20D flash fails to open

[hornetzoo]

Has anyone had this problem before? I push the flash open button for the built-in flash and it just clicks three tims but doesn't open. It says err05, which according to the instructions means that something is obstructing the flash. If I lift gently while I push the open flash button, it opens fine and there is no error.

[FlyingPete]

Hmmm sounds like warranty repair time! It sounds like it is the little gear thingy that pops the flash up slipping, or broken.

Does anything up there rattle (more so than the orientation sensor, which also can 'rattle' but that is normal).

[slin100]

You could try what another 300D owner with the same problem did, which was to gently pry the flash up. Doing that solved his problem. Do at your own risk.

[hornetzoo]

yeah, but its a pain. i might send it back to dell since i just bought it a few weeks ago. i really don't want to be without a camera

[hornetzoo]

yes, i said that i pryed it and it worked

[FlyingPete]

Another thought, I bought a 420EX, that solved the problem permanently (not that I had it in the first place) :D

Seriously though the 420EX, 550EX and 580EX (budget dependant) all do a much better job than the internal flash, which in most cases is best avoided, I just bump the ISO.

[BottomBracket]

The EX series flashes are definitely the way to go. I agree too that bumping the ISO is the next best alternative. However, I can see some situations when it would be nice to be abloe the onboard flash. Sibce it is a feature of the 20d, it should be working properly on a new camera. I'd send it back.

[robertwgross]

In general, I only see Err 05 when I am wearing a baseball cap.

---Bob Gross---

[FlyingPete]

In general, I only see Err 05 when I am wearing a baseball cap.

---Bob Gross---

Subtle :D Most of the local kids around here wouldn’t have that issue with theirs.

[pmcco]

I also had this problem. The built in flash was not opening. After reading the posted messages I tried gently prying it while pushing the flash button. Nothing happened at first. Then I removed the small cover on the hot shoe to see if that had any effect. It did, with the hot shoe cover off the flash is now working. I put it back on to see if it had any effect...it did. The flash would not pop up. So, I took it off and it seems to work. Perhaps this is something I should have known, or is this just a coincidence that it's working when the small cover is off.

[hornetzoo]

what hot shoe cover? my camera didn't come with one

[Leorooster]

I just used the internal flash for properly a handful of times since I got my 20D. Most of the time I just bump up the ISO.

Believe it or not, I still haven't got one of the EX's, as I am still debating between 550 and 580......tough decision.

Seriously though the 420EX, 550EX and 580EX (budget dependant) all do a much better job than the internal flash, which in most cases is best avoided, I just bump the ISO.

[pmcco]

My camera came with a small hot shoe cover on it...just a small plastic piece that slides over the hot shoe.

[nathaliedoo]

Me neither, no cover and won't open, no error, no clicks or sound at all, the rest works fine, my 580EX too but I can't stand to have my camera defective even if I can work around it.... any help?

Thanks in advance

Nathalie