GL1 losing menu settings at DVinfo.net

Stu Minnis · May 23rd, 2011, 02:19 PM

I know the GL1 is very old news, but I'm hoping someone can help me with a problem. My school has had 2 GL1s, but they haven't been used for a few years. One of them refuses to remember the menu settings, defaulting back to the factory settings each time you remove the battery. I've seen other cameras do this when the watch battery died, but I can't find any indication either on the camera or in the manual that the GL1 even *has* a clock battery. Any ideas? Thanks in advance,

Stu

James Holtzman · May 26th, 2011, 11:57 PM

It's been a while since I've worked on a GL1, but the GL2 and the GL1 share quite a bit. If you open the lcd on the left side, flip it out, there should be a small door visible. Pop the door open and you should see the cell. Replace it, and should cure your problem. If you need a photo, I could take one for you, but the cell is real easy to find and replace.

Hope this helps -

Jim

James Holtzman · December 24th, 2011, 03:22 AM

Ended up with the same problem on one of my cams. The lithium cell checked OK. When the main battery was removed, lost time/date and all settings. According to the service manual, current from the lithium cell and main battery are "or'd" together. At this time I suspect a bad flex ribbon connection somewhere. Canon owes me a repair right now, so when I get the cam back from Canon, I'll share the solution.

Canon's still repairing GL2's, so don't give up, they are still good cameras -

Jim

Don Palomaki · December 24th, 2011, 09:24 AM

My recollection is that the GL1 did not have the clock battery, it was an internal rechargeable. They last 5 to 10 years before they will fail to hold a charge, and in any case require that camera have a power source attached for as much as 24 hours to fully charge, and require power source connected every few months to keep charged.

Canon service support for the GL2 should continue for about 7 years after it is discontinued from the product line.

May 23rd, 2011, 02:19 PM	#1
Stu Minnis Regular Crew Join Date: May 2003 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 44	GL1 losing menu settings I know the GL1 is very old news, but I'm hoping someone can help me with a problem. My school has had 2 GL1s, but they haven't been used for a few years. One of them refuses to remember the menu settings, defaulting back to the factory settings each time you remove the battery. I've seen other cameras do this when the watch battery died, but I can't find any indication either on the camera or in the manual that the GL1 even has a clock battery. Any ideas? Thanks in advance, Stu

May 26th, 2011, 11:57 PM	#2
James Holtzman New Boot Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Sacramento, CA USA Posts: 23	Re: GL1 losing menu settings It's been a while since I've worked on a GL1, but the GL2 and the GL1 share quite a bit. If you open the lcd on the left side, flip it out, there should be a small door visible. Pop the door open and you should see the cell. Replace it, and should cure your problem. If you need a photo, I could take one for you, but the cell is real easy to find and replace. Hope this helps - Jim

December 24th, 2011, 03:22 AM	#3
James Holtzman New Boot Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Sacramento, CA USA Posts: 23	Re: GL1 losing menu settings Ended up with the same problem on one of my cams. The lithium cell checked OK. When the main battery was removed, lost time/date and all settings. According to the service manual, current from the lithium cell and main battery are "or'd" together. At this time I suspect a bad flex ribbon connection somewhere. Canon owes me a repair right now, so when I get the cam back from Canon, I'll share the solution. Canon's still repairing GL2's, so don't give up, they are still good cameras - Jim

December 24th, 2011, 09:24 AM	#4
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,487	Re: GL1 losing menu settings My recollection is that the GL1 did not have the clock battery, it was an internal rechargeable. They last 5 to 10 years before they will fail to hold a charge, and in any case require that camera have a power source attached for as much as 24 hours to fully charge, and require power source connected every few months to keep charged. Canon service support for the GL2 should continue for about 7 years after it is discontinued from the product line. __________________ dpalomaki@dspalomaki.com