Canon 50D Built in Flash won't pop up

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

11/10/2013 05:07:34 AM · #1

The built in Flash on my Canon 50D will not pop up.

This seems to have occured after using my External Speedlite flash so my first thoughts were that the hot shoe thing was pressed down still making the camera think an external flash was in still. This could still be the problem but I did try carefully lifting the metal bits that are pushed down with no joy.

I also tried using some sticky tape and lifting the flash when pressing the button to release the flash but flash did not come up. The sticky tape didn't give a huge lifting force but I wouldn't want to force it with any more strength anyway.

No error messages appear when pressing the release flash button when external flash on or off.

The exernal flash unit still works as normal so it is not the end of the world but would be good to fix this issue just in case I ever need to use the onboard flash.

Any ideas?

Thanks

Paul

ShutterPug

Canon EOS-6D

11/10/2013 05:38:04 AM · #2

perhaps just removing the battery and then putting it back in will reset some silly sensor? Like the old saying "when all else fails, reboot"

vawendy

Sony Alpha 1

Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS

11/10/2013 10:15:04 AM · #3

I had the same problem with my 40D, and I could gently lift it with my fingers while pressing the button. Not a lot of force -- but definitely more than the sticky tape. I remember someone else having similar problems...

Yo_Spiff

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

11/10/2013 01:25:47 PM · #4

Mine isn't popping up either for some time now, but since I rarely use it, it hasn't been any priority to deal with.

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

11/10/2013 02:43:39 PM · #5

Thanks for the replies. I will try the battery reset thing and also if that doesn't work giving it a little more force pulling it up:)

Cory

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

11/10/2013 04:27:20 PM · #6

my 20D sometimes needs help, but it damned sure throws an error message to let me know.

I blocked the flash on the 50D once, and it too had an error message.

11/10/2013 04:47:01 PM · #7

Thanks Cory.

My 40D had a similar problem once and I did fix it by pulling up the "prongs" on the hotshoe. That didn't work this time so perhaps not the same issue.

11/18/2013 12:00:01 PM · #8

Originally posted by Cory:

my 20D sometimes needs help, but it damned sure throws an error message to let me know.

I blocked the flash on the 50D once, and it too had an error message.

Still haven't resolved this issue but when I went to look at setting up the flash last night I noticed I get an error message telling me an external flash is attached to the Camera even though there isn't so I suspect it must be the bits on the hot shoe being in such a way they think the external flash is still on. I have tried prising them upwards with no joy.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-70 f2.8 L IS

11/18/2013 12:27:46 PM · #9

I think you have found the cause. Now, as to the solution, good question. I ass-u-me that the switch attached to the one little button that gets depressed upon insertion of a flash is being made, when it should not be. Whether that is due to sticking of the button or failure of the switch is an open question. It would appear that disassembly may be required in order to diagnose and fix it.

11/18/2013 12:30:54 PM · #10

Originally posted by kirbic:

Thanks Kirbic. I don't fancy taking it apart so it may be a trip to the Canon Repair centre. Hopefully a fairly inexpensive fix? Fortunately I have my 40D still so will not be without a camera. Then again I could just ignore it and always use the external flash though it does feel a bit over the top sometimes to have the external on just for a simple family piccie.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-70 f2.8 L IS

11/19/2013 09:50:27 AM · #11

Originally posted by P-A-U-L:

...it does feel a bit over the top sometimes to have the external on just for a simple family piccie.

LOL, well since I've been shooting with the 5D for 8 years or so, I don't remember what an on-board flash is! More importantly, I really don't miss it. Even for casual pics, I will bounce an on-camera 580EX off a ceiling.

11/19/2013 10:12:36 AM · #12

I found a few threads on this issue and it would appear there is a tiny button under one side of the hot shoe "rails" that is either stuck in or has broken off. It is very difficult to see even using a magnifying glass to determine whether the button is there or not. However one such thread included detailed instructions how to remove the hotshoe elements and even included details how to fix a missing button with a small piece of a paper clip. It looks fairly easy so may give this a go and let Canon pick up the pieces if it goes pear shaped.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-70 f2.8 L IS

11/19/2013 10:38:36 AM · #13

I believe I have seen those instructions before. Could well be worth a try.

MelonMusketeer

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 50mm f/1.4

11/19/2013 11:18:17 AM · #14

Have you tried putting the external flash on and off the camera a few times? That may be enough to get it working again.
If you know where the item is now, you may also try using a tooth pick to put a tiny drop of WD40 in the critical spot on the hot shoe, or on the flash itself where the button makes contact, then put the flash on and off the camera a few times to see if that will turn it loose.

bhuge

Canon EOS-550D Rebel T2i

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

11/19/2013 11:38:22 AM · #15

I've had similar issues with my cannon. Sometimes mine pops up and won't go back down. One time it was up for more than four hours and I had to call the doctor.

MarkB

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

11/19/2013 12:33:04 PM · #16

Originally posted by bhuge:

I've had similar issues with my cannon. Sometimes mine pops up and won't go back down. One time it was up for more than four hours and I had to call the doctor.

LOL.... Thanks for the soup on my keyboard.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

11/19/2013 12:44:15 PM · #17

Thanks MelonMusketeer

Yes unfortunately I did try all those methods and also some compressed air. I am not sure the actual button is there still - so damn small it is hard to see:)

Lol bhuge - that sounds very serious. I hope the problem is not keeping you up all night.

Cuttooth

Canon EOS R

11/19/2013 02:16:07 PM · #18

My 50D flash is broken as well. At first if I activated the flash, I could hear the motor trying to raise it so if I lightly pulled on it, it would come up. After awhile, I could no longer hear the motor so I think that's fried.

This is a link showing how to fix the pin under the hotshoe. I tried it but ended up giving up when the hotshoe plate wouldn't dislodge and I didn't want to totally trash the shoe.

Good luck

//www.conraderb.com/flashrepair/