Flash on T4i clicks but doesn't pop up

This is new

The latch is trying to open but it doesn't

After three clicks I get an error message on the screen and need to turn the camera off

I have tried compressed air but that is a temporary fix

Any suggestions?

Mark

The usual answer to flash-won't-pop-up questions is flick the springs in the hot shoe to free the switch that tells the camera there is a flash attached, but this doesn't sound like that (try flicking the springs anyway).

This  sounds more like the the flash is trying to release but can't. Are you able to apply some gentle lift to the flash as you press the button?

Crotonmark wrote:

WilbaW wrote:

The usual answer to flash-won't-pop-up questions is flick the springs in the hot shoe to free the switch that tells the camera there is a flash attached, but this doesn't sound like that (try flicking the springs anyway).

This sounds more like the flash is trying to release but can't. Are you able to apply some gentle lift to the flash as you press the button?

yes I can lift it if I apply subtle lift to the flash

And it goes all the way up and it works fine? If so the flash release isn't working properly, which would be a warranty/repair job.

How do you flick the springs?

Thumbnail, toothpick, paperclip... see http://www.justanswer.com/video-camera-repair/4epfw-canon-eos-7d-will-not-allow-pop-flash-set.html for example.

Funny... I've never heard of the clicking and error messages you experienced, but if it seems fixed we'll call that an easy win. 

Rgali323 wrote:

The clicking just started on mine as well camera wasnt dropped or anything...... How can i repair it?

re-read this thread. http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/53155072

There may be some stickiness on the top of the camera (dried sweat, spiilled soft-drink, etc.) that keeps the flash from popping up.   Press the flash button and help it up when it clicks, then clean the edges of the flash and the area beneath it.

AronQZ wrote:

On a 70D the usual fixes found on net did not work (cleaning, wd40, hot shoe contacts etc). Mine had the 3 clicks and then error but could be opened manually with a little assisted push. All else looked ok too (arms / screws / release hook).

The solution was to unscrew the 2 screws on the underside of the top section (next to bulb) which releases the cover (on 70D needed to also release/assist pressure clips on either side under lid. Once pop up flash cover is off there is a pressure screw on one side with the lever spring attached. A minor anti-clockwise turn to reduce the pressure on the screw was enough to resolve the problem.

One could go further if still not working properly and lessen the screw pressure even more. The screw will eventually come right out with the spring and could be cleaned and lubricated before putting back on to get a really sticky one working again (perhaps screw is rusted or too much dirt buildup).

Yes, this is a 4 yr old thread, but I dealt with this problem this past week.

the on board flash on my Canon t4i (as described previously by other posters) would make the 3 clicking sounds, and not pop up.

I seldom use the flash, so I blew that off as an inconvenience.   Prior to visiting the zoo this week I got the flash to pop like it should

My solution was to get the flash popped up and then turn off the camera main switch so as to not flash me.  Then I used an ear cleaning swab, (Q tip type) and nothing else to wipe both the pop up part's outer perimeter and the inner part that it fits into.  Also used the plain q tip to clean where the recessed slot for the catch for the flash what I could reach.  Seems to have helped this problem quite a bit.  Now that I have regular access to the flash, I may try to use it more frequently.

Mike