Atousa Paulson (Atousa) 2 pts

July 14, 2007 12:30 AM

2

0

Subscribe for Email Updates for this Question

I get a flashing flash symbol on the screen and flash does not work. Why?

This is on the Canon Powershot A630. I get a flashing flash symbol in the screen and the flash wont work. It will not take a picture at all! When you press down the picture taking button (sorry dont know technical term) it will not take a picture and the flash indicator will flash. And no picture taken. If we turn the flash off...it will take a picture. It will do this on all modes. What is wrong?? I have 3 kids and take lots and lots of pictures and I need my flash to work! Hope you all can help
thanks

Report Abuse Did you find this question

helpful or

not helpful?

by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58446 pts

July 25, 2007 7:20 PM

1

Often times you're in light situations that confuse the auto settings of the camera. Dark enough to warrant a flash but it isn't really needed. I bet if you set it for "fill flash," it'll shoot just like if you took the camera off. In fact, the nice thing about using the fill flash is that it will not only catch those kids in action, but it will also make them "pop" in the picture.

Also make sure your batteries are fresh. The older the batteries or the weaker they become, the longer the flash recovery and sometimes the batteries get to the point that they can't power the flash and the camera as well. So it won't take.

Having said that, it depending on how often you use it, it could just need a service.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Atousa Paulson (Atousa) 2 pts

July 26, 2007 1:05 AM

0

It will do the flashing thing even in bright daylight when no flash is needed, but I have it in Auto. Also it will do this for a day or so and then I will pick it up and use it again in a couple days...and the flash works just fine. The batteries are fresh rechargables. I thought the batteries were the problem so I charged them and it still did it. I will try the fill flash (never heard of it). I will look at the manual and let you know if this helps.
thanks

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58446 pts

July 26, 2007 2:30 PM

5

1

While you're looking in the manual, you may want to see how to do a camera reset. If you can reset the camera, it may fix the problem. Sometimes, the firmware settings can get corrupted and resetting the camera will clear it up.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Vidal C. (VidCast) 0 pts

December 24, 2007 6:36 PM

0

Canon SD550.
I am having a problem with the flash not working.
When I try to take a photo (single) the flash symbol will appear (there is a orange light that lights up) flash a couple times and then says to change the battery pack. I've charged it until the green light shows on the charger and bought a 2nd battery that is fully charged with the same outcome. I still have the box, manuals (except the BASIC manual) so if you could help me or direct me to a website where I could download it or read it on line, I would be very happy.

Thank You

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Jab 42 pts

January 17, 2008 8:30 PM

1

0

A630.
Same problem here, my camera started doing the same thing with the Flash icon blinking and not allowing me to take any pictures. Tried as well to factory reset, but no difference.
Perhaps a firmware reset would do the trick. Does anyone know how to do this?

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Kate 0 pts

March 16, 2008 11:38 PM

0

same problem here. And I'm past my warranty...

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Deb 1 pts

March 26, 2008 6:31 PM

1

I have the same problem with my A630. Also past warranty, although I sent it to Canon before the warranty was out and they said they fixed it but they didn't. Mine does the same thing another person posted, some days it works fine other days it doesn't. Really makes me mad. None of that reset stuff works. I think Canon should recall the cameras.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

liszt 0 pts

April 1, 2008 2:52 AM

0

Same problem here, what shall I do?
What is a "fill flash" and how can I set it?

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Mark 0 pts

April 1, 2008 11:58 PM

0

Exact same problem here with my SD%%). I have tried three fully charged batteries including a new one I bought today. Are there any solutions other than sending it to Cannon and giving them their $125+ ?

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Deb 1 pts

April 2, 2008 7:11 PM

0

1

Canon needs to recall this camera. There are way too many people with the same problem.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Jab 42 pts

April 10, 2008 11:58 AM

0

1

I did manage to resolve mine in the end.
I took it to a Camera shop, and they made the request & sent it to Canon. Cost me £25 though for the service.
According to Canon (what a joke). There was no problem with the camera in the 1st place!!
This is definitely not the case, since I showed all the symptoms to the shopkeeper.
Anyway, my camera is now working. Not sure for how long though!!
I'm quite frankly dissapointed with how Canon are dealing with this. Thinking I'm that stupid & telling me to read the manual. lol!
In my opinion, they probably reflashed the firmware on my camera, which is a straight forward procedure. Wish the firmware was available for download though, could have done it myself & save the money.

