Help with D7500 flash problem: The built in flash on my D7500 stopped working after a bump to the camera (which may or may not be the trigger, because I didn't immediately notice the...

asymptotic_maybe Loc: Southern California

The built in flash on my D7500 stopped working after a bump to the camera (which may or may not be the trigger, because I didn't immediately notice the problem). It will not automatically pop up when it should/used to. It will pop up when I press the button next to it, but it will not flash or charge. The viewfinder still shows the flashing lightning bolt as if the flash is needed but is not deployed. It seems the camera doesn't know it is open.

Any flash unit attached to the hot shoe works just fine.

Reading about someone else's problem with auto focus made me try a factory reset...didn't work.

I really don't want to send it to Nikon. I may just live with it, but it sure is convenient to have it for those occasions where some fill flash would be nice and I didn't bring my speed lite with me.

Any suggestions as to what's wrong will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

CO

The built-in flash should pop up automatically when the camera is in auto or scene modes. You have to push the flash button when it's in program. shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual modes. I don't know why the flash isn't firing though. Try your testing again under low light conditions to be sure.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

asymptotic_maybe wrote:

The built in flash on my D7500 stopped working aft... (show quote)

Try contacting Nikon support. They probably have heard of that problem before and can give you better suggestions than the guesses you will get here.

Najataagihe

Get an SB-400 and leave it on the camera?

I NEVER use the on-camera flash because the SB-400 does such a better job for fill, recycles faster and it bounces, which the on-camera flash won't.

It's small enough not to get in the way, if you are not using it, so you can leave it on all the time.

They don't cost a whole lot, either.

Probably a lot cheaper than a repair.

bleirer

I would say check your manual carefully to see what user error might have caused the problem, before sending it in. Is there a flash control menu for example with a choice of on/off/auto, does it fire when forced to on? Are you in a shooting mode that allows auto?

https://onlinemanual.nikonimglib.com/d7500/en/18_flash_photography_02.html

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

asymptotic_maybe wrote:

The built in flash on my D7500 stopped working aft... (show quote)

Easy fix, send it in to Nikon and have them handle it!

asymptotic_maybe Loc: Southern California

CO wrote:

The built-in flash should pop up automatically when the camera is in auto or scene modes. You have to push the flash button when it's in program. shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual modes. I don't know why the flash isn't firing though. Try your testing again under low light conditions to be sure.

Thanks, CO...I know how all that is suppose to work and my camera does none of it correctly (except it will pop up when the flash button is pressed)...and I have tried to fire flash with lens cap on...I'm guessing that should be low light enough, no?

asymptotic_maybe Loc: Southern California

Mac wrote:

Try contacting Nikon support. They probably have heard of that problem before and can give you better suggestions than the guesses you will get here.

Thanks...probably right

CO

asymptotic_maybe wrote:

Thanks, CO...I know how all that is suppose to work and my camera does none of it correctly (except it will pop up when the flash button is pressed)...and I have tried to fire flash with lens cap on...I'm guessing that should be low light enough, no?

You've done all of the testing that is needed. It looks like there's definitely something wrong with the camera.

Pistnbroke Loc: UK

Problem will come when you try to sell it ….

RobertH

asymptotic_maybe wrote:

Thanks, CO...I know how all that is suppose to work and my camera does none of it correctly (except it will pop up when the flash button is pressed)...and I have tried to fire flash with lens cap on...I'm guessing that should be low light enough, no?

So I just tried this with mine in the green Auto mode, and the lens cap on. One thing I noticed is that with the lens cap on, the auto focus can’t focus lock, so the shutter won’t fire. To get the shutter to trip, I had to switch to manual focus on the camera body. When I did that, the shutter tripped, and the built in flash fired. I expect you’re savvy enough, though, to realize the shutter’s not tripping, if that was the issue. Also, the flash does auto pop up on 1/2 press of the shutter release in this mode. If you’re isn’t, I’d say it’s not working right.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

asymptotic_maybe wrote:

The built in flash on my D7500 stopped working aft... (show quote)

Call them. 1-800-NIKON-US (1-800-645-6687) ask for tech support. You will most likely have to send it in. AND, your sure it was only a BUMP and not a THUMP.

JohnD3 Loc: Raleigh, NC

Another vote for the SB-400. On my D610 and D7100 I never use the on board flash (far too weak and limiting) I use the 400 or larger flash (if more power is called for). It will provide bounce and it is at least twice a powerful as well as being very compact.

rjriggins11 Loc: Colorado Springs, CO

asymptotic_maybe wrote:

The built in flash on my D7500 stopped working aft... (show quote)

Hi. My name is Rick. I’m the owner and lead technician at Discount Camera Repair and a member in good standing here at the UHH. I’ve been doing repairs for other members here at greatly discounted rates and would be glad to help.

I'd be more than happy to repair the camera for you and keep the cost as low as possible. If you’re interested, please respond by private message.

asymptotic_maybe Loc: Southern California

Thanks everyone...You've confirmed my fears.

I was hoping someone else had had the same condition and would tell me "all you have to do is push this button for 30 seconds while facing North and it should be fixed". One can hope, right?

Thanks again....now to fix or get an SB 400?...hmmmm...I wish the SB 400 could be a commander.

BTW, I think "bump" is accurate. It was sitting on the floor of my car, below my legs, when I turned a corner a little fast. The camera rolled over half way, ending up upside down. I certainly could have put some pressure on the popup, but that actually still works with manual triggering. The is absolutely no visible evidence of the mishap.