Flash Not Working

[skirider83]

I have a Canon Rebel XT, and the flash stopped working. Don't know how it happened and I bought it secondhand(so don't have the reciept). The flash will pop up like it should, but no light. I assume the bulb is burnt out. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get it fixed? ...how to get it fixed for the least amount possible? Would it be better to send it in to Canon or to get it fixed at some private camera shop? Or is it something I could do by myself? Thanks

[another view]

I assume the bulb is burnt out.

That's pretty rare - not sure that I've ever heard of it for anything other than studio strobes. Not to say that it can't happen... Maybe one of the Canon people here can help with some settings you can check.

Does the camera only have one battery? I had a Fuji S2 that had two different batteries (Fuji basically turned a Nikon N80 into a DSLR), and it was possible to use the camera on one set of batteries with the others removed but the internal flash wouldn't work. Something like that...

[A.M.D.A.]

Hi,

I have heard of people whose electronic flashes burned out. After a certain number of discharges, they will simply stop working. So, if you bought the camera used, then who knows how many flash-shots had been taken by the previous owner.

My suggestion would be to contact Canon about replacing the dead strobe with a new one.

Or, you could buy a hot-shoe flash and use it instead of the built-in. The external ones are better anyway, and there is less chance of red-eye occuring. However, they are also heavier and take up more space.

[skirider83]

I would use a hot-shoe flash, but the thing is, I use it for skydiving and less is more with that. (for all you wondering how I do this, I have a camera mount on the top of my helmet and have a bite switch, which connects to the camera and every time I bite down, it takes a picture) Any ideas on how much it would/should cost to get it repaired or where I could send it/take it? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks again!

[freygr]

Contact Canon about having the flash fixed. You my have sticker shock. You should be able to email them.

[another view]

have a bite switch, which connects to the camera and every time I bite down, it takes a picture

Hi and welcome to the site. You would probably be best to contact the maker of the flash for repairs, or possibly a place like keh.com

Curious about the bite switch, can you tell us more about it? It's a new one to me!