Here is the problem:
You are trying to take a photo with your Canon DSLR camera. The lighting is a bit dark, so the flash should pop up, but instead of the flash popping up, you just hear a clicking sound until your camera gives your an error (Err 05 The built-in flash could not be raised. Turn the camera off and on again).
Solution:
Your flash is stuck and needs to be cleaned. Use WD-40 (Warning: don't do something stupid. This blog is not to be held accountable for other people's negligence, haste, stupidity, or lack of research).
(Note: There have been some comments about using a can of compressed air. This is a great idea and is basically the same concept of cleaning out the dust in the flash mechanisms. If you have compressed air, I would probably use that before WD-40. Both work fine though.)
OK. Let me provide some more details and specifics. Please read this if you feel your camera has the same problem.
I have the Canon EOS D500. The pictures and problem shown in this blog post are specific to that camera but the solution is quite general and could probably be used for just about any camera that has a problem with the built in flash popping up (obviously though, this is only one solution there many be many problems or solutions for your specific camera).
For quite some time I have had a problem with my camera. Every time the flash should have popped up, it would make a clicking sound and give me the error: "Err 05 The built-in flash could not be raised. Turn the camera off and on again." To fix this, I would just manually pull the flash up as it was trying to come up. After a recent trip to Thailand, this problem caused me to lose a few timely pictures and I came home being fully prepared to take my camera apart to fix this problem. Luckily, this is an easy fix and requires nothing to be taken apart.
If you are having this problem, the first thing you will need to do is open your flash.
To open your flash, you will need to turn your camera on. Leave the lens cap on (or get in a dark room) so that when you take a picture, the flash will trigger to go up. Put the camera into Automatic mode and pry your fingernail under the flash (see the photo above). Right now the flash is locked, so you will not be able to raise the flash; with your fingernail under the flash however, we can now press the shutter and since it is dark, the flash should unlock.
If your camera is like mine, the flash will not move freely; the spring is not pushing it up all the way.
With the flash open, you will need to take a look at a few things (see photo above). The trigger button is what lets the camera know if your flash is open or not. You should be able to manually push this in.
The flash spring is what opens the flash and keeps it open. You should only be able to see a part of the spring. If you don't see anything here, chances are your spring is broken and you will need to send your camera to Canon to be fixed.
The flash hook is what releases the flash.
To make sure the trigger button and flash hook are working correctly, manually press the trigger button down and with the lens cap on, press the shutter. As long as you are pressing the trigger button down, the flash hook should move up and back (three to four times before your camera gives you an error).
If these two things are working then you can verify it is a problem with the spring.
The solution for me was very simple. I added some WD-40. Turns out there was something in the flash mechanism slowing things down and WD-40 cleaned it out. (Note: WD-40 is used to displace water and does not conduct electricity. WD-40 in theory should not destroy any electronics (and in many instances is used to fix electronics) but you should still exercise great caution when using it. I recommend using the least amount possible. Please don't hold me responsible for this ruining your camera... just use some common sense.)
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| Spray the WD-40 as shown. |
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| Do the same thing on the other side. |
Once you have sprayed the WD-40, manually move the flash back and forth (without actually closing it). After you do this a few times, you should notice that your flash now springs back into place. Hooray! This means it worked. Go ahead and clean up any excess WD-40 that is on your camera.
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| You should now have a working built in flash! |
Price for WD-40 on Amazon.
Price for Canon DSLR camera on Amazon.
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I would NOT recommend spraying WD40 anywhere on your camera.
ReplyDeleteIf you feel the need for WD40, spray some in a container, and then use a toothpick to transfer one drop to where you want it.
2014-10-26 Update:
DeleteI don't want to delete the above comment because everyone is certainly entitled to valid concerns, but it has been over a year since the comment was made and I would just like to clarify before anyone gets scared off by this comment.
If you look at just a handful of the comments below, you can see that for this specific problem, WD-40 does in fact work. There are various methods you can use to apply it (toothpick, WD-40 straw, Q-tip etc). There are also options aside WD-40 that work as well (using compressed air, manually blowing, manually moving the flash up and down, etc).
It has been about two years since I fixed my camera, and it has not had a single problem. The flash still pops up every time.
Compressed Air didn't do the trick for us but some judiciously applied WD40 worked wonders and saved a few hundred quick on camera repairs. Thank you very much !
DeleteYour fix worked great! I used your suggestion and did two things differently. 1. I opened the flash as you said but laid the camera down on it's display so I was able to apply the WD40 from the under side directly into the joint. That allowed the little excess to run out toward my desk and not into the camera. 2. I sprayed the WD40 into a small container and dipped the WD40 straw into it to pull out a drop.
DeleteThank you so much for having the nerve to try the WD40 in the first place. You've saved us all a bunch of money.
Donn Wonderling
Hi,
DeleteI have 2 issues with the pop-up flash, one is the problem mentioned above, that I will try to solve with WD-40. The other issue started long time ago, the pop-up flash when in the upper position is blocked, I can't bring it down in rest position. There are 2 sliding rail from the inside of the flash and it seems that on one side, the plastic has worn out and has like a little hole which prevent the slinding back. Anyone had that issue and know how to solve it please?
Thanks
Julien
Not sure Anon specific reasoning for NOT recommending WD-40. Perhaps the reasoning is to not spray anywhere besides the joints shown above. To this I would agree. I recommend using the little red straw that the WD-40 comes with so you can put it in the precise location.
ReplyDeleteWhile I don't think WD-40 is likely to do any damage to the body of the camera, like any liquid, if it were to get into the lens, it could cause problems. As stated many times in the tutorial, just be careful and smart. My camera is still working great and there have been absolutely NO problems from using WD-40.
WD-40 being a both a solvent and lubricant it is less dense than water. Unlike water it its molecules aren't self attracting (i.e. it does form beads) and therefore it can penetrate openings that water would not. This is where the caution is to be used. You don't accidentally want it to seep into your camera and get on any of the photo components such as the sensor, the mirror or the lens. If it gets on any of these parts the only way to safely clean them is via a bath in an ultrasonic washer and it would require a professional to take apart your camera. That being said if you common sense, such as articles author requests, you should be able to apply it in a precision manner to solve the problem.
DeleteThank you so much!! I was having the same problem with my Rebel XS. My flash would only pop up if I "helped" it, and even after, it would pop up and make more clicking sounds. After leaving it off for a day or two, I would have to do the same thing again. I followed your advice and voila, it worked perfectly. Now the flash pops up every time and it doesn't make the extra clicking sounds. Thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome! Glad it worked for you.
ReplyDeleteWorked for me also, brilliant little tutorial and the pictures were SOOOO helpful, thank you for taking the time to put it all together.
DeleteHappy to hear that. Thanks for the comment.
DeleteThanks a lot for the help! It worked for me as well. I have EOS 600, followed your instruction and had it fixed in just a few minutes. Great! :)
ReplyDeletereally great coz i have the problem same as your camera eos600
Deletetnx for d tutorial (Y) it's really works... i cn use my canon kiss x4
ReplyDeleteproperly
Thank you so much - it worked! This saved me the $290 I was quoted from the camera shop to fix it - thank you, again!
ReplyDeleteYay! That is good to hear. Glad it worked for you and it helped you save money. If I knew who you were, I would make you bake me cookies! ;)
DeleteFor All Photography Lovers!
ReplyDeleteEnter in the Draw and get a 5D mark III !
http://bit.ly/17cfRxE
Do it fast before the Deadline Hits
Very disappointed with Canon. Thank you for your suggestion, but when i forced the flash open it broke the latching feature ... this is a tiny plastic piece resulting in that I can no longer close the flash. I have owned Canons for the last 40 years and this will be my last. I can't imagine the cost of replacing this little piece, but have been through enough frustration with this that I am no longer a Canon fan.
ReplyDeletenot supposed to force the flash open... x_x
DeleteA simple and easy solution -- thanks so much for documenting! The Internet never ceases to amaze me...
ReplyDeleteThanks dude. I didnt spray wd40 just worked the flash hood up and down a few times once it opened and blew the dust out. Working properly again now.
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot.
ReplyDeletesaved me some repair money and more headaches
works good. A little counter-intuitive to spray some WD40 on a camera but it worked great (used the red straw)
thx
Thank You ,
ReplyDeleteJust mended my Canon Eos 500 following your instructions. I put some WD 40 on an small art paintbrush and dabbed the two areas.
Delighted that my camera is working properly again.
Nice method! I think that is smarter than what I did.
DeleteThankyou for posting this solution. It worked perfectly on my Rebel XSi (450 D). Saved the cost of going to get it repaired.
ReplyDeleteGreat!
DeleteThank you soo much for this tutorial, I have 2 back to back international trips and canon told me they'll take 15 days to fix it. Turns out I had sand stuck between the flash flap of my rebel T4i from my last vacation. I cleaned it and now it's working smoothly.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear! Good luck on your trips!
DeleteI found that the solution is actually a lot easier:
ReplyDeleteI have had the same problem on a Cannon 7D.
Oil didn't cure it nor did repeatedly opening and closing the flash assembly.
If you add a little oil to the base of the hinges. Then With thumb and forefinger gently rock the base of the flash forwards and backwards. it dislodges from the hinge assemble inside with a little click.
Repeat this a few times for both sides. It clears all the dirt from the pivots And after three goes like this about ten clicks each side. Closing and trying the flash opening operation and repeating the forwards backwards push on the hing bases the flash begins to open as normal .
Great tip! Thanks for the comment Richard.
DeleteThanks for the idea of using oil. I have three months I am not using my camera because of the flash. But after reading your comments of applying oil to the hinge of the camera, my Canon digital camera rebel t2i is now back to normal.
DeleteIt's really helped me a lot, I just dropped two drops of oil in each side and my flash is puping up.
Thanks a lot.
Awesome post i had a great experience of this Dslr Camera its very easy to operate it and very helpful for my daily life
ReplyDeleteThis worked beautifully for me, McKay - many thanks! You've saved me on a big bill. The built-in flash on my Canon 550 is now working as normal. I'm so pleased!
ReplyDeleteInstead of prying it open, try tapping on the side of the flash that has the hooks while it is trying to open, This is what I did and it opened for me. It may take a few tries as it errors out after a few clicks, but you may save breaking other delicate components. I am using a 50D. Glad to know I should be able to fix it though.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your great tip it worked for me
DeleteGreat job and illustrations! You solved my problem!! Thanks so much!!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Glad it worked for you!
DeleteAwesome! thank you worked...
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for the detailed solution. It has really worked for me. Thank you very much once again .Sabu
ReplyDeleteFantastic tip, my pop up has been stuck for ages on my 600d applied the wd40 with a cotton bud. Cheers
ReplyDeleteMcKay Christensen you are just great. I sprayed dust cleaner spray and now it is working smoothly and perfect.....thanks a lot for detailed information.
ReplyDeleteTry just using canned air to blow out the dust first. I did that, and it works great now, without having to use WD40. Thanks McKay Christensen for this post. You saved me time and money. I owe you one.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! My flash hasn't opened in months and I couldn't figure it out. Just followed your instructions and it opened on the first try! So happy I can start taking good pics again (they weren't turning out so good without the flash!)
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Per the comments, I used canned air instead of WD-40 in all the little crevices and then worked the flash up and down a few times, and my T4i is now back in working order. Thank you SO much!
ReplyDeleteI've definitely had some moments of frustration with my camera flash. This really helps a lot, thank you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post. I have been trying to find a place that could camera flash in Beaverton, OR but wasn't having luck. I will definitely be trying your tips. Thanks so much.
ReplyDeleteI fixed the same problem on my 20D and 7D. Thanks a lot!
ReplyDeleteGlad this worked for you!
DeleteMy camera fell from my hands and now I have a similar problem. I tried doing what you told. I first opened it manually by turning it to auto flash mode.I clicked pictures and the flash worked. But then to check whether the trigger button and the flash hook are working I pressed the trigger button manually and then released the shutter(like you mentioned) but neither did the flash hook move up and back nor did the camera give an error! And the flash didn't work this time(At first it did). I don't understand the problem. What would you suggest?
ReplyDeleteYikes. I wonder if in the process of dropping it, you broke some of the inside mechanisms. Hard to say for sure. Unfortunately, this might be something you would have to send back to a professional.
DeleteMy Canon Rebel T4i had the same problem. I used the compressed air on it and it worked but only for a few times before switching back to not opening. So I tried the WD-40 (carefully and sparingly) and that seems to have done the job. Thanks for posting this solution.
ReplyDeleteGreat comment! Thanks for posting this! It is good to see the difference of the two methods.
DeleteRecently experienced this with my 550D. I didn't have a can of compressed air to hand so used an air blower at the hinges which seems to have worked.
ReplyDeleteAn air blower?! That is a new one! Glad it worked! Thanks for the comment.
DeleteYay! Your solution worked for me too (Canon T2i). I used WD40 and applied with a cotton bud to minimize the possibility of spray going somewhere I didn't want it. Worked first time.
ReplyDeleteYay indeed! Thanks for posting what camera you have. Seems like this is a somewhat problem with Canon DSLRs.
DeleteThanks! I had the same problem with my 7D and it worked like a charm...
