Problem with BG-E2 Grip

Hey everyone, just got a BG-E2 grip yesterday and noticed something's wrong. I was shooting with it, and when I'd go to see the picture I just took, it wasn't there. It took me a while to realize that when I took my hand off the camera, the grip would seperate from the bottom of the cam just a little bit, and cut off power to the unit. Thus, the picture wouldn't write to the card.

This is a pretty big problem. Is this common??? I'm thinking about putting something inbetween the grip and cam on the opposite side to balance it out a bit, but grrrrrrrrrr.

Is the thumb wheel thing done up as tight as it can get? Is it a new grip or 2nd hand? Mine's fine, I bought it after they fixed the big problems with it not so long back, a few months I guess.

Yea, it's as tight as I can possibly make it, and I purchased it second hand from a fellow member of this forum. It's fine so long as I don't hold it by JUST the grip in the vertical position. I think it's the weight of the flash and camera pulling away from the grip that causes it to separate just enough for the power to temporarily shut off.

Maybe I should put a dab of super glue on the little spike that pushes down that button where the battery flap usually is. Just a little ball, that'll keep it pushed down better or something. Hmmmm....

This was a huge problem for many users. Supposedly Canon fixed the problem on newer versions of the grip, but that doesn't help you now...

See if there is a rubber spacer at the base of the part that goes into the camera. This seems to be an area that would loosen the grip. If you are lacking this spacer, you can always make one.

In addition, try inserting the grip all the way into the camera PRIOR to tightening the wheel. This may secure the unit better than using the wheel as primary source to insert the grip.

BTW, I have 2 x 20D's w/grip (wife and I) and although I have experienced this problem, I've experienced it rarely. I found on large lenses, it was better to support the camera (w/lens) primarily by holding the lens vs the grip.

Thanks Todd, I checked my grip and there's no rubber spacer. There's this tiny little foam pad that I didn't see at first, but that's it.

Another thing I just noticed today is that the battery always shows as empty on a full charge. Seems to be lasting though... :-/

Sounds like you've got one of the recalled grips. Get in touch with your local Canon office about getting it fixed or replaced.