topic Re: MT-24EX mounting ring repair/cleaning in Speedlite Flashes

MT-24EX mounting ring repair/cleaning

jpgruber — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 17:32:17 GMT

Hello,

Need some help/advice. I've had my MT-24EX since 2015 and have used it extensively in the field. I've noticed the gray spring-loaded release button on the top of the mounting ring getting a bit sticky in the last year or so. This morning it seems to have failed. Yesterday it worked fine. This morning when I attempted to attach the mounting ring to the end of my lens, the gray button did not 'snap' back out and the mounting ring spun easily around the lens. I tried using my rocket blower to clear dust around the button and added a bit of lubricant to no avail.

Canon seems to have discontinued service on the MT-24EX. Looking for some advice on how to get this repaired. I assume the internals of the mounting ring might just need a good cleaning. Has anyone ever opened one of these mounting rings? If so, is it easy to put it back together? Any repairpersons out there for this sort of thing?

Thanks much and Happy New Year!

Re: MT-24EX mounting ring repair/cleaning

Stephen — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 17:44:41 GMT

Hello, and welcome to the Canon Community!

I'm sorry to hear that you're having problems with your Speedlite Flash unit. Of course, you're welcome to attempt to repair your own equipment. However, we highly recommend against dismantling a flash unit unless you are trained by Canon. You're in for a nasty shock if you touch the wrong part!

Re: MT-24EX mounting ring repair/cleaning

jpgruber — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 18:10:45 GMT

Hi Stephen,

Thanks for the warning. Just to be clear. I am talking about the ring that mounts the flash heads to the lens. See attached pics. Looks like there are 6 tiny screws that hold it together. If I did attempt to open it myself, it would be detached from the lens and from the flash heads. I assume this would eliminate any shock risk, correct?

Re: MT-24EX mounting ring repair/cleaning

Stephen — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 18:21:51 GMT

Honestly, I don't know, so I wanted to make sure I tossed out a blanket statement to be careful just in case!

Sometimes, when I'm caught up in a project, I forget about little things like "safety" and end up learning things I never meant to learn! 🫠

Re: MT-24EX mounting ring repair/cleaning

DougsGraphics — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 19:29:48 GMT

If you remove those screws, the opposite side (front of the unit) will come off. Inside you will find two springs that maintain the tension. The locking mechanism is a rotating ring that is held in place with more screws. You can readily remove those circled screws and open the unit to inspect for debris or a broken spring without worry -- nothing should fall out or be a problem. If you find something broken, that may be a show stopper since I don't think replacements are available.

Re: MT-24EX mounting ring repair/cleaning

jpgruber — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 21:11:02 GMT

Thanks so much for replying and for the great info. Would you happen to know the size of those screws? I'll have to pick up a jeweler's screwdriver. Just need to know what size is needed.

Re: MT-24EX mounting ring repair/cleaning

DougsGraphics — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 21:13:40 GMT

#0 Phillips

Re: MT-24EX mounting ring repair/cleaning

jpgruber — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 21:23:36 GMT

Awesome, thanks again!

Re: MT-24EX mounting ring repair/cleaning

jpgruber — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 01:54:23 GMT

So, I received my tiny screwdriver (Phillips Screwdriver 1.20mm) yesterday. After applying some Windex for screw cleaning/loosening, today I successfully removed the 6 screws holding the 2 main pieces together and separated the front from the back. Nothing seemed broken or especially dirty, but the release button still refused to snap back out. At that point I made the unfortunate decision to remove the 4 inner screws and disassemble the unit completely. Nothing seems broken and I cleaned all the components with warm soapy water. I ran into a problem reassembling the unit however. I can't get the springs to stay in. Is there some sort of trick or special technique to getting them back in? Seems pretty tricky. Thanks.

Re: MT-24EX mounting ring repair/cleaning

DougsGraphics — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 03:49:28 GMT

OK, so I have not pulled mine apart that far, but I am good with a challenge. I have an engagement early in the morning and need to get off to bed, so I will try and see what I can figure out after activities tomorrow and get back to you.

Re: MT-24EX mounting ring repair/cleaning

jpgruber — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 04:20:29 GMT

If yours is not broken, I would strongly suggest not disassembling it further than you have. I wonder if the innards can even be reassembled by hand. Wonder if the mounting rings are initially assembled by robot. I'll continue to fiddle with it.

Parts catalog is here if you want to see the pieces - https://f20c.com/stuff/canon/partslist/MACRO%20TWIN%20LITE%20MT-24EX.pdf

I can do without my MT-24EX ring as I also have an MT-26EX. Just nice to have a spare mounting ring in case something goes wrong with my MT-26EX one.

Thanks for your help.