Camera/photo equipment questions

[Eric Flescher]

This thread is for posting and answering regulqar camera or digital camera questions for all makes, models, lenses etc

I'll start one question

Especially to you Canon people

I have a canon Rebel XT

Q1: I used to have the attached flash pop up when I needed to use when I pressed the shutter button slightly down. Now it doesn't pop up to be in flash mode. I can for the life of me thing what I did wrong to get out of this flash mode. (PS I've been using it the rebel xt since 2007 since my minolta digital died.).

Q2: Also if I leave the battery in the battery area it drains really fast so I actually leave the top uplatched so that is does not drain so quickly. Then I press down the latch when I want to take pictures. anybody have problems with draining?"

thanks

 

[Richard Dickson]

Eric,
Assuming that you are not trying to use the flash with the 'Landscape, Sports, or Flash Off' modes in the basic zones on your XT, try pressing the Flash Button which is just above the Lens Release Button on the front of the camera body. If the flash doesn't work using that method, it may be time for a trip to the camera repair shop. There may be an electrical short in the circuitry which is also causing the battery to drain rapidly.

 

[Dennis Sherrod]

Eric,
Look at my post from a couple of weeks ago. Sounds similar. Hopefully not that severe.
http://www.stormtrack.org/forum/showthread.php?t=17342

 

[Eric Flescher]

hey all thanks about flash

I pressed the flash button and it just makes a clicking noise. I remember that happened before and somehow it got fixed. I can't afford to have it looked at right now so I just will have to do without a flash .


:::

Eric,
Assuming that you are not trying to use the flash with the 'Landscape, Sports, or Flash Off' modes in the basic zones on your XT, try pressing the Flash Button which is just above the Lens Release Button on the front of the camera body. If the flash doesn't work using that method, it may be time for a trip to the camera repair shop. There may be an electrical short in the circuitry which is also causing the battery to drain rapidly.

 

[Gene Moore]

Eric, the way your post is written it rather implies that the camera is responsible for draining the battery. If so you need to get it into a repair shop. That said, my bet is the fault is the battery itself. I've had a couple of digital Canon cameras and battery issues are not new to me. Some batteries will work well, charge fine then won't hold the charge. Additionally, don't rule out the charger. I would purchase a new battery first before sending the camera to the repair shop. A good source (other than Canon) is Batteries Plus http://www.batteriesplus.com/ they are online and have local stores in most larger cities. Also they stand behind their products....which are generally a cut above Radio Shack.

When spending days on the road it's good to upgrade to the Canon's optional battery pack, looks like a motor drive under the body. It's well worth the money and your dying battery days will be over. It uses two Canon style batteries, or you can use the included AA pack. A trip to WallyMart yields a 24 pack of Alkaline Rayovac's for under $10. That should last you as back up for the year, it does me. Finally, if you have IS lenses they will produce extra drain on the batteries, again a loaded back up pack will come in handy.

 

[Eric Flescher]

one problem solved one still in the air

I started a thread on troubleshooting today after solving a problem so if it really belongs in this thread, maybe the powers to be , can merge it .

But perhaps the two threads should stay. You all be the judge

First, thanks Gene for chiming in.
I did not think it might be the battery so thanks.
The charger possibility oh wow.
I was just trying to first see if anyone else had this problem.

I don't think it is the batteries ( I have two that I tried and they do the same thing) but it might be the cause so that is another outside the box possibility.

I will try to see the prices at your links and even on ebay. I go to batteries plus down the road all the time and they are just super! Very helpful. I recommend them to anyone!! I also might look into the charger and will do home much they are , even a motor drive.

That being said, I really like these Canon batteries f for the most part better then the AA batteries I used for my digital Minolta and kodak.

Meanwhile I had a problem that my flash on my rebel xt has failed to pop up and just clicks 3 times and does nothing .argggg.
This morning I went I did a google search and found links and forum. The solution was to press the side flash button and gently with fingers raise the top of the flash. That worked!

boy did that make me a happy camper.
Now I can shoot our wine tasting party tonight

1 problem solved 1 to solution to solve
thanks to All


:::

Eric, the way your post is written it rather implies that the camera is responsible for draining the battery. If so you need to get it into a repair shop. That said, my bet is the fault is the battery itself. I've had a couple of digital Canon cameras and battery issues are not new to me. Some batteries will work well, charge fine then won't hold the charge. Additionally, don't rule out the charger. I would purchase a new battery first before sending the camera to the repair shop. A good source (other than Canon) is Batteries Plus http://www.batteriesplus.com/ they are online and have local stores in most larger cities. Also they stand behind their products....which are generally a cut above Radio Shack.

When spending days on the road it's good to upgrade to the Canon's optional battery pack, looks like a motor drive under the body. It's well worth the money and your dying battery days will be over. It uses two Canon style batteries, or you can use the included AA pack. A trip to WallyMart yields a 24 pack of Alkaline Rayovac's for under $10. That should last you as back up for the year, it does me. Finally, if you have IS lenses they will produce extra drain on the batteries, again a loaded back up pack will come in handy.