Grip/battery issue?

[tim]

I recently got myself a grip, serial number 1122xx, today was the first day I used it much. I had two batteries that were almost full in it, a Canon BP-511A and a generic 1800mah. The camera indicated low battery, when I got home I stuck the 1800mah on the Canon charger that the light went to solid red in about 10 seconds. The Canon battery I stuck on the charger and it went to two flashes, which indicates it's not empty (that would be one flashing light), but it's not near full either. A few minutes later it's doing 3 flashes. The camera works fine when a battery's in either place in the grip.

What's going on?! I've read about similar issues, but I figured since I got a new grip from B&H quite a while after Canon announced they were fixing all the grips mine should be fine. Would it shut off after a while, or would it just keep indicating low?

[grumpyhaggis]

I had very similar issues with my first grip (serial no. > 100000). I got it replaced by the shop, (again >100000) and again it happened. I sent the second grip back to Canon, and it came back having been 'serviced'. Still the issue is happening - but only with certain battery packs! Canon did say that if the problem persisted, I should send back the camera too! (Not on - I only bought it a month ago!) So I'm now wondering if it's an issue with the batteries themselves. I have a variety of genuine Canons and generics, and I'm not sure if the 'genuines' are really genuine (bought on the net - eBay) - hence my other post in another thread.

I'm confused and a bit disappointed by it all. Sorry - this doesn't help you!:o


Edit: Oh - and the camera says the batteries are definitely run down and shuts itself off very quickly.

Jim.

[tim]

Next week i'll run it until it shuts itself down, and see how long it takes. If it shuts off too early i'll take the batteries out and put them directly into the camera. I must order a few more batteries too, just in case.

[Merlin Driver]

The only problem with the grip I have seen is with two Canon battery's, I had a busy display, which was fixed when I pulled them out and swapped them around.


Cheers,

Lynn

[Mitcon]

I found with my 350D grip and after market batteries the battery indicator does go down to low rather soon but it lasts for quite a long time still and the camera doesn't power down untill the batteries are depleated. The Genuine Canon battery doesn't show up as low on charge untill it is low but I still get far more shots with the generic batteries.

I never pay much attention to the battery indicator to be honest though as I just shoot untill the batteries are flat and then throw in a fresh set. In the end I get more shots with my generic batteries they just don't seem to report a true state of charge when used in the grip.

[tim]

I was just away for a few days holiday, to my dismay the fully charged generic 1800mah battery indicated low battery after i'd taken about 50 photos! I kept using it anyway, and after about 300 photos and a little bit of reviewing images on the LCD it's still going. I'll not charge it until it stops working, even if I have to use it in the grip by itself.

[Agger]

I bought the grip a few months ago after reading all sorts about the so called problems with batteries and the ill fitting components, I use both Canon proprietry batteries and cheaper copies both of which work just as well in the grip:cool: , I have had no problems whatsoever :cool: and have nothing but good words for the grip, I only bought it as I have a grip on my 10 d and changing to the 20 d felt awkward without it, now I have no problems of awkwardness when changing from one to another :cool:


Mind you as I have BIG hands the grips are a welcome adition;)

[ryno4youth]

I hated getting the low battery, but now that I got my 20D grip fixed by Canon it works great, no matter what kind of batteries I use.

[tim]

My latest low battery warnings were without the grip.

[Agger]

Then I would say you have a camera or battery issue:confused:





My latest low battery warnings were without the grip.

[tim]

Then I would say you have a camera or battery issue:confused:

Yes, there's not many things it could be other than camera or battery. I'll try my genuine Canon battery by itself some time and see what it does, that'll narrow it down. I don't really care if the battery indicator doesn't work, i'll just use batteries until they stop, then i'll put new ones in.

[yellow_belly]

I got a Battery Grip for my 20D (serial number 10xxxx) on Saturday as it seemed Canon had got to the bottom of the problem, after half an hour using it the 20D shuts down because the original Canon Battery is flat ???? I take the battery Grip off and put the battery straight into the camera and it is (as expected) showing still fully charged and works for the next couple of hours before I finish for the day. Needless to say I returned the Battery Grip today for a refund, so Canon STILL havnt got to the bottom of this problem :(
Terry

[tim]

I had this happen again yesterday. I had two batteries in the grip, and it camera indicated low battery. When I put them on the charger at home later the charger did the "double flash", indicating that they were probably around half full. I put two full charged, new 1800mah batteries in the grip, they indicated low battery straight away. It's damn annoying, I can't afford to run out of power in the middle of a wedding, and changing batteries can take a few minutes if I have the camera on the bracket, as the brackets needs to come off for that.

