as well.
I agree.

[Toogy]

Possibly you are right, but if it comes down to sending my camera in for service, I will just sell the grip.
Other than the grip, my camera has been flawless. I got in November of last year for what it matters.

[crusher420]

Yeah. That sucks though. You bought some quality stuff and the fact that this one portion of the experience is being such a pain must be annoying.

I really like my camera with the grip and extra battery power. Makes me feel secure. I sure hope that mine doesn't go down this road....crossing my fingers...knocking on wood.

[drisley]

Toogy, I'm with you. If the next grip I get doesn't work, and I have to send the camera in too, I'm selling the grip.

[schmoelzel]

Here's an easy solution for all you 20D owners.........sell the 20D and buy a 1 series body that has the grip as part of the body!!!

Sorry, couldn't resist!! :) I would agree with most here that say just live without the grip......seems a lot safer than having the thing flex etc etc. Is is made out of plastic like the DRebel grip? Sure seems like lousy quality or it was an afterthought........

[drisley]

Schmoelzel, yeah right! :)
Funny thing is, I've heard many users of the 20D actually contemplate this. There really isn't any competition from another manufacturer at this price point (since the D70 doesn't offer a grip). So the only way to go is UP. No wonder Canon doesn't seem to care much.
Oh, the grip is magnesium alloy, just like the 20D body, but the large battery door is plastic I think... it's been so long since I've had mine I can't remember exactly.