wrk1234 Loc: Russellville, Arkansas

Recently I have come across a problem with my Canon 5D Mark III. About half the time, when I try to turn my camera on, it doesn’t – no indications at all. Other times it turns on like normal. When it won’t turn on, I can remove the battery and replace it and it turns on. At times, the focus point will not move like it should – it refuses to go up (or down) as I want it to, it just doesn’t move. I cannot format the SD card, but I can format the other card. I also cannot erase the SD card. At times, the camera refuses to take a photo, when I push the shutter release, the camera says “busy” until I turn the camera off. Has anyone had a similar problem. Not sure whether to get the camera fixed or wait for the 5D Mark V/R5.

schaut

Try downloading the firmware and installing it again including any updates. Did that with my 7D and it works much better!

wrk1234 Loc: Russellville, Arkansas

Thanks for the suggestion. Tried it - it didn't work.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I agree with the firmware idea. If you have another battery to test with, try that too. Sending to Canon for a repair estimate will cost just the shipping and insurance, but be hesitant about putting too much money into an older camera.

wrk1234 Loc: Russellville, Arkansas

I've used two or three different batteries. No luck. Thankfully my old 60D is still working so I will have something to use if/when the 5D III gives up the ghost. I looked on line about an estimated cost of repair and it was around $450.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Buying a working 5DIII at $450 would still be a deal if you plan to keep it for another 2+ years (i.e., getting it repaired). But, north of $700 and you're getting close to what they're starting to sell for in the used market. Keep in mind too, Canon won't fix them forever, so don't defer a problem beyond when it can be fixed.

randave2001 Loc: Richmond

It could be that your contacts inside the camera are getting a bit dirty. Try swiping a battery in and out of the body as quickly as you can to wipe the contacts a bit. Try to keep from latching it as you do this. May help. I have done this on other bodies with good success. If not, you probably will need to follow the suggestions about Canon repair.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

If you have it gripped, check if it loosened just a wee bit, that could be enough to cause those issues. Always have it tied!

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Also operate the various switches a few times.

Most switches are "self cleaning" when operated. If you leave them set to one position for long period of time, it's possible some oxidization is interrupting power that should be passing through. Simply operating the switch a few times usually "cleans" the switch and restores normal function.

However, because you are seeing so many different issues, the first thing that occurs to me is low battery power.... It sounds as if for some reason the camera just isn't getting enough power to function fully and normally.

You say you've used several different batteries.... but have you used different chargers, too? Sometimes the batteries are fine, but the charger is failing and isn't giving a full charge. That should show up on the camera's battery level indicator, though.

I've had old batteries that hadn't been used in a long time fail to take a charge at first, too.... Even with batteries fresh from the charger, the camera acted normally only briefly, then died. After several drain/recharge cycles, the batteries started taking a fuller charge and the camera acted more "normally".

As suggested, also check that there battery contacts inside the camera (and grip, if using one) are clean and good... Inspect them on the battery, too.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

or, buy a 5D IV now. Prices have really come down. I had a Mk III and the Mk IV is hands down, twice as good as the Mk III. You'll love it.

billdavisvisions

I had the same problem with my 5diii and found out it was due to a cheap battery grip and replaced it with a real cannon battery grip and the problems went away.