Quirky flash pop-up on 10D

[LazyPhotographer]

It's the freakiest thing... the flash on my 10D has started to pop-up periodically for no reason. Although, I think I see a trend of when the battery is getting low that it may happen more often.

Happens with Canon and Maxell batteries. Always with the 100-400L IS lens attached. Sometimes as soon as I turn the camera on, other times, whenever it chooses. It's especially odd since I never use the built-in flash and can happen in bright light situations.

Anyone else ever have this happen?

I'm not keen on having to send it in for repair... that would require the camera be surgically removed from my hands first. Not sure I could bear the trauma.

[RichardtheSane]

What mode is your camera in when this happens?

[stevelew]

Depending on which mode you're in, the camera automatically pops the flash when it needs more light. In the creative modes P, TV, AV and M the flash only comes up when you desire it to.

Steve

[LazyPhotographer]

I always use P mode...

[leony]

Check the manual for the proper custom function setting - there is a way to turn off the annoying "focusing" flashes, but the flash will still fire when you take a picture. and use the "p" instead of the "green" modes.

[garethhhhh]

I always use P mode...

Flash should not fire in P Mode... It should only pop up in Full Auto, Portrait, Closeup, & Night Portrait Modes
I'm curious though, when you put this 100-400mm lens on, do you hold the camera any differently? Perhaps you keep pressing the flash button on the front of the camera without realizing it?

Some people just have big hands & cant help pressing the stupid buttons (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=26729)

[LazyPhotographer]

It can happen at any time, but not when I'm mounting the lens. Today, it happened several times either right after the camera powered on or while I was trying to focus.

Looks like I'll have to send it for repair.... :cry: