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Speedlite EL-5 battery drain

Ingvar3000
Apprentice

Hello!

I have a problem with my EL-5 flash, a fully charged battery completely drains in less than 24 hours when inserted into the flash (flash not in use, turned off during the day). 

I found several threads with a similar problem, so this problem is common. But in my case it didn't start from the beginning. It seems to start from the moment I disconnect the flash when it was on. 

So is there any solution?

Do you have a problem like this?

3 REPLIES 3

John_Q
Product Expert
Product Expert

Hello Ingvar3000,

I'm sorry to hear that you may be having issues with your battery for your flash. You may want to start by cleaning the battery contacts with a clean, soft microfiber cloth. Dirty contacts could cause an issue like this. Do not use any kind of solution when trying this. We recommend that you remove the battery from the flash when not in use. The battery will disseminate power more so while left in the flash unit even when not in use. That would be normal. You can check the battery’s approximate remaining current capacity and overall recharge performance right on the flash. Press the [Sub Menu] button. Then select [information] and press the joystick straight in. Press the joystick in again to select [Battery info]. The following screen will display more information on the battery in use. The thing I would check is the recharging performance levels. You want to see 3 full bars.

If the problem persists, our factory service center can determine whether it's a repair issue. For factory service, please forward your flash to one of the Factory Service Centers shown below.  If it has been less than one year since the flash was purchased, we ask that you also include proof of warranty in the form of a copy of your sales receipt.

Please follow the link below to access our online repair portal to arrange for service: 

 

https://mycanon.usa.canon.com/signin 

 

If you already have a My Canon Account and your product is already registered, simply click on the “Get Repair Services” link on the left menu and follow the onscreen instructions to arrange for service for your product. 

If you have a My Canon Account and your product is not registered, you must register your product first. Click on the “Get Repair Services” link on the left menu, then click on the “Register Product” link on the right. After your product is registered, click on the “Get Repair Service” link on the left menu and follow the onscreen instructions to arrange for service for your product. 

If you do not have a My Canon Account, you will need to create one. After you create your account, click on the “Add Product” link to register your first product. After your product is registered, click on the “Get Repair Service” link on the left menu and follow the onscreen instructions to arrange for service for your product. 

Once you have completed the repair request, you will have an opportunity to print a copy of the request for your records. This request form will also contain shipping instructions and an address label that you will attach to the outside of your shipping box when mailing your equipment for repair.  

When shipping your flash, please be sure to remove the battery. You are not required to send any accessories or manuals when shipping the flash.  Be sure to include your name, street address (no P.O. boxes, please), telephone number, email address, and a letter describing the issue with the product. 

Alternately, you may fill out an online repair request form at the following link to setup your repair using our online service. Scroll down the page and look for [Request Forms & Service Programs].

https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/support/service-repair

As we do not provide RMA numbers for service, we suggest using a trackable and insurable service (i.e. UPS, FedEX, Priority Mail) to ship your flash.  Please package the flash very securely in a sturdy shipping box to prevent damage during shipment.

Please send your flash to one of the Factory Service Centers below:

Canon Factory Service Center
12022 Canon Boulevard
Newport News, VA 23606

Or:

Canon Factory Service Center
123 Paularino Ave.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626-3311

Upon arrival at the Factory Service Center, your flash will be logged in to our repair database and assigned a repair number.  Next, the flash will be visually inspected, and you will be advised of the findings.  If the required repairs are covered by the warranty, the repairs will begin immediately, and you will not be contacted.  When the repairs are complete, the flash will be shipped back to you via Federal Express.  The length of time for the repair will be dependent upon the nature of the repair and availability of parts, if needed.  Usually, warranted repairs are completed within approximately five to seven business days of the flash's arrival at the Factory Service Center.

All decisions regarding warranty coverage are made by the Factory Service Center at the time of repair.  If the repair entails something that is not covered in warranty, a written estimate will be sent to you at the address that you have provided.  The repairs to your flash will not begin until you approve this estimate and make payment arrangements.  If, after receiving the estimate, you do not wish to have the flash repaired, please inform the Factory Service Center of your decision as soon as possible.  If you decline the estimate, the flash will be shipped back to you unrepaired.

Please note that our U.S. Factory Service Centers are unable to accept packages from or return equipment to addresses outside the United States.

 

morbs98
Apprentice

I just got my EL5 back from Canon after sending it in for the same issue. They replaced the battery box and now the battery holds a charge as expected. The repair was really quick, it only took a week from shipping it to getting it back in hand.

DanAhl
Apprentice

Same issue for me with EL 5. It was brand new so the battery contacts were not dirty. If you leave it in the flash, the battery will drain within a few days even if it's fully charged. I also notice of this battery discharges when it's not in the flash. Any suggestions or expectations for how long should a charge hold so I can grab the flash and go use it? I have seen some feedback solutions that you have to charge the battery the night before you're going to go out and use it, but that's not very helpful for when you want to grab the flash and go grab a shot quickly and you can't count on whether or not the battery is ready.

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