6D Mark II will not power up...

[Mikehit]

I know that a few years ago the cameras had two batteries - the obvious one plus a second one (often hidden in behind the main battery compartment) that was used to save the settings, time/date etc. Do they still do that? Some power faults you had to remove that second battery to get a genuine full reset.

 

[Tokyotim]

Something similar happened here as well:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=166AE_0v9_c

Some 5D IV users reported the same with the earliest production models (not powering on), but they've probably cured it now.

Interesting. Thank you, padam. So I'm not the only one...

 

[Tokyotim]

I presume you have tried the 'hard reset' (power off, pull the battery, wait 30 s, replace battery, power on).

Yes, and thank you for trying to help. I've removed the battery(ies), SD cards, lens, everything, let it sit all day, and reinserted everything, and tried again in various combinations. Nothing works. It's just dead, as if no battery was installed. The 6D had a technique in which, after everything was removed, you could "reboot" the camera, and I was hoping the m2 had something similar.

Oh dear!

Sounds like replacement to me...... even if you get it to boot, I would not trust that camera again....

Thanks, Don. Yes, reliability is the long-term issue. Even if I get it working today, will it stop working next week?

 

[Tokyotim]

I don't have a 6D Mii, but my 6D will not power up if the door covering the memory card is even slightly open.

Hmm...thanks. I'll check that.

 

[Tokyotim]

I know that a few years ago the cameras had two batteries - the obvious one plus a second one (often hidden in behind the main battery compartment) that was used to save the settings, time/date etc. Do they still do that? Some power faults you had to remove that second battery to get a genuine full reset.

Second battery? I have no idea. I'll look into that, thanks!

 

[Tokyotim]

For everyone who offered helpful ideas, I sincerely thank you. It's about 1am here in Tokyo and I'm gonna crash. I'll check in tomorrow and hope to find new ideas to get my (otherwise) awesome camera powered again. Gnite.

 

[Loswr]

I know that a few years ago the cameras had two batteries - the obvious one plus a second one (often hidden in behind the main battery compartment) that was used to save the settings, time/date etc. Do they still do that? Some power faults you had to remove that second battery to get a genuine full reset.

You're referring to the 'clock battery' (date/time battery), a lithuim coin cell (e.g. my 1D X uses a CR2025). The 6DII doesn't have one of those (there's a small, non-accessible rechargable battery that holds the date/time while the main battery is out).

 

[Mikehit]

I know that a few years ago the cameras had two batteries - the obvious one plus a second one (often hidden in behind the main battery compartment) that was used to save the settings, time/date etc. Do they still do that? Some power faults you had to remove that second battery to get a genuine full reset.

You're referring to the 'clock battery' (date/time battery), a lithuim coin cell (e.g. my 1D X uses a CR2025). The 6DII doesn't have one of those (there's a small, non-accessible rechargable battery that holds the date/time while the main battery is out).

Thanks, Neuro. I thought I remembered something a while ago about them doing it differently.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

I would contact the store where you bought the camera and explain the issue. They should just exchange it. If you have a 30 day return right, you can try to just buy a new one and return the defect for a refund.

It may indeed be a bad battery door switch, but its likely to get worse even if you can occasionally get it to work.

Electronics equipment fails, usually early in its life, there is even a term for it, Infant Mortality. Its really unfortunate, but it happens with any product, be it a Camera, TV set, or automobile.

Thats why electronics for aircraft are "burned in" or operated for a fixed time before going into service, it happens everywhere.

I would take a backup camera on a vacation, a SL2 makes a inexpensive backup, and it does very well for the price. Don't be afraid of buying another 6D MK II. With a different brand, you may have a learning curve as well as discover the features that are not in the advertisements which may or may not frustrate you.

Any of them can have infant mortality, so have a backup camera.

 

[Mikehit]

Contact the place you bought it from and explain that you are leaving for Hawaii in 3 days and there is not enough time for an exchange. They may agree to a full refund and you buy a new camera in Hawaii and you return the camera when you get back. This assumes you can afford it!

 

[Loswr]

I would take a backup camera on a vacation, a SL2 makes a inexpensive backup, and it does very well for the price. Don't be afraid of buying another 6D MK II. With a different brand, you may have a learning curve as well as discover the features that are not in the advertisements which may or may not frustrate you.

Any of them can have infant mortality, so have a backup camera.

+1

When I travel and plan on taking pictures, I bring my 1D X and several lenses, along with my M2 + 11-22 and the EF mount adapter. The M2 is for daytime walkaround photography (I prefer blue hour pics at most destinations), but also serves as a backup for the 1D X. I had planned on getting an M6 to replace my M2 (which will go to my older daughter). Since I'm going to Italy in late September, I just ordered the M6 + 18-150 kit, which will give me a month to use it before I may need it.

 

[rfdesigner]

+1 for calling the place you bought it from, not emailing.. or texting.. Phoning, as you get the rapidity of a conversation so get to a fast conclusion, by all means ask for an email confirmation.

You can sound dissapointed, but not cross (be prepared to go through the rebooting basics with them). Many years ago my gran was going on holiday, new camera failed so the shop offered a free loan for a holiday, then all sorted out on return.

Maybe they'll suprise you in another way.. this is their opportunity to be creative.

 

[Don Haines]

+1 on a backup camera.....