I would probably recommend that you try and INSIST with canon technical support!
And complain on forums as well like http://www.dpreview.com/
They can't just keep ignoring their customers!!

Having said that, I love this camera. I've gradually learnt a lot from it.
Would I still recommend canon cameras?! Yes, so long as you don't have to deal with their support! Quite frankly a joke!!

And yes, they

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Jab 42 pts

April 11, 2008 9:05 AM

0

mmmm. wordcount problem!!
I was saying, yes, they should definitely make a recall on this model. But given it's more than a year old, i doubt they'll do it.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Lynn 0 pts

April 15, 2008 11:33 AM

0

I have the same problem - what is the easiet way to call Canon - my camera will take photos, just no flash, ever.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Jab 42 pts

April 16, 2008 12:52 PM

1

0

Hi Lynn,
You could try from this link. http://www.canon.co.uk/Support/index.asp
You never know, someone else more helpful might pick up your e-mail.
In my case i took it to small specialist camera shop.

Good luck.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Jab 42 pts

April 17, 2008 9:56 AM

0

I have raised this issue, again, with Canon. It seems this has been passed on to their level2 support. Hopefully they'll come back with something positive. I'm just hoping though that others users having the same problem raised the issue as well. Otherwise this won't go far.
Will keep posted once, (if) i do get an update.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

make 0 pts

April 24, 2008 1:58 AM

0

I got the same problem in my A630. Flash stop working after 12 months.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Ro 0 pts

April 25, 2008 11:55 AM

0

Same problem here. Unfortunately, I already got the A630 as a free replacement for my old A70 which had this problem:

http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/digital-cameras/canon-powershot-a70_question.html?qid=12952

I wonder if I can get a new one again...?

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Liszt 6 pts

May 3, 2008 6:10 AM

6

0

I have the same problem, (as I wrote before) I tried to shake the camera (one harsh-but-small shake) and then the flash worked.
I tried this several times so far and it seems that its helping.

I know its not a perfect solution, but its the cheapest! :)

Can you try that out as well and tell if it works for you too?

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Spud 2 pts

May 25, 2008 9:49 PM

2

0

Same problem - shaking the camera resolved it (for now).

Looks like I'll be budgeting for a new camera in the near future...

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Kevin 0 pts

June 10, 2008 2:05 PM

0

This happened to my Powershot SD870.

I contacted technical service and they informed me that my flash was broken.

I will be sending it in soon.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Martha 0 pts

June 27, 2008 11:06 PM

0

I'm having the same problem. I've had my A630 for 1.5 years. I love it... well loved it.
I haven't contacted Canon or taken it to a camera shop yet. I was hoping to get a solution myself first. Will try to reset & shake it.
Seems like a pretty common problem. Canon, are you listening?
Let me know when they choose to recall them.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Jab 42 pts

July 3, 2008 4:02 AM

0

Hi Martha,

Unfortunately, Canon don't seem to be listening! I've contacted, and they seem to deny that there is any problem with this model (A630). The technician ask me to reply to him if I had any further query, but their e-mail system doesn't take incoming e-mail, so I have to go through their ticketing system again. It seems it becomes a "shake & shoot" for the meantime..
As for a recall, i think that will be unlikely, as it seems to happen pass the 1yr warranty.
I will keep posted if I do get somewhere with them.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Sine 3 pts

July 16, 2008 1:48 AM

3

0

I have had this same problem for about a year with my A550, believe it or not I just wacked it on the table a few times and its fixed!!!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Itay 4 pts

July 18, 2008 12:42 AM

4

0

It is sad to say but after reading all the thread, the solution that worked for me was to hit the camera :-)

Working for now.

