Urgent! Help with 10D Flash Stuck Open

[dschwartz69]

Took a few pictures with the onboard flash this evening. Pushed flash down when finished (as I always do) and it popped back up. Turned off camera and pushed flash down put pops back up. Removed lenses, batteries, etc. and can't get the onboard flash to go down.

Any suggestions??

David.

[Michaelmjc]

Sounds like the mechanism that holds it down is broken... You might have to take it in to be fixed.

[tim]

1. Tape it down with selotape.
2. Keep your finger on it.
3. Send it for repair.

[dschwartz69]

I was able to finally the flash to stay closed - have no idea what steps I took that finally corrected it. I removed the small flat battery, cleared all setttings, changed lenses, changed batteries, changed modes.

One of the last things I did was to disable the flash entirely in the custom settings (#5, opt. 3) and then took a few shots. Re-enabled took a few shots with flash firing, then took a few with the flash held down (metered as if flash was off and it did not fire). then it stayed down. Popped-up and used flash; stayed down when pressed closed.

The problem did not 'feel' like a mechanical catch was broken or not engaging - rather it seemed as thought the resistance was normal but the electronic 'lock' that keeps the flash down was not being enabled. Kind of hard to explain.

Anyway, I'll keep an eye on it - good to know how to disable the flash with the custom functions in case I'm out shooting and the flash will not go down again.

Thanks for your replies and suggestions ( I was headed that route tomorrow morning if I could not resolve tonight).

thanks again,

David.

[pjd83]

I don't think the flash has an electronic lock to keep it closed. To me that would be a waste of power. I think its just a latch that is held by a spring that locks it in place. Then when you want the flash power is applied to slip this latch off the flash and with more springs the flash pops up.

Either the little latch is dodgy. Or the spring mechanism that holds this latch is dodgy.

[mkupka]

OK, I think I solved the mystery problem of the Flash staying open.

Step 1. power off camera.
Step 2. Hold Flash down in closed position.
Step 3. While Holding Flash closed, turn on camera.
Step 4. While Holding Flash closed, Press the Button to Open the Flash ( The ZZ Lightning symbol )

Step 6. You will hear a loud pop!!! The latch should be re-engaged.
Step 7. Remove your finger (my thumb) and Allow the flash to open.
Step 7. Close the flash, and it should now stay closed.

I have had the same problem 2 or 3 times in the 2 1/2 years that I have owned the camera.

I hope this works for you too.

[steve260z]

Well you wrote that 4 years ago...And thank you...Pop, Pop, Pop...Problem solved.
steve

[tonyl13]

Yep 5yaers late and it works on the D30 THANKS

[wfarrell4]

Holy thread revival, batman.