Dunno what i'm going to do about this. I can probably afford to be without the grip for a few weeks now, so maybe i'll send it to Canon.

[defordphoto]

Ya shoulda sent it in when everyone else was...I'd send it ASAP. That free exchange won't last forever.

[tim]

I thought I was ok because it was after the issue had been resolved, and B&H got new stock in. Plus i'd have to send it back to the states since I bought it from there, I don't think Canon here will service them. I have a contact high up at Canon in NZ, maybe i'll talk to support and then see if he can help me out.

Where would I find out about the exchange thing if I do have to send it back to the US?

[wannasmaxx]

I thought I was ok because it was after the issue had been resolved, and B&H got new stock in. Plus i'd have to send it back to the states since I bought it from there, I don't think Canon here will service them. I have a contact high up at Canon in NZ, maybe i'll talk to support and then see if he can help me out.

Where would I find out about the exchange thing if I do have to send it back to the US?
This is definately pushing me farther away from the 20D. Anyone wanna give me an extra 4K for a 1DMKII?

[canon shooter]

I thought I was ok because it was after the issue had been resolved, and B&H got new stock in. Plus i'd have to send it back to the states since I bought it from there, I don't think Canon here will service them. I have a contact high up at Canon in NZ, maybe i'll talk to support and then see if he can help me out.

Where would I find out about the exchange thing if I do have to send it back to the US?Tim, Ihave been thinking about buying a grip.

Did you get your issue worked out??

Besides the extra release and the feel what is suppose to be the main advantage of grip. I could just get extra batteries. 2 batteries with flash exposures should last about 1,ooo shots

[tim]

Nope, not solved, I have to call Canon when I get around to it.

[tbfoto]

The problem with these grips is NOT a battery issue. The contacts at the bottom of the grip are not long enough to make a good solid contact inside the camera body. Using the camera with grip installed causes the grip to "give" just enough to allow these contacts to lose their "bite". Most people (myself included) will lose complete power on the camera when this grip flexes. It doesnt take much. I recently bought a 70-200mm L. This lens is so heavy that holding the camera (by the grip) with that much weight on the front will cause it to lose contact (power). I believe that sometimes it simply loses contact only enough to cause a false reading of the power supply (batteries). I've had mine into Canon twice for repairs. I do not believe they are able to completely fix the problem with their current grip design. Canon really dropped the ball on this one and have NOT made good on fixing it. I think they are simply buying time untill everyone simply gives in and gives up and accepts this poorly designed grip. If they had a fix for the problem then everyone who had theirs "repaired" would no longer be having the same problems. I've had one repaired and one replaced. I still have the very same problem as the day I bought it.

Tom

[canon shooter]

The problem with these grips is NOT a battery issue. The contacts at the bottom of the grip are not long enough to make a good solid contact inside the camera body. Using the camera with grip installed causes the grip to "give" just enough to allow these contacts to lose their "bite". Most people (myself included) will lose complete power on the camera when this grip flexes. It doesnt take much. I recently bought a 70-200mm L. This lens is so heavy that holding the camera (by the grip) with that much weight on the front will cause it to lose contact (power). I believe that sometimes it simply loses contact only enough to cause a false reading of the power supply (batteries). I've had mine into Canon twice for repairs. I do not believe they are able to completely fix the problem with their current grip design. Canon really dropped the ball on this one and have NOT made good on fixing it. I think they are simply buying time untill everyone simply gives in and gives up and accepts this poorly designed grip. If they had a fix for the problem then everyone who had theirs "repaired" would no longer be having the same problems. I've had one repaired and one replaced. I still have the very same problem as the day I bought it.

TomWOW, This is an issue that I can't believe a company such as Canon hasn't fixed in a timely manner.

As far as I am connerned this is real bad press for Canon

[tim]

Mine seems to keep contact fine, it's just the battery indicator that's wrong.

