3
\$\begingroup\$

So, I have a Canon EOS 500n, I do not know much about photography and I didn't find this problem on the internet, so here it goes. Everything worked fine, but then, some time ago, the flash stopped working. What happens is when the camera pops up the flash, i makes a weird clicking noise and the no-battery icons flashes on the display. I already tried different batteries, new and used, and it makes no difference. I never dropped the camera, I always handled it with care so this started happening out of nowhere. When trying to take an automatic shot, and it tries to use the flash, this happens. And also when trying to use the flash manually. What could this be? A problem with the flash itself or an electronic problem with the whole camera? Everything else works fine. Thanks for the help!

Improve this question
\$\endgroup\$

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
1
\$\begingroup\$

"Weird clicking noise" sounds like a flash capacitor breakthrough. The exact sound would be the typical charge whine (assuming it is audible at all) going up but then with a hard popping noise jumping lower in pitch again repeatedly, never reaching the voltage necessary for triggering the flash.

That's a single circuit element that may or may not easy to get a replacement for (and then somebody still needs to swap it): not because it is complex or unusual to produce but because it is bulky with sort of an arbitrary cylindrical shape, and the replacement will have to have pretty much the same size and shape to fit in the camera. Though an old EOS might be somewhat less cramped for space than modern smaller cameras.

Don't continue using the flash: continuous breakthroughs will cause corrosive liquid to evaporate in the capacitor and it might bulge and damage things mechanically or by leaking. Earlier capacitors also could outright explode but I think that these days probably the enclosure is designed to avoid that specific failure mode.

Maybe consider using an external flash.

Improve this answer
\$\endgroup\$
1
  • \$\begingroup\$ thanks a lot for the reply! I think what you are saying could make sense, the camera works perfectly fine except for the flash so that must be it. I just found someone who is selling an EOS 500 in perfect shape for roughly 30$. so I may replace it for that. \$\endgroup\$
    – joaquin
    Sep 18, 2021 at 15:03
1
\$\begingroup\$

The flashing battery icon is an error message. I suspect it is just a flash problem.

The camera needs to be repaired but it would be cheaper to buy a replacement for about $50 on eBay or from someone locally.

enter image description here

Improve this answer
\$\endgroup\$
0
\$\begingroup\$

I'd suggest that, unless you have some specific emotional attachment to this camera, you just consider it 'broken' & replace it. There are dozens on eBay from $£€ 10. Repair or even investigation into why it has failed wouldn't be worth the time, effort or cost.

Improve this answer
\$\endgroup\$
3
  • \$\begingroup\$ Hi! Thanks for the reply. Sadly, in my country, cameras aren't that affordable as in the US or europe, so it is not that simple, I can't just throw it away. And also, the camera is not really mine it is my father's, I just use it. On another note, I'm positive this can be fixed and I would really like a tecnical answer for my question \$\endgroup\$
    – joaquin
    Sep 17, 2021 at 16:25
  • \$\begingroup\$ The 'technical answer' will necessitate taking the camera apart, to find whether the tube or a capacitor has failed. This will cost maybe 10 times the value of the camera. \$\endgroup\$
    – Tetsujin
    Sep 17, 2021 at 16:37
  • \$\begingroup\$ ok, thanks. I just found an EOS 500 in perfect conditions for roughly 30$ in my city, so I will consider replacing in the end. thanks for the tip! \$\endgroup\$
    – joaquin
    Sep 18, 2021 at 15:04

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.