Thanks

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

jenn 0 pts

July 19, 2008 8:27 PM

0

I have the exact same problem. I am out of warranty. Looks like i'll be shopping for another camera AGAIN!!!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Nix 0 pts

July 27, 2008 9:13 PM

0

I discovered the same problem with our IXUS 750 model last night.

Played around with settings and then it just shut off and displayed a message saying "Change The Battery Pack"

Recharged the battery pack and tried again.

Still the same error.

Will try the shaking / hitting / banging on table solution.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Nix 0 pts

July 27, 2008 9:18 PM

0

P.S. I didn't get the low battery indicator before the "Change The Battery Pack" message so I don't believe the battery is the problem.

Maybe the flash bulb just works it way lose over time or something and the shaking / tapping sets it back into place ??

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

nick.blakeney@ozemail.com.au 0 pts

July 30, 2008 10:51 PM

0

Nothing worked, shaking vigorously, banging on table, dropping on floor from a short distance.

I'm thinking the change the battery pack messgage is displayed as the faulty flash is shorting out or something.

My parents have the exact same camera, so I might try out their battery to see if it's a battery issue.

I'm guessing I'll be off to the repair shop.

Ironically I went to the Australian Canon webiste and put in my postcode and it listed one in the very next suburb plus a couple of others both still reasonably close.

The next day I tried the postcode of my work and it listed the same 3.

I tried my parents postcode who are a good 85km from where I live and it listed the same 3.

I tried a postcode out in the sticks and this time it only came up with the head office for my state.

So it seems I'm lucky to have an authorised repairer in the next suburb to where I live.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

angie 0 pts

July 30, 2008 11:00 PM

0

I have the A630 and this just happened to me last night [while I was saying goodbye to a dear friend and trying to take one last photo with him]. Not happy. I never bought the extended warranty because Amazon provided a review of the warranty offer and everyone advised against it. I just tried knocking it on my desk and it fixed the problem for the moment.

I really loved this camera and I'm so sad it did this [almost a year to the day after I bought it]. I'm cursed...you should see how HP screwed me with my laptop...

Anyway, please let me know if anyone has a more long-term solution/Canon steps up to fix this. Thank you.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Nix 0 pts

July 30, 2008 11:05 PM

0

Hey angie, where did you knock it ie on the camera, maybe I'm knocking mine in the wrong spot.

Although having said that, I know our 4 year old likes to wander around with the camera taking shots, but has always been told he needs to have the strap round his wrist, but I notice last night that there are some scratches on the case just above the flash.

Hmmm...

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Lynn 0 pts

July 30, 2008 11:09 PM

0

I had a similar problem - all of the sudden at Disney the flash just stopped working - still took photos - falsh light lit but no flash - I send it to a camera shop and he replaced the flash board and it is working just fine now - of course it cost me $125 but I had only had it a year.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Nix 0 pts

August 4, 2008 6:46 PM

0

Went to the repair shop and the guys says it needs a new flash that will cost me AU$120

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

KT 0 pts

August 11, 2008 7:27 AM

0

Canon Powershot A630. I had the same problem and tapping the base of the camera on a table worked... for now. I hope Canon are reading this!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Sine 3 pts

August 11, 2008 6:06 PM

0

well it was only a temporary fix, I tried the same thing and it broke, I went back to a Sony cybershot, I had one before and its still works 6 years on, will never buy a canon again...

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Nix 0 pts

August 11, 2008 7:06 PM

0

Just further to my last comment.

I asked the guy at the repair shop if it was a common problem and he said that it wasn't.

I asked what might have caused it and he said that the circuitry in the camera is pretty high voltage and that if something is going to get zapped then it is likely to be the flash.

Doesn't explain why some people have had luck tapping, banging, shaking their cameras, but at least those people have saved them self $100+

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

j9riter 0 pts

August 23, 2008 1:54 AM

0

I'm having the same trouble with my 630. Anyone have a good link to complain to Canon about it??