I carry a waterproof P/S camera..... no matter how hard it rains, you can still use it... they can be fun while walking along the beach..... Also, beware of salt spray on your DSLR when at the ocean....

 

[scyrene]

A bit of empathy would not go astray here.
If it were you with a new camera and it's stopped working you'd be a little pee'd of and cursing Canon.
I've no suggestions. You'd have to return or look for a replacement. If you returned it you could by something else in Hawaii. Best of luck with your issue. Don't let it spoil your trip. Sometimes it's good to let your camera at home and enjoy a place rather than photographing it.

Everybody's different of course, but if I bought something brand new and it wouldn't even switch on, I'd immediately return it. Maybe I'd check online to see if there's a known issue. I would *not* spam a forum (check other recent threads) in order to have enough posts to allow me to post a new topic, then post one that, along with asking what to do, falls into the same old 'I've been a Canon user for a hundred years but THIS is the last straw and I'm jumping ship' mould. This can be a great forum for advice, but people generally get a response that matches the original query, especially how it's framed in the light of 'Canon is doomed/I'm buying another brand' narrative.

 

[StudentOfLight]

???

Do you have a flight to Hawaii from "small town in Japan" or will you be flying out of Toyko's Narita or Haneda airport?

I assume you fly out of Tokyo...

if so, you have to go to Tokyo anyway and if that is the case then wouldn't you have direct access to the Canon Service Center, and/or the camera shop that you bought your camera from?

 

[Loswr]

if so, you have to go to Tokyo anyway and if that is the case then wouldn't you have direct access to the Canon Service Center...

I would not expect them to fix a 'camera won't power on' issue on the spot. Granted, Canon Service in NJ performed my 1D X shutter recall service (and cleaned the sensor, too) in less than an hour, while I waited. But I wouldn't count on that for every issue.

But maybe he could stop by Canon HQ on his way to the flight and complain to Mr. Mitarai that he's going to switch to Nikon because his 6DII failed.

 

[mnclayshooter]

I'm going to ask a very pointed, very basic but very specific multi-part question:


The battery(ies) - have you verified that they are:

A) Canon branded and new batteries (not 3rd party in other words - batteries report to the body and will cause issues of compatibility with firmware updates etc)... I've never heard of one failing to power it up at all, but hey, sometimes things change.


B) Fully charged/functioning properly - in that they are able to sustain current and voltage?


The Charger: Same A) and B) questions as above.

Just trying to eliminate variables. I had a 6D that arrived from the factory with a broken power switch. The part didn't officially break until about 2 weeks of ownership, but sure enough, it broke. Took some convincing at the service center that they should cover it under warranty, but they eventually did replace it... they didn't, however cover it under warranty and made an odd claim in their repair bill about that fact - that it wouldn't be under warranty. I found that incredibly odd, but it likely was linked to the potential for the camera to have been gray market, not from an authorized re-seller. Just noting that as a side-bar if/when you do talk to Canon - you may have a long-drawn out discussion with them about legitimate warranty coverage.

 

[hbr]

If it were me, I would first phone the store where I purchased it from. Most reputable retailers offer a 30 day return with no questions asked. Under the circumstances I would ask for a refund of my money along with an RMA number and ship the camera back to them. While I waited for them to refund my money, if I had enough money in my savings account I would purchase another one. That way you will have one for your vacation.

Secondly, give your local Canon Service a call. They may know of a solution that they haven't published yet.

While it is rare for Canon cameras to fail so quickly, it does happen. Who knows, the box may have been dropped and although there is no visible damage to the box or contents, the Jarring could have been enough to break something inside or as was suggested earlier it could just be a case of infant mortality. It does happen.

I would suspect a failure of the battery or memory card door sensors.

Hope this helps,

Brian

 

[jcfalconer]

Does this camera have a battery that will still fit in the compartment if it is rotated by 180 degrees? If so, check and make sure you are putting the battery in correctly. I seem to remember reading about a recent Canon in which the battery fits two ways, but obviously only one way will power it up.

 

[Tokyotim]

I'm going to ask a very pointed, very basic but very specific multi-part question:


The battery(ies) - have you verified that they are:

A) Canon branded and new batteries (not 3rd party in other words - batteries report to the body and will cause issues of compatibility with firmware updates etc)... I've never heard of one failing to power it up at all, but hey, sometimes things change.


B) Fully charged/functioning properly - in that they are able to sustain current and voltage?


The Charger: Same A) and B) questions as above.

Just trying to eliminate variables. I had a 6D that arrived from the factory with a broken power switch. The part didn't officially break until about 2 weeks of ownership, but sure enough, it broke. Took some convincing at the service center that they should cover it under warranty, but they eventually did replace it... they didn't, however cover it under warranty and made an odd claim in their repair bill about that fact - that it wouldn't be under warranty. I found that incredibly odd, but it likely was linked to the potential for the camera to have been gray market, not from an authorized re-seller. Just noting that as a side-bar if/when you do talk to Canon - you may have a long-drawn out discussion with them about legitimate warranty coverage.

Interesting...your situation with the 6D is nearly the same as mine. I bought it August 4 and it functioned fine until yesterday. Now, when I select the switch to ON, nothing happens. And yes, the batteries are new Canon original batteries that, as of yesterday, were fully charged with a new charger. Thanks!