580 issue

[ssim]

I am away right now and don't have my 580 manual with me. All of a sudden when I turn my flash on I get a bunch of clicking noises for about 5 seconds and then it will stop. Up in the top right hand corner of the display I get

Zoom - - mm

it flashes and it doesn't read the lens. This is on my 5D and the Canon 24-70 f2.8 lens.

I can't access any of the custom functions, in fact none of the buttons on the back seem to be working. Is there a way to reset this flash, I can't find it if there is. I would appreciate if someone could look in their manual for me.

[PacAce]

Sheldon, I took a look in the manual but couldn't find any reference to a reset button or a way to reset the flash. If all you're getting on the LCD display is "Zoom.." at the upper hight hand corner of the display, the flash head might be have given out or gotten stuck (and hence the clicking sound).

Have you tried removing the batteries and leaving it like that for a couple of minutes before putting it back in again? I don't think it'll help but might be worth a shot since it's not going anywhere as it is.

Good luck.

[AlexMa]

Just a thought............


Check the contacts on the bottom of the flash and the shoe.

Maybe take a rubber eraser to the contacts?

Good luck

[Inspired Photography]

You can set the zoom manually on the 580EX.
Have you tried that? It would help eliminate a faulty head or something...

Rob

[tim]

Sounds like a fault to me. Try using the zoom button to manually set the zoom, and send it for service if things don't improve.

[ssim]

Thanks for the answers. I am not able change any of the options. Everything just keeps flashing at you. I have cleaned the contacts and tried it on three different bodies with the same result. The odd thing is that every so often ( and not very often) it will start up normally.

It will be going back to Canon when I get home as it is only 5 months old.

[SYS]

I just shipped my 580ex to the Irvine service facility today for the exact same problem.

[queenbee288]

Mine was flashing once, can't remember exactly what on the display was flashing. It was because the pull out head was not all the way pushed back in.