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

AJ 1 pts

September 10, 2008 2:56 AM

1

0

Same problem for me too. The flash just refused to ...umm... flash(!).

This problem had cropped up once before too. Back then, it also gave the "Change the Batteries" message. So I did just that and the problem seemed to go away. But 3 weeks after I started using the new batteries, the flash stopped functioning all over again. After reading all the posts here, I tried resetting the setting, and it worked!

Hopefully, I won't have to use the Bang-and-Shoot method mentioned here, because my camera already has a hairline fracture from a fall long ago and banging it again wouldn't be just a great idea.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Lilt 0 pts

September 16, 2008 6:11 PM

0

I started experiencing similar problems with my A550 recently....gave it a smack and bingo it worked again! I'm thinking of swapping it for another camera coz i need my camera for work and can't afford to have it suddenly stop working. It's a shame coz otherwise the camera was pretty good and reliable.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Hugo 0 pts

October 8, 2008 2:22 PM

0

1

Yeow! New batteries didn't work. Cleaning the batteries and the contacts didn't work. Reset didn't work. But smacking the camera on a pile of papers on a table worked. Luckily this is a work camera and not something that I paid for. It has survived a few years in rough conditions, so I hope it keeps going.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Dan C. 51 pts

October 20, 2008 3:16 PM

1

Folks - I've tried everything!

New rechargable batteries- twice, new battery charger, reset camera,cleaned it, new SD card!

Finally, after contacting Canon service on my 10 month old camera they said send it in and we'll repair it. Well after two weeks they said "the problem has been identified", please remitt $98.00 so you can have your camera back!

I asked for the issue to be escalated due to so many other folks having same issue or keep the camera and I'll go back to a Nikon! I will NOT pay nearly half the cost of a new A630 to cover their product deficiency!

This is why class actions are taken up! Manufacturers not standing by their products and making profit off the repairs!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

angie 0 pts

October 20, 2008 3:39 PM

0

I'm the same Angie from July 30, 2008: Nix, I knocked it on the corner, right where the Batteries/SD Card are inserted.

Don't want to jinx myself but......I have to say it: I haven't had any issues since the second or third time I had to knock it on something. Now I expect it to die within the next week.

If anyone has info on the prospect Canon class action suit, please let us know!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Deb 1 pts

October 20, 2008 10:20 PM

0

Well I also hit mine on the table and it has worked fine since then. I also sent mine back to Cannon, prior to finding this website and knocking it on the table. They also tried to charge me $98.00 and I basically refused and had a fit on them. They finally sent it back and didn't charge me. It worked for awhile but then started doing the same thing again. I knew there was no way they were going to fix it for me again. So my suggestion to everyone........beat it on the table. Don't worry you don't have to do it very hard and it will work fine !!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Nix 0 pts

October 20, 2008 10:27 PM

0

Thanks Angie, I ended up getting it fixed for A$120.

When the guy quoted us that price I wasn't sure, but the guy said the camera was worth getting repaired.

admittedly it cost me A$499 so....

My mum has the same camera and so far hers has had no problem.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Beth 0 pts

November 4, 2008 6:04 PM

0

Wow - I had the same problem - flash wouldn't work on either setting but if I turned it off, it would snap a picture. When it first happened a couple weeks ago I was able to get the flash to work if I turned the flash off, took a picture and then turned the flash on again. At my nephew's birthday party, I couldn't get it to work at all. So I just tried the hitting it on the desk and it worked! I love this camera and I am not happy that Canon isn't addressing the problem since it seems this is not a new issue.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Dan C. 51 pts

November 4, 2008 8:12 PM

0

Hey folks!

Canon is a very large Corporation that simply doesn't care about our "little" problem on the A630 camera!

My problem was reported to Canon 4 months after I bought the unit and was documented on their tech call log! However, even though the initial report was well within the warranty period, I sent the camera in 1 month after the warranty period. The rather curt service lady said too late, too bad! This after I explained trying to change out batteries and chargers, reset camera, etc...

The agent was very prepared to sell me some other refurbished camera model at $129.00. So my choice was to pay $98.00 to fix their defect or buy another piece of unknown hardware!