[tbfoto]

Tim, the grip has several contacts. Each one provides power continuity for a different part of the cameras system. Many people have said that their cameras will only lose power for a short second. My camera will lose power while holding to my eye....but by the time I pull the camera away from my eye and lower it to see what's going on...the power is back on. Again..that flexing grip! By moving the grip around and changing how you hold onto it changes the position of the grip and therefore changes the position of the contacts. I should probably add that I love using the grip and am glad that I have one on my camera. However..it does not work correctly and I cant get my money back at this point. I heard all these stories BEFORE I bought mine and I waited until I thought it was safe to buy one. WRONG! They have not solved the problems associated with this grip as of yet. My battery level is not accurate and I do lose power. Not every day.... but enough to make me want to speak out about this problem. When I first contacted Canon about my grip I was told by that the grip is an "accessory" and therefore had no warranty. It was only after contacting them several times did they decide to accept it for repairs. I got it back in the same condition that I sent it. It was then that Canon made their annoucment that they would repair the grips if sent in to them. I returned it to them and they replaced it. My second grip is no better.The new one acts just like the first one. I have not decided if I want to send it again. Some people are claiming that Canon wants both the camera and the grip. NO WAY! So all I can sum up is I like using the grip but it "honks me off" that it doesnt work like it should and Canon knows it!

[Souwalker]

Morning.
Does this issue relates to the grip for the 350D as well?
Thanks
Pat

[Jaymz]

I guess I am luckier than I realize sometimes, the grip on my 20D has worked perfect with 1 or 2 batteries in it since day 1. Sucks for everyone who is having issues, hope Canon gets it all figured out soon.

[tim]

Does this issue relates to the grip for the 350D as well?

Not that i've read about.

I just emailed Canon NZ to see what they say about my problem.

[Souwalker]

Thanks.
Pat

[VaNphoto]

I just read a report saying the grips with serial numbers after 50000 are working great.
If I remember Canon posted a lower set of serial numbers.

[tim]

I don't have it here, but my serial number is quite high.

[VaNphoto]

I recently got myself a grip, serial number 1122xx, today was the first day I used it much.

The number from your first post. :)

[tim]

The number from your first post. :)

Ta :)

[tim]

I just sent one 20D and the grip to Canon NZ to get fixed. They say it's 15 working days, so i'll not have it back until after the new year - luckily I have another 20D, and no weddings on otherwise i'd have to rent a 2nd body for the day!

[drisley]

I just received my 5TH grip today. That's number 5 since April, and I still have the flex issue. I thought I "fixed" it by building up the post on the grip that pushes in the "door open/close" button on the camera.

My previous grip, serial number 109xxx, also had the problem where it would shut down or give false battery readings after about 1/2 hour. I think Tbfoto may be bang on with his assumption. This is something I've wondered for a while.

My new grip arrived today and is serial 159xxx, and it still has the flex issue. If I turn on the camera, turn on the lcd, and gently pull the grip away from the camera near the top, the LCD will go out, and when I let go, the camera comes back on (but not the LCD of course). There is a great article in here about how FrankTheWank "fixed" his grip by taking it apart and playing with the levels of the washers.

15 days Tim. That's extremely good. I had to wait 1 month each time I sent in my grip, JUST for a replacement from Canon Canada Service.
In fact, this last time it took almost 2 months.
.

[vjack]

I've been wanting a battery grip for my 20D since I bought the camera. I keep checking back here to see whether Canon has fixed the many reported problems. It sounds like little if any progress has been made, so no grip for me. I guess any bad publicity over this isn't sufficient for Canon to lose money and motivate them to fix the grip.

[cfcRebel]

Saw some 3rd party grip for 20D on eBay. Wonder if they are any better than the original Canon grip. Maybe they don't have the flex problem like the Canon grip. :p

[Todd Jacobsen]

The problem with these grips is NOT a battery issue. The contacts at the bottom of the grip are not long enough to make a good solid contact inside the camera body. Using the camera with grip installed causes the grip to "give" just enough to allow these contacts to lose their "bite". Most people (myself included) will lose complete power on the camera when this grip flexes. It doesnt take much. I recently bought a 70-200mm L. This lens is so heavy that holding the camera (by the grip) with that much weight on the front will cause it to lose contact (power). I believe that sometimes it simply loses contact only enough to cause a false reading of the power supply (batteries). I've had mine into Canon twice for repairs. I do not believe they are able to completely fix the problem with their current grip design. Canon really dropped the ball on this one and have NOT made good on fixing it. I think they are simply buying time untill everyone simply gives in and gives up and accepts this poorly designed grip. If they had a fix for the problem then everyone who had theirs "repaired" would no longer be having the same problems. I've had one repaired and one replaced. I still have the very same problem as the day I bought it.

