20D built-in flash won't open

[wilflee]

Not sure if this has been discussed before but the search function doesn't return anything for "flash won't open".

The built-in flash on my 20D won't open for some reason. When I press the button to open, the camera emits 3 loud clicks and then display an error on the LCD.

I have to pry it open while the camera clicks away to engage the flash.

The spring seems functional. But the flash doesn't pop up.

Have you seen this problem before? Any home remedies?

[muscleflex]

what is the error msg? i think someone i know has got the same problem...

[OsRuS]

If you set the camera to auto (green square) does it open when you take a shot in poor light?

[digitalmono]

Take a look here:http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=73264&highlight=20D+built-in+flash

[robertwgross]

My 20D built-in flash gets this way when it hasn't been used in a while.

I press the button, and it snaps three times and then posts the Err 5 message. So, I switch off, then switch on, and it is clear.

Now, I get ready to press the button again with my left hand. With my right hand, I get two fingernails angled to pry up the flash head when necessary, just to give it a little push. Then I press the button. With that little push for help, it always comes up on the first or second snap. Then, once it is up, I can push it back down again and try again, and it will come up right the first time. If I let it sit for a month, then it will have to be coaxed up again.

---Bob Gross---

[nathaliedoo]

Mine won't open at all. No error message. I've tried everything you guys suggested. My 580EX works fine though. Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance

Hopeless

Nathalie

[m3rdpwr]

They stick.

Wiggle the top of the flash cover while pressing the flash release button on the camera.

Once it pop's up, you can work it a little.

Happened to my boss's 20D and that fixed his up...

-Mario

[kdfederer]

There is a small switch on the hot shoe that shows that the external flash is on so the on camera flash does not open. There is a great possibility that the switch is stuck in the down position.

[asidrave]

check this out

http://www.conraderb.com/flashrepair/ (http://www.conraderb.com/flashrepair/)

I hope it helps you :)

[nathaliedoo]

Thanks for your replies. Nothing works. Of course my 580 works fine on it. I think I saw the little switch on te left side but it doesn't seem to be touching the 2 metal parts on the sides. I've tried cleaning with a solution. I'm realy hopeless. Could there be a command somewhere preventing it from opening? Since I get no eror message, I'm really wondering ...

Thanks for all your help.

Nathalie - still hoping.