As I mentioned in previous post, I just had them send my camera back without repair. Guess what? After all the reports of tappimg the camera on a table - it started to work again when I tapped it! However, I have had to bang the camera several times more to get it to work after it stopped flashing again!!!

I mentioned all of us out here with this same problem on the world wide web and their response was "we can't answer for disgruntled consumers on some crazy blog". Can you believe that?! So we are just crazy consumers and they are big daddy canon!

Please consider boycotting canon products - all of them! Printers, cameras, copiers, etc... I'm going back to Nikon the camera I had before the A630 that got stolen from my car!

The only message we can give them is - no sales! That is what big pushy poor customer service companies understand! Maybe someday they will change their policies and start caring about their little customers again!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Nix 0 pts

November 4, 2008 8:25 PM

0

Hey Cannon don't Dis my gruntle !!!

Crazy Blog - hmm I can see a rehashed version of that Axel F hit from Beverly Hills Cop coming.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Ryan 0 pts

November 6, 2008 10:19 AM

0

just give it a strong tap.....it worked for me!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Patrick 0 pts

November 28, 2008 12:39 PM

0

I'm glad that I located this forum. My one year old (out of warranty for 4 weeks now) Canon A630 has the same problem. I tapped it on the table top near the battery door and the camera began working once again. I'll be practicing the bang and shoot until the camera finally dies. This is my last Canon, I believe (which is unfortunate as it has taken some beautiful photos).

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Carl 0 pts

December 21, 2008 1:54 AM

0

Hey Everybody:

I was having the same problem with my Canon A630 and the flash not working properly.

I gave it a sharp rap on the top right corner where the SD card / USB cover is located....and Voila`!!!....ITS NOW WORKING !!!!

Thanks for the suggestion; and I hope my camera keeps working.

:)

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

angie 0 pts

December 21, 2008 11:28 AM

0

Just had to smack mine on the bar again a few nights ago. Not too bad...a good 6 months between knocks. LOL

The embarrassing part is that people were sitting there praising my camera for the swivel screen and I'm like "Uh yeah...*knock knock*...great camera." Just so happens that it happened at another "Going Away"/final goodbye moment with a dear friend. Thank goodness I knew what to do this time.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Dan C. 51 pts

December 22, 2008 2:47 PM

0

Hey folks,

After you bang your cameras to pieces and it finally won't work try NIKON! They have better picture, software, focus, and all around better point & shoot cameras! Look at the Nikon Coolpix line of cameras. I'm buying the Coolpix P6000! I had a Coolpix that got stolen before I bought this Canon A630 piece of junk! Canon has great marketing and advertising no doubt. However, their cameras are plagued with little defects and firmware issues and they obviously don't care about you after the sale! The customer support people are rude and don't care about us customers! They live off the name Canon that mattered a few years ago. They hope that heavy continous advertising will get them business. We should show them that our statisfaction is what really matters to maintain the brand name recognition and earn OUR hard earned dollars! Good luck with your Canon cameras!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Tom L 0 pts

December 26, 2008 4:11 PM

0

I am, sad that that I'm not alone. I love this A630 and just can't handle the flash not working.I've given it a shake - and it works. But, I also tried scripting the firmware and now I'm getting RAW pictures - and that's pretty cool. What a trade-off.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

sblevine 9 pts

December 28, 2008 6:40 AM

9

0

I got this answer from over on fixya.com. (Credit to huyhuyhuy.) This fix requires a jeweler's-size phillips screwdriver. It requires removing 3 screws, and shouldn't void the warranty (writer takes no responsiblity for damage).

1. Remove the batteries and memory card.
2. On the side of the camera where the flash it, there is a side panal attached to the camera with 3 screws, 2 on the side, one on the bottom. Remove the screws. (Note that the two screws on the side are different sizes. Be sure to note which hole goes with the larger screw for reassembly.)
3. Once the panel is removed you will be able to see inside the camera through some exposed holes in the casing. In one of these holes at the top is a round capacitor, something which looks like the bottom of a battery. Use a pencil and jiggle the capacitor. This will reseat it into it's normal place.
4. Reassemble the camera and test it. Repeat if necessary.