Tom

Well. holding the body only with large lenses is a problem in itself, regardless of the battery issue.

If you support the lens, where the weight is, you shouldn't have an issue.

You CAN create the scenario by torquing the grip, when using a large lens. I don't know if Canon CAN work around this. It's just as easy for the user to AVOID the problem.

[drisley]

If I'm in the middle of shooting something, and say the buffer is full and is emptying to the CF card, and I put the camera down for a sec, and notice that I quickly need to take a shot... picking up the camera quickly will cause the grip to seperate from the camea and cause the temporary power loss and I lose all pictures currently in the buffer. This is something that the user should not have to worry about.

Even worse is being in the middle of a heavy shoot, only to have the camera power down, and the battery indicator flash which indicates a dead battery... after only 20 minutes of shooting! This has happened to me twice with the last grip, and is more than likely because the grip was not making proper contact to the camera.

[ewaters70]

Foe those of you that have had this issue, is this something that happens eventually or is it something that happened right out of the gate. I only ask because I bought mine about a month ago and have not had any problems(knock on wood). I am just wondering if this problem is something I have to look forward to.
Thanks
Ed

[defordphoto]

This was an issue when the grip first came out. It was horrible. Canon has redesigned the grip that has resolved the issue. However, there seem to be a few (very few) cameras out there that are still having issues. I'd suggest that Drisley send both the grip and the camera to Canon to get it fixed once and for all.

Mine works great and "flexes" much less than the robust BG-ED grip on my 10D.

[drisley]

You know what.
Everybody I know personally with the 20D and BG-E2 have the "flex" issue with the 20D and BG-E2. Some have older cameras, like me, others have brand new ones. Some live in Canada, some in the states. We've all had to learn to accept it, and many of us have returned the grip multiple times.
I think in reality there are a few (very few) that don't have the issue ;)

I would send in my camera for adjustment, however I can't wait 1-2 months without my camera, especially since I've already been without the grip for 5 out of 7 months that I've owned it. I now use some tape on the left side, much like the business card trick that many are using, and it seemed to pass the test this weekend. I MAY try taking the grip apart and custom fitting it the way FrankTheSpank (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=113758&highlight=bg-e2+fix) did.

[tim]

I just talked to Canon, they've fixed my camera/grip under warranty (even though the grip was bought from New York not locally), and I should get it back tomorrow. Total service time: around 3 weeks, most of that Christmas holidays! Actual working days... 10, at most. That's pretty good service!

[drisley]

Tim, let's hope they actually DID fix it.
Mine was supposed to be "fixed" each of the 4 or 5 times I returned it, but each time I got it back, there was no improvement (most of the time they just issued a replacement).

[marcosfalcao]

I have the grip attached to my camera since I bought both on November and I naver had any problems. Over 1500 shots and it is doing just great.

[Kostyanych]

Tim, did Canon fix your grip?
I just bough BG-E2 last week. Serial number is 244xxx ( there is only on number in the bottom of the grip so I think this is a serial number).
And I am getting a similar problem.
The strange thing... If I put fully charged battery in the right compartment I am getting just a few shots before "flat battery".
If I put battery in the left compartment it looks fine. I didn't test with a hundreds of shots, but at least it was Ok for 20-30 shots ...
Strange thing... :(:(:(

[98photo]

I have had a similar issue with mine! I hate the thing! I was shooting a wedding and it died on me, I didn't have the battery compartment flap for the bottom of the camera with me. That is the last time I rely on that thing!

[DavidW]

There is a space to store the battery compartment cover on the grip - so you can remove the grip and use the camera gripless by retrieving the cover when you remove the grip. Read the instruction leaflet with the grip.



David

[canon shooter]

There is a space to store the battery compartment cover on the grip - so you can remove the grip and use the camera gripless by retrieving the cover when you remove the grip. Read the instruction leaflet with the grip.



DavidDavid,

I did not see anything in my instructions about this can you advise where to store it

[Kostyanych]

There is a scan from the manual.