Possible flash problem

[voomie]

I bought refurbished t5 and when I tried it out, the flash blinks really flash like a strobe light when it tries to focus. Did I get a bummed refurb or is there a setting I need to change?

[RobertTheFat]

The flash is providing an autofocus assist beam. The T5 user manual will tell you how to use it and/or turn it off. If it bothers you, you can buy an external speedlite that fits into the hot shoe. The good ones use a red/infrared transmitter for the AF assist beam that you (and your subjects) would probably not even notice.

[ebiggs1]

Do spend some quality time with the T5 manual.

[Waddizzle]

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@voomie wrote:
I bought refurbished t5 and when I tried it out, the flash blinks really flash like a strobe light when it tries to focus. Did I get a bummed refurb or is there a setting I need to change?

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You should only get the AF assist beam from the flash when you are in low light situations.  "Don't Panic."  The camera is fine.

[voomie]

I'll play around with it but it worries me because it starts and several times and almost sounds like it is shorting out.

[Waddizzle]

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@voomie wrote:
I'll play around with it but it worries me because it starts and several times and almost sounds like it is shorting out.

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Not good.  Don't use it.  That sounds hazadous.  Consult Canon, if you're in doubt.  The assist beam does make a noise, but it sounds like a strobe.  Have you ever heard a strobe before?  The sound varies from one device to another, but it is a pop.

[kvbarkley]

This is where Click and Clack (RIP) would have the caller try to imitate the sound, to great hilarity.

The "disco flash" does make a buzzing sound.

Try it with the lens cap off in P mode and just take a flash shot. does that sound OK?

[Waddizzle]

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@kvbarkley wrote:

This is where Click and Clack (RIP) would have the caller try to imitate the sound, to great hilarity.

The "disco flash" does make a buzzing sound.

Try it with the lens cap off in P mode and just take a flash shot. does that sound OK?

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My gut says the camera is fine.  The T5 does make an ugly noise when it does AF Assist, if you're not expecting it.

[kvbarkley]

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@Waddizzle wrote:

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@kvbarkley wrote:

This is where Click and Clack (RIP) would have the caller try to imitate the sound, to great hilarity.

The "disco flash" does make a buzzing sound.

Try it with the lens cap off in P mode and just take a flash shot. does that sound OK?

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My gut says the camera is fine.  The T5 does make an ugly noise when it does AF Assist, if you're not expecting it.

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I agree, I always turn it off.

[voomie]

OK it is the auto focus assist beam. I can turn it off when I am shooting in auto?