Hi. I have a Cannon Rebel G Camera. Sometimes when I try to snap a photo, the camera just stops and the battery symbol starts flashing. If I change some setting, or turn it off and on, sometimes it starts working again. I have changed the battery and even tried different brands of batteries. I've had the camera for 3 years and this starting happening about 6 months ago. My sister has a Rebel S and now hers is doing the same thing after about 9 years. Any suggestions on what the problem is and how it can be fixed? Thanks.

-- Pat (patti9600@yahoo.com), October 01, 2001

Answers

These symptoms sounds similar to the “notorious” problem that plagued early production of the Elan II, and was caused by the battery compartment being slightly bigger than typical 2CR5 batteries. The solution, which I still practice to this day, is to tape a few layers of paper (index card does nicely) to the bottom of the battery so it fits snug in the compartment.

I have not heard of this problem in Rebel G’s, but it won’t hurt to try the solution described above. Your other choices are to (a) send it in for repairs, (b) get a new camera, or (c) live with it.

-- Ken Katz (socks@bestweb.net), October 01, 2001.

This could also be caused by a lens or the lens to camera contacts. Try different lens. Specifically use a Canon brand lens & not a third party lens. Some non-Canon brand lenses cause exactly this problem with newer Canon cameras like the Rebel G. But even if it is a Canon lens, change it anyway, it might be defective.

Also clean the contacts on the back of the lens and the contacts on the camera's lens mount. An eraser works good, but don't get any eraser dust inside the lens or the camera. While you're at it clean the battery contacts in the camera as well.

-- Jim Strutz (j.strutz@gci.net), October 01, 2001.

Thanks for your help. I'll try all of the above!

-- Pat (patti9600@yahoo.com), October 02, 2001.

This is how Canon cameras "Crash". It's their way of telling you that something is wrong...mirror jammed, shutter jammed, lens not compatible, etc. If you've not changed the lens, then as said, make sure the contacts are clean, etc...otherwise take it to be serviced.

-- Isaac Sibson (isibson@hotmail.com), October 04, 2001.