ReplyDeleteI used canned air and it worked great! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteGreat way to fix popup flash problem. Thanks for sharing this valuable information. I am also using DSLR Camera and this seems to be the perfect solution for photography.
ReplyDeletethank you wd40 works .......
ReplyDeleteGreat! Happy to hear it worked for you!
Deletei dusted it... it worked
ReplyDeleteAwesoooome! You just made me feel like a genious! I used canned air first and then put some DW40, with a qtip, in the spots you showed and the flash pops right up now! Thank you Thank you!
ReplyDeleteJust "mended" my Canon EOS 550D with the problem but didn't need the WD40 - just brushing it out carefully did the trick. Many thanks for the tutorial.
ReplyDeleteHappy that it is working for you!
Deletethank you it works
ReplyDeleteYou are awesome, I followed your clear instruction, fix my camera's ERR#5 problem, save me over $200! :)
ReplyDeleteI am happy you were able to save money!
DeleteI followed your instructions and I was able to get it working within a few minutes! You are awesome, thanks for putting this together.
ReplyDeleteWorked perfectly after the WD40 treatment. If you still have problems after trying this solution also take a look at the microswitch for the flash and make sure it isn't stuck. Good walkthrough.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great comment!
DeleteI had thought there was something broke in my camera, after reading through i decide just to blow in the joints of my flash guess just a little bit of dust got in there. works fine now, ill remember this for next time. thank god nothing was broken
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletewhat is WD-40
ReplyDeletewhere i can get this spray ?
in any good autoparts shop or wallmart has it too.
Deletei own a eos 350 d had the same problem used a toothpick to put the oil on and used my compressor to blow out the dust and eureka it was fixed many thanxxxx from heerlen netherlands IT WORKS AGAIN!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the message! Glad it worked for you.
DeleteI have a 450D and I had this same problem. I was freaking out, I thought I wouldn't e able to use my camera Gain, so this blog really helped, thank you! I managed to fix my camera and am a bit hesitant to spray anything on it to be honest
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome. Glad it is working for you now.
DeleteThis worked for me. I found a blob of sambooka inside the flash housing and a load of pilbra red dust.... thanks for the clear tut.
ReplyDeleteAmazing. I saved over 250$ not using Canon lab.
ReplyDeleteClear instruction
Tnx
It really pisses me off when people recommend using WD-40 as a lubricant. Although it does have lubricating properties, it is NOT a lubricant. It is a penetrating oil and water displacement substance, which is used to protect against rust, degrease and clean, as well as to help free up seized mechanical objects.
ReplyDeleteThe substance dissolves fairly quickly, leaving a protective coating, but NOT a lubricant, and in the long term can actually cause more damage than it can solve.
If you want to lubricate something, use lubricating oil, such as sewing machine oil, which is great because it's used to lubricate high speed moving parts, at high temperatures, but is intended for small moving parts, such as hinges and motors(in this case, the hinge and spring for the flash release)
Hi Kronflux; this post seems to have upset you. Sorry about that. I am not sure if you are referring to the actual post, or people's comments, but the only mention of WD-40 being used as a lubricant is from you. I did mention that WD-40 can be used for water displacement (which you also mentioned in your comment).
DeleteYour idea to use machine oil is another way this might work (though I have not tried this, and would not really want oil hanging around in my camera). At any rate, I did this over two years ago, and my flash (and camera) are still working great without a single problem or me having to use WD-40 again.
As many other people commented on this post (and I have updated this post to include), using compressed air can also successfully be used. Air is ALSO not a lubricant. I hope I have not made it seem like it is.
I used WD40 to clean/lubricate as directed in the tutorial but this didn't work time so I also put some on the flash hook catch at the front and this worked straight away. Maybe something to have a go at before giving up and sending in for a costly repair.
ReplyDeleteMy camera isn't really broken, but I don't know how to turn the flash off. I have thought about just holding the flash down while I take pictures, but I don't think that is any good for my camera. I've looked in settings, but no matter what I do the flash is always still on. Any one have a similar problem?
ReplyDeleteTom Stubbs | http://www.cameratechs.com
Look at your mode dial, the last selection is to turn off the flash while still in full auto mode.If you don't wan't auto then you must use manual mode and set exposure there .
DeleteThank sooo much I used the paint brush method also.
ReplyDeleteThanks bro for this tutorial! :D
ReplyDeleteUsing the W 40 for my 450D there came some dirt from the spring flash and now the flash is popping up again.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Thank, really easy! Works great!
