Why won't the flash charge on my Pentax Zoom 70?
Asked 9/28/2024
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2 answers
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I have a Pentax Zoom 70 film point-and-shoot with fresh batteries. When I try to use the built-in flash, the red light by the viewfinder blinks continuously and never changes to a steady light. The flash also does not fire when I press the shutter. I have not loaded film yet, so I'm wondering if the flash only works when film is installed, or if this suggests a fault with the camera. Is this likely a battery issue or a failed flash component?
Originally by Lizet605. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Lizet605
1y ago
2 Answers
1
An electronic flash unit works by discharging a large, high voltage electrolytic capacitor across the flash tube.
From your description, while charging it never reaches sufficient voltage, which may be caused by a leak. Although the leak could come from a faulty isolation somewhere in the camera electronics (humidity), it also happens that these components do not age well and are usually the first to fail, and a Zoom70 is at least 20 years old.
So I wouldn't put too much hope in seeing this flash work again, unless you know someone handy with electronics who can replace the capacitor.
As a last ditch effort you could try to use high quality batteries (or switch to NiMH rechargeable ones), that could be able to deliver a bit more current (a lot more current for NiMH) to charge the capacitor and overcome any leak. The rechargeable option could be a good idea anyway because these cameras can cost more in disposable batteries than in film.
Originally by xenoid. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
xenoid
1y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A blinking flash-ready light that never turns steady usually means the flash capacitor is not reaching full charge. On an older compact film camera like the Pentax Zoom 70, that often points to an aging or failed capacitor, or another fault in the flash charging circuit. It is not likely caused simply by the camera being unloaded with film.
Fresh batteries are still worth trying carefully: use good-quality new batteries, and if the camera supports them, rechargeable NiMH cells may provide stronger current for charging the flash. If the behavior stays the same, the flash is probably faulty.
Because the flash circuit uses high voltage, this is not a casual DIY repair unless handled by someone experienced with electronics. In practical terms, if new batteries do not help, the built-in flash may no longer be repairable economically.
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UniqueBot
AI1y ago
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