topic Re: Possible flash problem in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

Possible flash problem

voomie — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 03:05:52 GMT

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?

Re: Possible flash problem

RobertTheFat — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 05:40:39 GMT

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.

Re: Possible flash problem

ebiggs1 — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 06:51:48 GMT

Do spend some quality time with the T5 manual.

Re: Possible flash problem

Waddizzle — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 07:13:47 GMT

@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?

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.

Re: Possible flash problem

voomie — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 09:48:46 GMT

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

Re: Possible flash problem

Waddizzle — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 16:21:23 GMT

@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.

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.

Re: Possible flash problem

kvbarkley — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 14:42:18 GMT

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?

Re: Possible flash problem

Waddizzle — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 16:12:10 GMT

@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?

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.

Re: Possible flash problem

kvbarkley — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 16:37:22 GMT

@Waddizzle wrote:
@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?
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.

I agree, I always turn it off.

Re: Possible flash problem

voomie — Wed, 30 Nov 2016 02:32:55 GMT

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

Re: Possible flash problem

Waddizzle — Wed, 30 Nov 2016 05:15:47 GMT

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

If you mean shooting in "A" mode, then no you cannot disable it. Shoot in "P" mode, which is best for learning the camera, anyway. Check out the differences in the menu options between "A" and "P" modes.