unusual bug/failure in G-15

This is my second G-15 (after the first one took a dive to the bottom of Bay of Pigs in my pocket, sans u/w housing). This new one has NOT gone on such an adventure unprotected.

It has been into the shop twice, for lens scratches. I now have an armoured lens, as well as a custom 3D printed lens cap of my own design. (Couldn't find a cap that would grab the knurled edges of the lens mount)


Anyway, I've had it for several years, and love it. But it has recently been acting up badly.

Either when I power it on, or anytime thereafter, *almost all the features simply lock up*. The buttons become completely unresponsive. I can always still shoot - the shutter always works - as does the on/off button, but the rest do nothing - including the tele/wide knob.

Occasionally, taking a shot will fix it, sometimes powering it off and back on will fix it. But the problem comes back within a few shots.

I've noticed a correlation with the indicator light next to the viewfinder - the bottom one specifically (which I think is power - the manual doesn't actually say which is which). Often, that light does NOT come on - and the camera is fine. But if that bottom light DOES come on (say, after taking a pic), often the buttons are locked up at the same time. Counter-intuitive, I know.

I am certain the answer is: "take it to the shop for repair", but before I do that, I want to see if anyone can shed any possible light on this behavior.

DaveC426913b wrote in post #18791799
This is my second G-15 (after the first one took a dive to the bottom of Bay of Pigs in my pocket, sans u/w housing). This new one has NOT gone on such an adventure unprotected.

It has been into the shop twice, for lens scratches. I now have an armoured lens, as well as a custom 3D printed lens cap of my own design. (Couldn't find a cap that would grab the knurled edges of the lens mount)


Anyway, I've had it for several years, and love it. But it has recently been acting up badly.

Either when I power it on, or anytime thereafter, *almost all the features simply lock up*. The buttons become completely unresponsive. I can always still shoot - the shutter always works - as does the on/off button, but the rest do nothing - including the tele/wide knob.

Occasionally, taking a shot will fix it, sometimes powering it off and back on will fix it. But the problem comes back within a few shots.

I've noticed a correlation with the indicator light next to the viewfinder - the bottom one specifically (which I think is power - the manual doesn't actually say which is which). Often, that light does NOT come on - and the camera is fine. But if that bottom light DOES come on (say, after taking a pic), often the buttons are locked up at the same time. Counter-intuitive, I know.

I am certain the answer is: "take it to the shop for repair", but before I do that, I want to see if anyone can shed any possible light on this behavior.

Do you have the ability to try the camera with a known good battery? You mention the camera is several years old. Years ago I had a G2 and did unusual things as the battery reached end of life.

John from PA wrote in post #18791805
Do you have the ability to try the camera with a known good battery? You mention the camera is several years old. Years ago I had a G2 and did unusual things as the battery reached end of life.

Good point. I forgot to mention that.
I did ensure I tested it against a fully-charged battery.

But it's possible both my batteries are eol.

Yeah. That'll be a better (and cheaper) next step than taking it in for repair.

Thanks.

How many shots do your batteries last? How much use does the camera get per month, week...etc? I would suggest a known freshly charged newer battery.

My G9 bought on day of release was still going strong on the original batteries, same with the G15 when I sold them last year. Average monthly use was 300+ frames. Rough estimate was that each battery would yield about 250-325 frames with minimal chimping. Yours may be EOL if usage has been lowish.

I have a gut feeling that the battery is not causing trouble. G15 battereies are the metalic hydride type and are very robust and long-lived.

Perhaps the G15's firmware is corrupt. Try a Google search

Good luck.

As a test, with a freshly charged battery leave the display off and then retest. If the behavior changes significantly, that would support a battery issue. The display is a power hog so turning it off may make a big difference.

John from PA wrote in post #18794010
As a test, with a freshly charged battery leave the display off and then retest. If the behavior changes significantly, that would support a battery issue. The display is a power hog so turning it off may make a big difference.

Ah. That would have been a good idea too.

But Canon delivered me a new battery in 2 days, so it's moot.

And it worked! Took 20-30 pics in a row, and no sign of curmudgeonliness yet.

Stiga wrote in post #18793925
I have a gut feeling that the battery is not causing trouble. G15 battereies are the metalic hydride type and are very robust and long-lived.

Perhaps the G15's firmware is corrupt. Try a Google search

Good luck.

The off-brand ones might not be. "Opteka for Canon".

I wouldn't have bought off-brand if they'd sold the real thing at the shop.

Glad that this was a simple solution. I really loved using the G series. Quiet, excellent results. I liked the G15 for time lapse and with the rear display blacked out/off, it would do 800-1K frames. Loved the versatility and size.

I did not say "off brand" nor was I thinking that way.

DaveC426913b wrote in post #18794345
The off-brand ones might not be. "Opteka for Canon".

I wouldn't have bought off-brand if they'd sold the real thing at the shop.

It is difficult to find fault with 3rd party batteries. Just buy the common brands, Sterlingtek being very common and know your source. I recommend buying direct from the importer, that way you are getting about the freshest battery you can get, as opposed to one that has sat on the shelf for a year. It will also have the most recent chip although I doubt that is an issue with the G15. STK battery for the G15 can be found at http://sterlingtek.try​nt.com/canon-nb-10l-battery/ for $12.

Now, back to your original battery. NiMH batteries don't really have a memory effect but they do have some chemical issues that can be corrected and possibly revive a battery. Fully charge your old battery, install it in the camera, turn the display on (continueous) and leave it in the camera until it goes "dead." Then remove the battery and fully charge it again, then repeat the process. Charge again and then retest to see if it has been revived. I had a few G cameras and after about a year or so I could only get a about a dozen or so images from a battery. A Canon tech told me about the trick and that would revive the batteries. The situation is even made worse if you shoot a small number of images, and then pop the battery onto the charger. The effect is lessened if you use the battery until it is well down on capacity, say 25% to 50% and then charge. Also, don't leave a battery on the charger for an extended period.

Stiga wrote in post #18794486
I did not say "off brand" nor was I thinking that way.

I know. That was me.