I suspect the problem we have all been having is because this capacitor is designed to sit tightly against a metal contact (it should have been soldered to the contact). Dropping or banging the camera unseats the capaticor from it's place. The people who have had success fixing the problem by banging the camera, are succeeding in reseating the capacitor, but are in danger of breaking something else.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

JanJL (JanJL) 2 pts

January 30, 2009 7:18 PM

2

0

A big THANK YOU to sblevine for digging up the "surgery" solution; worked for me ! Had the blinking flash icon, could not shoot in any mode but NO FLASH. Tried the gentle rapping at first with no success. Opened the side of the camera as described; jiggled the capacitor (no real feeling of reseating or any other snapping into place), closed the camera up and it is working now for at least 48 hours. Received the usual reply from Canon....... clean the contacts, put in fresh batteries, if that does not solve the problem then two alternatives. Refurbished camera for $75 to $125US (funny that the A630/640 is not offered as one of the refurb models) or send in for repair, $79US minimum. My camera is two years old.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Mark 0 pts

January 30, 2009 10:54 PM

0

I was excited to read the solution offered by sblevine. However, the advice did not apply to the problem when experienced with the SD550 as there are no access holes under the side cover. I suppose I could disassemble the entire thing and look for the the capacitor but I am a bit nervous about yanking it all apart. Has anyone tried to find the charging capacitor in a SD500?

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Ryan 0 pts

March 20, 2009 10:53 PM

0

Cool the shaking solution works! I wonder how long until it's broken for good. This is my first canon digital camera and I think if this problem keeps up I'm going to try Sony next time.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

JanJL (JanJL) 2 pts

March 22, 2009 4:09 PM

0

My A630 problem (flashing flash icon, no flash) came back two weeks later even though I was now much more gently handling my camera, worrying about shaking the capacitor out of position again. This time I moved the capacitor on one direction only after opening up again. Tried to see if the flash was back again without reassembling the end plate. If not, then shift the capacitor at a direction 90 degrees from the first adjustment. Kept this up until I found the capacitor shift direction that solved the problem. Then I cut the end off a tapered, hardwood, toothpick and pushed it into the camera beside the capacitor to try to wedge the capacitor in the flash fix direction. Reassembled the camera and it is still working now a month and a half later.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Tom L 0 pts

March 22, 2009 5:23 PM

0

The flash worked for sometime after "jiggling" the A630. However, on it's 2nd birthday almost 2 weeks ago it just totally died. Batteries drained and not even the AC adapter would light up the camera. I was leaving for a trip in two days.I went and bought the Canon 2000 IS at $199 Canadian dollars. It was $49 off.
I love this one. Face recognition, anti-vibration,10 megapixel,6X zoom and with DigicIII it's back to just 2 batteries. And about $75 less than my A630 was.
Goodbye A630 - it's a goner.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Caryn 0 pts

April 9, 2009 3:53 PM

0

I have had the same problem off and on the past year. Usually it just stops working for a period, then i'll leave it alone afew days and its back up. however, the past 3 weeks i've tried to use the flash, and it doesnt go.
i have, while reading this thread, tried every suggestion, and what made it work was a combination of hiting it on my desk and shaking it heavily while jumping around. hopefully that works in the future too.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

claytronic 0 pts

May 19, 2009 11:54 PM

0

sblevine's tip fixed my A630. Just a small wiggle of the capacitor was all that was needed.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

JanJL (JanJL) 2 pts

May 20, 2009 4:18 PM

0

See my further "repair", posted Mar 22, 2009 if the problem reoccurs. Since my March wedging in of the capacitor, my camera has been working OK. It is carried everyday, including a weekly, very bumpy hike.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Chac 0 pts

June 4, 2009 12:20 PM

0

Thanks to Sblevine (Dec 28-08), the method worked fine to me. It is a pity that Canon does not take the responsability. I will buy a Panasonic - Lumix with Leica lens -, no more Canon digital cameras for me.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Mark 0 pts