ReplyDeleteHi everyone, I did this tutorial just then and it worked for me! So happy! Thanks a lot~
ReplyDeleteOMG You saved my night .. IT worked !!! Thank You so much !!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks -- you saved me a ton of hardship!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this, it worked perfectly!
ReplyDeleteOne note for people concerned about spraying WD40 -- try what I did (since I had it to-hand), the No Mess Pen version. Was easy to apply very close to the joints with minimal overflow!
I used some GOOD electronic spray cleaner from a bolt/etc supply store (radio shack stuff sucks) and that did the trick. I took the bat and media out first and sprayed it good all over the hinges, let it dry for about 10 minutes and hey presto, works perfect.
ReplyDeleteActually cleaned my whole camera and lens barrel with it... yours looks pretty grimy ;-)
DeleteThanks to you I fixed the camera by applying puffs of air from my mouth at the spring area. I would have never known without your article.
ReplyDeletecan't believe how much of a life saver this was. My flash has been broken for over a year and it was THAT simple to fix. Thank you, good samaritan!
ReplyDelete:) Sorry you had to live without a flash for over a year. Glad it is working now!
DeleteThanks a lot ! An easy 2 minute fix !
ReplyDeleteI have the flash problem..... I am thinking about using the WD 40 later today, once I've plucked up courage.......
ReplyDeleteOK....... So, I added a little WD40 via a lint free cloth and dropped it on the side as in the photos.... Turned off, turned on and FLASH POPPED UP!!!! I'll leave it over night and see if it's sorted it out, but at the moment I'm a happy chappie!!
ReplyDeleteGreat news! Thanks for posting your results.
DeleteOK, so, had a morning coffee, plucked up courage and checked out the camera............. I never knew just how much a flash popping up would be such a wonderful sight!!!
ReplyDeleteBRILLIANT!!
6 days on and still working 100%... Great!
ReplyDeleteGood to hear! Thanks for the update.
DeleteMine is worse! Am having same issue on my canon 650D & external flash no longer works! Is this tutorial applicable to both situations?
ReplyDeleteNot familiar with the 650D, but you can at least run through the steps where you manually lift the flash up to know if it is a problem with the mechanism or not.
DeleteThank you, worked for me as well T3i.
ReplyDeleteGreat news! Happy it worked.
DeleteWow, thank you. After using my 550D for about three years, this happened. I was really worried to open it manually, but it definitely worked. I am so grateful! Greets from Cologne, Germany. :)
ReplyDeleteBitte.
DeleteWorked for me,thanks a lot !
ReplyDeleteGreat news! You are very welcome.
DeleteWorked like a charm! Annoyed that a reputable camera store had told me that perhaps the spring was broken and I needed to send it to Canon. Thanks for sharing and saving a huge hassle and $.
ReplyDeleteBummer that the camera store didn't take the time to look at it (or were just incompetent or lying). Glad this worked for you!
DeleteThis is excellent advice and thanks for posting this. I had the exact problem and following the above steps took care of it.
DeleteHello everybody.
ReplyDeleteThe flash on my Eos 30D doesn't pop up and doesn't make any motor sound, as if it wanted to pop up.
I have tried to prime open it with my nails, pressing at the same time the pop up button or the shutter release (in automatic and with the lens cap on), but no sounds at all!
No Err05 either.
I have pressed the little buttons on my hotshoe: nothing!
Will I have to send it to Canon?
All the best to you.
Have you tried changing to flash mode? I wonder if the sensor is not working. It sounds as though this is a more major problem. Sending it to Canon may be the best option.
DeleteThank you, thank you, thank you so much for addressing and answering my problem! I was so frustrated with the situation "Err 05 on my Rebel, (which I haven't had very long!) I almost gave up using it and it's the most expensive camera I own!
ReplyDeleteIn your defense, I understood immediately that we would have to be careful in how we apply the WD40. It seems to me that haters always come out of the woodwork when it was someone else who thinks of a great fix other than them! So they attack the same common sense that you implied we have, resulting in showcasing their negativity and ignorance. The need to announce that he or she would not spray WD40 is just an opinion, to each his (her) own! (I am referring to the comment made by Anonymous of Feb 16, 2013) Just sayin......
You just keep on keeping on! You just don't know how much of a blessing you have been to us! :)
You are very welcome. Judging from the comments it would seem that while many have been successful at fixing their flash, the only negative comment is from someone who has not even tried it. I appreciate all comments and am happy to know that this works for the majority of people.
