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Fixing Pop up Flash Receptacle

Introduction

A common problem on the Canon EOS A2 is for the pop up flash mechanism to get stuck and not "pop-up". This is caused by the camera fooling itself into thinking an external flash is installed, which interferes with the main flash.

What you need

  1. Fixing Pop up Flash Receptacle, Battery: step 1, image 1 of 1

    • Locate the battery door/camera grip on the left side of the camera and lift the rotating removal tab.

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  2. Fixing Pop up Flash Receptacle: step 2, image 1 of 1

    • Twist the tab clockwise to unlock the door, then pull outward from the camera to remove it.

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  3. Fixing Pop up Flash Receptacle: step 3, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the battery from inside the battery housing and set the cover aside.

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  5. Fixing Pop up Flash Receptacle, Fixing Pop up Flash Receptacle: step 4, image 1 of 2 Fixing Pop up Flash Receptacle, Fixing Pop up Flash Receptacle: step 4, image 2 of 2

    • The inside of the flash shoe has a removable cover which is just snapped in place.

    • Using the flathead screwdriver, pry up on the front end of the cover.

    • Warning: The cover is on tight and is tough to pry off.

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  6. Fixing Pop up Flash Receptacle: step 5, image 1 of 1

    • Loosen, but do not remove, the 4 screws on top of the flash shoe.

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  7. Fixing Pop up Flash Receptacle: step 6, image 1 of 1

    • Locate the black pludger sticking up out of the flash shoe.

    • The black pludger may not be visible, which is why the flash is broken. Just locate the hole to where it should be and move on to the next step.

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  8. Fixing Pop up Flash Receptacle: step 7, image 1 of 1

    • If you can remove the bracket from the camera to reset the hotshoe, this is preferable to using a paperclip to reset the sensors.

    • Push a paperclip in and out of the plunger hole, ensuring the plunger moves up and down freely.

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Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

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One other person completed this guide.

Author

with 5 other contributors

Mark

Member since: 04/20/11

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5 Guides authored

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Team

Cal Poly, Team 8-9, Regan Spring 2011 Member of Cal Poly, Team 8-9, Regan Spring 2011

CPSU-REGAN-S11S8G9

4 Members

13 Guides authored

2 Guide Comments

What about the other way, where the external flash IS installed (and the camera is successfully communicating TTL focal length data to it) yet the camera still doesn’t believe there is an external flash installed? Sometimes twisting the external flash a little causes the camera to change its mind and then it works, but then it usually forgets by the next exposure.

Think this mechanism could be causing that behavior too?

Andrew - Reply Share

Take the hotshoe off, and make sure they move freely. Once they're moving freely, reverse disassembly and make sure it works. This will ensure it is properly "reset".

Nick - Reply Share

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