June 4, 2009 12:26 PM

0

I posted several months ago and got no response and thought I would try again. Has anyone found the flash capacitor on the SD550? It is not visible under the cover like on the 630s or 640s.
Thanks

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Jennifer 0 pts

June 21, 2009 10:58 AM

0

I am on vacation and mine started doing the no flash thing last night. I tried shaking and no luck. I was afraid to shake too hard, so I tried a few more times, and it didn't work. Then I got a little frustrated, banged it on my other hand (harder) and said a few choice words -- It worked!!! And I got a good laugh

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Popper1101 (popper1101) 0 pts

June 23, 2009 12:24 AM

0

I have an A640, same symptoms as everyone on here has mentioned (flashing flash symbol and no flash).

Just tried the gentle-wack, and voila...worked.

Will try the more technical solution next time when it happens, but so sad Canon won't fix or resolve this for their customers. Such nice cameras...

Anyhow, reminds me of a prior issue with one of my earlier A series of Canon's that required a "whack" to fix it...am sensing a pattern here. May have to consider another brand, this is my 3rd A series in the past 9 years...come on Canon, help us out.

Pop

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Kelly O 0 pts

July 24, 2009 3:19 AM

0

i have the same exact problem, and im going to a huge party tommrow. just tried to hit it anaginst the wall and it worked! hopefully i does this to work again! haha

anyone know the best yet decently priced digital slr's? im thinking of buying one!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Kyle 0 pts

July 28, 2009 8:44 PM

0

I can't believe it. For six months I thought I had messed up some setting. I went through the entire manual, basic and advanced and could not find anything that showed where I messed up. Then today while trying to document a leak in a door due to driving rain, I couldn't take the shot. I hope the manufacturer of the door is more interested in maintaining their reputation than Cannon is. After searching the internet looking for a solution, I stumbled on this blog and wow, I fixed the problem by tapping it on the palm of my left hand. I may take it apart later but for now its working. To bad the driving rains that penetrated my door dried up before I could document it.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Canon Sucker 0 pts

August 1, 2009 11:32 PM

0

I have gone through the manual, searched the net, gone to Canon online support to help fix my Flashing flash Icon but no flash issue. I read here several people had luck smacking their cameras. This issue has been on again off again for several months on my A550. I had no trouble smacking it against my palm and guess what, yup it's fixed. Canon you got to get with the program, not good Public Relations when hitting the camera is a Prerequisite to taking a picture.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Chase 0 pts

August 2, 2009 8:43 PM

0

Well I have been having the same problem with the A630. I loved this camera until the flash/focus stopped working. I just finished reading this thread and took the advice given on here to try and shake the camera. IT WORKED! I guess I am safe for awhile. We will see how it works out. I have had mine for just over 2 years and it just started doing it now. Good luck ya'll.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

JBG 0 pts

August 17, 2009 8:27 PM

0

I, too, have had this SAME problem regarding the flash not working. I, too, went thru all the settings, etc..all to no avail. Shaking didn't work, but a nice wack on the palm of my other hand did. What a shame that such a great, electronic, high tech device is reduced to a wack on the hand to make it work!! The only problem with this solution is that one might just miss that 'great' shot because the flash didn't work. Are we reduced to wack and shoot???
Thanks to all of you above who figured out and perfected the solution and to sblevine for the surgical solution.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

outdoorben 0 pts

August 18, 2009 3:46 PM

0

This forum was a camera life-saver. I held my A630 in my hand, made a fist and banged it down quite hard onto the door where the memory card goes and it's working!

Shame on Canon if so many people are experiencing this. I've never had a problem with their cameras before (A70, A95 and this one).

