G7X flash sparks

[Nikicrow]

Hi, 

I have a G7X that was working fine, no issues and then when I went to use the flash it sparked and made a really loud bang noise. I thought it was a fluke so I waited to use the flash a few days, tried multiple times, everytime it sparked. It’s been about a year and a half and I tried it again today and again it still sparks if you use the flash. Can anything be done? 

[Tronhard]

Hi Niki and welcome to the forum:
Right off, when something like that sparks and makes a bang that is a fairly definitive sign that it has suffered a catastrophic failure - a bang or sparks usually suggest a short or power surge, neither of which is good for the camera as a whole.

I would first of all suggest you try to shoot without the flash and see if the other functions of the camera work.  If not, it is likely the whole motherboard is cooked and that is expensive.  If it does work in available light, then I suggest you call 1-800-OK-CANON and have a chat to their friendly service people.   However, assuming it is not under warranty, it is likely to be more than the camera is worth to repair, in which case you could try the Canon upgrade program, where they give you a credit off the cost of a new camera.

[rs-eos]

I would recommend no longer using your camera and look to send in for repair.  Continued use could lead to further damage or even injury.

[bpickert]

Can I still send mine in?

[wq9nsc]

If you plan to try to keep using the camera, see if there is a menu setting to disable the flash and do so to avoid further fireworks.

The basic components of an electronic flash are the flash tube, a capacitor that stores high voltage that is rapidly dissipated within the flash tube, and a resonant coil or step up transformer used to develop high voltage from the low voltage camera supply.  There is high voltage and significant current involved so this is not something an owner should try to repair.

The bang was likely either the xenon discharge (aka "flash tube") exploding or the energy storage capacitor exploding.  The flash tube internal pressure rises very rapidly during a flash and with age the glass envelope will fracture.  If a fault occurs in the flash tube that allows the capacitor to discharge at too high of a rate then its internal pressure will rise and it will explosively vent.  

Be VERY careful trying to use this camera and do not try to repair it yourself unless you are familiar with working around high voltage.  The basic power supply voltage of the camera is very low but the step up circuit creates high voltage and the capacitor can store a lot of energy.  If you have seen defib machines "charging" on one of the many TV shows, they are acting just like your flash system.  The capacitor is charged to a controlled high voltage level and then it is discharged via the paddles through the patient.  You don't want to unwittingly construct your own defib device.

Rodger