My DSLR's built-in flash pops up but won't fire after a fall. Can I fix it myself?
Asked 4/23/2011
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2 answers
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The pop-up flash on my Nikon D50 still opens, but after the camera was dropped it no longer fires. How can I tell whether this is something user-repairable, or if it needs professional service?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
11
Unless you're a camera technician, it's broken beyond self-repair.
Don't mess around with flashes if you're not skilled with high-voltage electronics and camera internals. Flashes need to store charges of 300V or so in order to work, and may not discharge all the way when you turn the camera off. If you open up your camera and touch the wrong thing, you'll get a nasty shock, and could end up dead.
If the risk of death isn't enough to scare you, add in the risk of frying or otherwise breaking the rest of your precious camera. I'd really recommend taking/sending it to a repair shop. Chances are, you'll need to replace some parts, and a shop will either have them on hand or be able to get them quickly.
Originally by user378. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user378
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
If the flash pops up but does not fire after a drop, it likely has internal damage and is not a safe DIY repair for most users. Built-in flashes use high-voltage components that can retain a dangerous charge even after the camera is turned off. Opening the camera and probing around can cause serious electric shock, and you also risk damaging the rest of the camera.
A fall could have damaged the flash tube, wiring, charging circuit, or related internal parts. In practice, unless you are trained in camera repair and high-voltage electronics, the right answer is to have it inspected by a qualified repair shop. They can diagnose the fault and replace any damaged parts safely.
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