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

CameraGuy 0 pts

August 21, 2009 5:12 PM

0

My flash does not work on the portrait setting. I have a Canon 630A. I use the optional flash as a fill-in for many of my photos. Banging it seemed to fix it. There is no info in the manual on this issue.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

K.Topaz 0 pts

August 26, 2009 11:26 PM

0

Same problem here. Hitting it with the heel of my hand worked (for now). I love the camera and Canon products in general. I was hoping to eventually get a Rebel XSi, which is obviously a lot more expensive than this P&S. I just hope there aren't any more problems like this.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

paju514 0 pts

August 28, 2009 3:42 AM

0

Same issue as well. My A630 was not put through any kind of punishment until i discovered that banging it by the battery/sd card will temporarily fix. Who knows what else is going to break after all that banging. The A630 was supposed to be an upgrade after my a60 was fixed by Canon due to loose wire problem. Fool me once shame on me, fool me twice shame on you. Dissapointed in Canon. May have to go with Nikon if they do not recall this.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

BarryBURBs 0 pts

September 24, 2009 2:08 PM

0

Another A630 user here with the same problem. Whacking it fixed it! Yay to this forum and boo to canon. I guess when it comes to good customer service, canon can't.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

dgrimmer 0 pts

October 2, 2009 8:53 AM

0

Same issue with my 2 y/o A630. I used Sblevine's approach, and so far so good. Thanks. I didn't want to say goodbye to this camera, so many good shots!

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

tpeck 0 pts

October 10, 2009 8:15 AM

0

Thanks for all the help with this problem with my canon A630. So, I tried the "bang the camera" trick and i'll be darned..the flash started working! Unbelieveable!! It's kinda like back in the day when you'd hit the side of the tv to make it come in better. All this technology and we are still banging things to make them work.....thanks again for the help.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Mandinka 0 pts

October 21, 2009 7:25 PM

0

Liszt..Unbelievable!! Shaking it like crazy actually fixed the flash. Hooray!!! Thank you.......

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

ellen 0 pts

October 21, 2009 10:25 PM

0

I thought you guys were crazy, but it really does work to bang the A630 with your hand

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Claire 0 pts

October 26, 2009 2:28 PM

0

Another person that went with the bang theory and it worked :)

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

gringoloco 0 pts

October 31, 2009 5:05 PM

0

I may have the same problem with my A630 but here goes. My flash does fire but the photos come out under-exposed. The flash
symbol does blink but the picture is dark. I tried rapping on the side by the batteries but no difference. I thought I had a
"calibrated hand" after working in electronics for 35yrs but no go. The camera is 2-3 yrs old but I like it.
Any ideas?

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Louis 0 pts

November 6, 2009 1:54 AM

0

I'm with ellen, thought you bangers were nutters. But I can't afford a new camera and had to give it a try. Banged it on my desk at the battery door corner, and voila! Damn thing works now. Had it about 2 1/2 years. Thanks all for proving out the theory.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

amp4716 0 pts

November 6, 2009 9:47 AM

0

I have exactly the same issue as gringoloco (Oct 31, 09). Does anyone have any suggestions?

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Erik 0 pts

November 16, 2009 10:34 AM

0

Can't believe it... I have the A630. Same flash problem -- stopped working. Shook it really hard and good to go. Incredible.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

Toni 0 pts

November 21, 2009 7:05 AM

0

My A640 had the same problem. Fortunately, sblevine's solution (see his
December 28, 2008 6:40 AM post) worked for me. It's really easy (if you have the screwdriver) and WORKS!! Just press the capacitor a little... And you don't have to shake or hit the camera!

Thanks a lot sblevine! You are my idol!! ;)

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

JanJL (JanJL) 2 pts

November 21, 2009 4:17 PM

0

Please note all the Canon A630/A640 bangers, see my further "repair", posted Mar 22, 2009 and May 20, 2009 if the problem reoccurs.

Solution to the problem, if periodically recurring, and are not happy with banging the camera all the time and its potential damage. Since my March wedging in of the capacitor, my camera has been working OK; it is now over 6 months. It is carried everyday, including a weekly, very bumpy hike.

Report Abuse Did you find this answer

helpful or

not helpful?

I get a flashing flash symbol on the screen and flash does not work. Why?

This Question is Answered. If you have further information you may add it here.