DeleteThank You so much, this worked in less than 5 minutes on my new 70D, I was about to ship it for repairs:) thank you!!!!!
ReplyDeleteGood news! Glad you did not have to send it in and were able to save money.
DeleteMany thanks for your tutorial on the pop up flash not popping on my 7D--- it only was happening in full auto mode--- worked 1st time and added a cotton bud of wd 40. Perfect.
ReplyDeleteOMG...genius...it worked. Seemed a bit of a risk putting WD40 near a camera but I was very careful and sparing with my use of WD40. I took it into a dark room, put it on night portrait and my flash is back! What a great post - thank you.
ReplyDeleteEOS people - Try putting the WD40 on a Qtip or pin and placing it on the Flash hook first. This worked for me.
ReplyDeleteHave been without camera flash for months. My problem was the trigger button stuck down-same err05 even though the flash would pop up. Lightly blew it out and worked it several times, now works perfect. Thanks for steering me in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteGreat tip! I opened with my fingers while the camera tried to to do by itself. Then I cleaned with WD-40 as indicated. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks. Your tutorial with pictures certainly helped me fix the camera. In my case there was some dust and once cleaned, it started working fine. I did not have to use WD-40.
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot. It works fine without using WD-40! When I manually opened the flash, I saw in the trigger button area has accumulated dust in it. I used a cotton bud to clean it up, afterwards when I click the camera, the flash works very well NOW. Thanks for the tip.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Eos 550 works perfect now !
ReplyDeletehi...I have the canon eos 20d.my flash pops up but then makes those 3 clicking sounds and saysb err 05.ive tried the wd 40 but it still says err 05...help please anyone.thank you.
ReplyDeleteCan you get the flash to come up when you do it manually with your finger? Can you tell if the spring is broken?
DeleteWorked for me as well! Thank you so much.. I spray WD40 on cotton bud and applied to the spring. I would like to know that what can happen if I used WD40 too much.?
ReplyDeleteThank you for the WD40 tip my flash is working fine now
ReplyDeleteThanks for this, my EOS 550D had exactly this problem. I didn't use WD40 (not because I was scared to, I just didn't have any!) so I opened up the flash, following your steps and then blew lightly into the corners and also manually moved it up and down for a while. Working great now! Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome! Glad that solution worked for you.
DeleteThanks for this, my EOS 550D had exactly this problem. I took very little oil and now It works again :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks sooo much brother. you i was thinking to send my cannon 500D to a cannon service store... thanks a lot. ur WD-40 trick is superb. it works.
ReplyDeleteHad the same problem with my EOS 550D. Your solution worked perfectly. I applied a small amount of WD40 using a cotton bud and it fixed the problem. Many thanks.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much. You solution worked for my EOS 400D too! My flash now opens!
ReplyDeleteNo success here. The spring seems to be there but have no force at all. Don't know what the problem can be.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. Is it possible to move the flash manually as described? Perhaps there is something bigger stuck in there.
DeleteI have a Rebel XTi with this same problem. I, too, had set it aside for a year as the issue was very aggravating I just went to the store for WD-40 and voila I'm back in business. You have been saving people hundreds of dollars for over 2 years. A big Thank You!
ReplyDeleteWith this happening to so many Canon owners I believe this is a design flaw. I hope it is fixed in newer models.
Thanks. I truly appreciate comments such as yours. I am happy to know that this solution has worked for many other people. I remember when I had this problem I was prepared to take my camera apart myself because it was such an annoying problem. I am glad I was able to figure out a simpler solution!
DeleteYou are right; it does seem to be a bit of a design flaw. I am surprised how many people experience the exact same problem.
Thank you very much I just blew some air in the area you said to put WD40 and now it works great.. Thanks for taking the time to make this post...
ReplyDeleteMy flesh pops out but camera does not understand that, continuing clicking little hook and showing error 05. What can it be?
ReplyDeleteI am not sure. It seems like there might be a mechanical switch that is broken. Perhaps the trigger button is stuck (see the 4th picture of the post). If the trigger button is not stuck or broken then it might be something mechanical inside.
