I have a problem with my Canon Rebel. The first problem is that I have lost my owners manual. Where can I get a new one. The other problem that I a am having is that when I try to take a picture, the flash pops up, clicks a couple of times and then the camera "locks" up for a few seconds with the battery dead LCD displayed? I have replaced the batteries, and the same thing happens. If I am in good lighting (no flash needed) the camera works great... Please help.

-- Todd Thetford (tford1@swbell.net), December 30, 2001

Answers

I don't have any suggestions for the flash. It sounds like it may be damaged. Is it supposed to pop up automatically? The EOS Rebel does not, as I recall, have a motorized flash unit. Is it a later Rebel model?

My Elan, which has a damaged motorized flash unit, displays the symptoms you describe. The motor mechanism needs replacement.

I have an unofficial manual for the early Rebel cameras, if your camera is indeed of that class.

http://teladesign.com/photo/rebel-s-ii.html

-- NK Guy (tela@tela.bc.ca), December 30, 2001.

The dead battery symbol with a locked up camera is Canon's way of saying, "something is wrong." Several things could cause it, even the lens. If it's not a Canon made lens it may just be an incompatability problem. Or it could be dirty cantacts on the lens mount or battery compartment. I'd clean them first with a pencil eraser and if I still had the problem I'd try a different lens. If that doesn't do it, but a small flash to put on the camera. A used Canon 160E or 200E can be had for fairly cheap on online auctions.

The instruction books for Canon cameras are copyrited by Canon. No one is allowed to put a copy of them on the net or anywhere else. Canon doesn't make their instruction books available for free, but the will sell them. If you are willing to buy one check out the sources at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eosdoc/

But N.K.Guy's unofficial version is quite good.

-- Jim Strutz (j.strutz@gci.net), December 31, 2001.

Todd, I too have experienced the same problem with my 500n (Rebel G). I know what is wrong but have not had it fixed yet!

When the flash is activated, the flash pops up and I sometimes get the clicking noise followed by the battery error. On close inspection, there are two small black posts which pop up on either of the flash unit from the camera housing. I guess these "tell" the camera the flash is successfully up and ready. In my case, the one on the right (as you look from the back of the camera), appears to get stuck and this causes the error. I suspect it got some muck on it at some point and wiping it with a little alcohol when it has come out has improved things. When it sticks now, I just push it gently with a match stick or knife and it usually pops up ok. I hope this helps.

-- Gareth Thompson (gareth.jean@btinternet.com), January 30, 2002.