G6 goes blank except in C1, C2

Quite suddenly, while I was switching back and forth from Record to Playback, I found that the LCD panel on my G6 went dark except when the mode dial was set to either C1 or C2 (the Custom modes). Checking later, I found that as the dial is switched from C1 to any other mode (M, Av, Tv, etc.), I can see and hear the shutter physically closing; as the dial is switched back to C1 the shutter clicks back open, a live image appears on the LCD, and I can use the camera normally. Playback is unaffected, and menus can be called up and viewed during Record regardless of where the mode dial is set.

I removed both the main battery and the coin-cell battery, let the camera sit overnight, and found the same problem once they were re-installed. Canon Tech Support says this is a "hardware problem" and the camera has to be sent in for service. Any better ideas? Thanks.

Normally (someone panickedly posts this question every week or two) I'd say "try turning the screen on" (press the 'display' button) because it seems people inadvertenly turn it off and then panic and send the camera away for service

But it should turn on in movie mode, so you might have a 'real' problem... Try it anyway, before you send it off. : )

The click in C1 and C2 is normal, i just checked mine and it did it.

Also, since you can get the menu to work, try restoring all default settings and see if that does anything.

B.

>> Normally (someone panickedly posts this question every week or two) I'd say "try turning the screen on" (press the 'display' button) because it seems people inadvertenly turn it off and then panic and send the camera away for service

But it should turn on in movie mode, so you might have a 'real' problem... Try it anyway, before you send it off. : )

The click in C1 and C2 is normal, i just checked mine and it did it.

Also, since you can get the menu to work, try restoring all default settings and see if that does anything. <<

I will certainly try all that once I get home. Remember that the screen is indeed on, and I can take pictures -- but I can only do so in the C1 and C2 modes. I have never used the movie mode but will check that. Thanks also for the "default" idea.

I bet that's all it is then. you just have the screen preview turned off, it's an option to preserve the batteries (most of the battery power goes to the LCD and flash, if you're shooting through the viewfinder in the sun your battery would last for weeks.)

Just hit "display" and it'll probably turn on. I think it toggles between off---on---on w/info

Too funny...This happened to me just last night w/ my G5. No LCD, and I had just got my camera back after leaving it at a friends xmas party. Was it the wiring harness as I had read on POTN going bad...was it this possible software problem...Did somebody drop it... . No...It was just the display switch turned to off... . You'd think I'd have this thing figured out, after three years.

Funny how the screen does come up in C1, and C2 though.

Is your built-in neutral density filter on? It might be on in the AV, TV, or program modes, then off in C1 or C2. Worth a shot.

>> I bet that's all it is then. you just have the screen preview turned off, it's an option to preserve the batteries (most of the battery power goes to the LCD and flash, if you're shooting through the viewfinder in the sun your battery would last for weeks.)

Just hit "display" and it'll probably turn on. I think it toggles between off---on---on w/info <<

Bryan, that's exactly what had happened, and hitting the Display button made everything better again. Thank you very much: that was a nice Christmas present!

I amazed that a) the Canon e-mail support people didn't have that solution at their fingertips; and b) that display-off setting survives removal of BOTH batteries. Also delighted that c) there are such knowledgeable and friendly people on this forum. Thanks again and a belated Merry Christmas! -- Nick