DeleteThe flash on my old Rebel XT stuck in the closed position last year, and no amount of manipulating controls or careful poking, prodding, or pulling would get it open. I finally took it to my local camera repair shop, who kept it for 5 weeks (awaiting a part, they said) and charged me $85. I hadn't used it since, but yesterday I was pissed to find that the flash was stuck down again! Before taking it back to the shop and giving them a rocket, I searched online and found your great tutorial. Following your directions, I was able to manually open it on the first try. I did not use WD-40, though, since as others have pointed out, WD-40 is not really a lubricant. Instead I used something called Tri-Flow High Performance Penetrating Lubricant with Teflon, reasoning that this should not only clean out the joints like WD-40, but leave some actual lubricating substance (the Teflon). And indeed it worked well; after applying drops of the stuff to the joints, my flash now pops up like it used to--thank you! The same caveats apply as with WD-40 or any other lubricant--use only the minimum necessary to do the job, and place it precisely. Tri-Flow may be hard to find in local stores--my bottle of the stuff is quite old--but it is still available online, slightly renamed as Tri-Flow Superior Lubricant.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment! I have never heard of Tri-Flow until now. Glad to hear that something else works as well.
DeleteThe flash on my camera pops up, but doesn't fire. Can I fix this myself?
ReplyDeleteI can think of 3 possibilities for this problem:
Delete1. It is in auto mode and it is too light so the light sensor is preventing the flash from going off.
2. Bad wiring going to the flash bulb.
3. Burnt out flash bulb.
For problems 2 and 3 it would probably be best to get it professionally repaired unless you are comfortable taking apart your camera.
Your tutorial and Endust TOTALLY fixed the flash on my Rebel T2i, tho I did have to use a thin knife to pry it open. I was all set to replace the body because of the repair cost and an additional problem I am having with the colors of my photos. In the last year, they are all coming out a lot more faded than the screen shows or the actual color (have tried taking shots at the same time with other cameras). The camera took a bad fall about that time :(
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you were able to get the flash working. As far as the faded colors go, my best guess would be that it is either a problem with the lens or sensor...
DeleteThank you so much for this tutorial. My old Rebel XSi was having this exact issue and the camera shop tried to charge me 110 dollars for the repair.
ReplyDeleteYay! Happy to hear that you saved some money.
DeleteI opened the flash with the lens cap on using your method. I then pressed the flash trigger down and pressed the shutter, this moved the flash hooks . I then did a clean around the whole area with a brush and then turned the camera off and on again. The flash unit now works, amazing .. Thanks so much. This is for the 7D.No need for wd40 or air.
ReplyDeleteCool beans! Thanks for sharing another method for getting this to work.
DeleteThanks - just used a toothpick as I could see the dirt...
ReplyDeleteI can't believe I've struggled with this issue since a year ago last Christmas. My warranty had just run out and it was going to cost $100 just to send it to canon plus whatever the repair bill would be. I decided to just buy an external flash. I don't regret that purchase, but it was a pain if I wanted to get a quick pic and had the camera on full auto or something and didn't realize it. I looked online for solutions in the past to no avail. I was actually looking to disable the internal flash altogether when I stumbled upon this page. I just now blew some compressed air in the area mentioned and SHAZAMM! no more problem. Thanks so much for sharing this oh so quick fix.
ReplyDeleteNo problem. Glad it is working for you. It is always nice to have an external flash anyhow.
DeleteBefore the WD-40, try cleaning the arms and parts with a q-tip with a bit of rubbing alcohol on it.
ReplyDeleteI just did this to fix a XSI I picked up on eBay.
WD-40 is a nuke. Save it for last.
Have Canon EOS 350D and the technique listed above worked perfectly for mw. WD40 is magic. Thank you for your help.
ReplyDeleteFirst tried with air blowing method on my 600D, patchy results then back to suare one. I finally took the plunge and did the WD40 trick, worked beautifully, no repair shop or being separated from my beloved camera, hurray! Thank you SO much from the UK. :-)
ReplyDeleteHappy it worked!
DeleteI blew into the crevices of the flash and voila! It pops open now! Thanks for the alternative suggestions!
ReplyDeleteThanks to everyone for leaving comments with other alternative solutions. Seems like there are a handful of great ways to fix this problem.
DeleteThanks for your comment.
Thank you so very much for this advise. My flash hasn't been popping up when I take pictures for months. I found your instructions and did exactly what you said...and now it works!! Thank you, Thank you. Going to put this information onto Pinterest for future reference and to share your post=0)
ReplyDeleteHey Wendy, glad it worked for you and thanks for sharing on Pinterest!
DeleteBrilliant post - Thank you so much.
ReplyDeleteThanks very much for this. Just used your tip for manually opening the flash using fingernail and firing the shutter in low light. Just blowing then cleared the problem. thanks Chris
ReplyDeleteNo problem. Glad it worked for you.
