will47 Loc: Indianapolis, IN

I was using a new Canon 100mm L macro lens today when something happened that was very strange. I was using it on a Canon 6D Mark ll when after probably 6-8 shots in a row it would not work again.
After letting it sit for awhile it worked again but the same thing happened. The lens is only 3 days old, purchased new. The camera is only a few months old purchased from B & H. I put the lens on a new 90D and had no problems. Anyone have any ideas.

revhen Loc: By the beautiful Hudson

Could a part in the 6D be overheating from work and malfunctioning?

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Does the lens barrel get warm? Focus motor could be defective. Best diagnosis would be to try it on another FF body to check for similar issues. Going to be a warranty claim either way probably. I would return it to the seller first though.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Dirty contacts are the usual culprit. Clean with a VERY slightly moistened lint-free swab using 91% Isopropyl alcohol. Be especially gentle with the spring-loaded pins.

All you need to do is get the oily film off of both lens and body electrical contacts.

If your camera uses a button cell battery for the clock and menu settings, remove it, clean it the same way, wait 10 minutes (with Lithium battery also removed), and then reinstall. If a button cell is more than two years old, buy a new one and install it.

Have you updated to the latest camera firmware?

will47 Loc: Indianapolis, IN

Good thoughts. It's going back tomorrow. Why would it have a problem on a FF camera and not the 90D? The 90D is 32.5 sensor.

will47 Loc: Indianapolis, IN

Have not updated. I will clean the contacts. The big question I have is why the 90D is fine and the 6D Mll isn't.. And why I can get some shots out of it before it stops.

will47 Loc: Indianapolis, IN

Wouldn't the same thing happen with the when using it on the 90D? It works fine there.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Age of hardware.

Age of firmware (if the Macro lens needs support in the camera)

In the digital age, camera and lens firmware can be critical to bug-free performance. Check Canon’s support download site for updates.

New firmware may also add new features and improve old ones.

Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

I have not heard of this problem. I have not personally heard of a case where cleaning contacts solves communication problems between the camera and the lens, but I suppose there is always the possibility of a first time.
For the malfunctioning camera, the obvious thing to check is whether there is communication between the lens and body when the equipment is in failure mode. There will be a '00' for the aperture while the equipment is in failure mode if there is no longer communication between the camera and the lens. Another indicator for communication is when you are switched to live view. Press the Info button to see additional settings data. You should see whether the lens is set to manual (M) or automatic focus (like AF). If you see one of these, and its correct, then that is good. Try switching the lens between manual and automatic focus. The readout should change.
It is possible that these tests shows there is communication lens and camera when the equipment is in failure mode. Then, I am wondering about problems with the camera body itself since the lens works fine on another body. Maybe the shutter if failing. Not sure.

will47 Loc: Indianapolis, IN

I understand what you're saying but the problem only occurs with a macro lens. I also tried a Tamron 90mm macro I have and also had the problem. If I use any lens but a macro I have no problems.

User ID

Now THAT extra info blames the camera
through basic process of eliminating the
known variables. Very handy that you've
got two macro lenses !

For some reason, it doesn't like macro
lenses. Possibly it mildly dislikes almost
any lens, but only severely dislikes both
of your macro lenses. I'm suspecting the
power supply from the body. Lenses are
powered via the gold contacts, but those
are generally polished by mounting and
removing your lenses. Maybe one of the
body contacts has a feeble connection
[weak spring?] that has nothing to do
with cleanliness ?

Macros have more focus mechanism than
most other lenses. Are your other lenses
possibly STM drive ? STM puts a very low
load on the power supply compared to a
macro lens. Sooo ... have you tried using
both macros with the AF switched off ?

Overall, seems like you should return the
6D-II body for replacement or repair.

EnglishBrenda Loc: Kent, England

This is a 'long shot' but, bearing in mind that it is tricky to focus on tiny macro subjects, it could be that the camera is set-up to fire only when the subject is in focus. This would not apply so much when focusing on large subjects where there is more clarity for the focusing mechanism to latch on to. I hope you sort this annoying problem out, good luck.

will47 Loc: Indianapolis, IN

I did think of that. The camera focuses when set to manual.

will47 Loc: Indianapolis, IN

Not yet but I will.

spaceylb Loc: Long Beach, N.Y.

I had a similar problem with a 6Dii. I set the camera focus to AI SERVO mode, and all was fine.