Deletethank you so much - I'd just bought a 2nd hand EOS with this fault- having been told it would be simple to fix, and then rang up and was told £150!!! (when the reason I bought the one I did as I desperately wanted to get one for hubby for a present, but just couldn't afford a newer DSLR). - Using your tutorial, I tried first with compressed air - which didn't work, then judicious squirts of WD40 - gave it a few wiggles and ta-da!!! works perfectly, and now I've 'detailed' cleaned the camera it looks lovely again and perfect for a present - thank you soooo much
ReplyDeleteThat is happy news! Thanks for the comment.
DeleteThanks so much man! Saved me a lot of time going to the store and all that. I fixed mine by just blowing as hard as I could on both sides of the hinges. I guess they make handy tools for that too though...
ReplyDeleteThank you for this. I sprayed it once into the exact hinge you specified and my 550D flash is back to its usual self. I guess from the many posters in the comments that you've helped a lot of people, thanks for taking the risk of trying the WD40 and putting the DIY online for others to consult, you really have saved everyone a lot of money and fuss at the canon repair store.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment. I am happy to have helped.
DeleteIT WORKED!!!! Thank You! Thank YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteMy 7D is brand new!!! I just wanted to let you know that I did as you suggested and my 7D is good as new. Now, here's an idea. I poured some WD40 in the cap of the can and then used an eye dropper to lubricate the flash hinges. That way i had better control of the amount that I applied. Furthermore, after I had my camera working perfectly I poured the remaining WD40 from the cap onto a rag and gave my body a cleaning. You would be surprised of all the grime that's on the common camera. You can't see it because it's black on black but it's there. Now my camera looks brand new and it works just fine. Thank you for your help and best regards from sunny Puerto Rico.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment. Glad it is working for you. Good idea to give your camera a cleaning too! Yay for WD-40!
DeleteWorked !!! Great !
ReplyDeleteYou saved me a lot of money repairing the camera
Thanks a lot, we thought we would not manage to solve the problem but following your tip we made it and we are grateful to you :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you! I followed your steps but just used alcohol on several Q-tips, instead of DW40 and pushed alcohol like crazy into the lock and the whole assembly. There obviously "something" in there because it works like it's brand new.
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I am happy to hear that it is working for you!
DeleteThank You so much. I just did it to my Kodak and now the flashlight is working (popping up) again. Really happy as I thought that I need a new camera. ^_^
ReplyDeleteThis worked like a dream - thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!!!!
ReplyDeleteHi . I have tried to do all these things but my flash will pop up but will click 2 times and not flash just code is there much more I can do before I take it apart it is a 350d is there a link to see how to take it apart.Steve
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great picture and explanation. I had tried the electronics duster before I read your post and it did not fix the problem. I ended up doing what you said (but I used a needle and syringe to control the amount of WD40) and after moving the flash open and almost closed a few times it started to work perfectly. Thanks for taking time out to share this information with us all.
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome! Thanks for the comment.
DeleteI followed the steps and it worked. Thanks !!!!!
ReplyDeleteWD-40 worked like a charm!!! Thanks for the advice.
ReplyDeleteWOW - my camera isn't even a year old and was so frustrated by this problem. I was prepared to try wd40 after gaining the courage and testing to see what the problem was. Thankfully just a couple strong blows and it was all clear. You rock for posting this - what an easy fix. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy to hear that it worked out for you!
DeleteHey man, thanks for this!! Been driving me crazy for the last month, finally decided (after reading through a TON of these comments) to give it a go. Back up and running! Also, and I think this is the best, and most important aspect of your post, thank you for thoroughly detailing the importance of being very careful and conservative with the usage of the wd40. A million thanks, again.
ReplyDeleteNo problem! Thanks for taking the time to comment. It always makes me happy knowing that this post helped someone.
DeleteThank you very much for the trick. Now the internal flash of my canon eos 500d is working great again.
ReplyDeleteOr you could be lucky like me. Same symptoms - different simpler solution. I'd fitted a spirit level to the hotshoe, camera detected something there and thought it was an external flash so the internal flash was disabled! Easy once you know
ReplyDeleteI found a simpler solution on a 60D camera. The inside of the flash hinge is a bit different to the one shown in the article, with two visible screws, one either side of the hinge. I just loosened them a tiny bit and it was enough to make the flash pop up much better. (Though hopefully it won't make the camera fall apart in future!)
ReplyDeleteThanks a million! Fixed!
ReplyDelete