My speedlight is stuck on my camera! Help!

[KmH]

Nope, neither is under warranty. I called a local repair shop and they quoted me around $250!

I may just take this as a sign to upgrade to a d700.

The D700 uses the same hot shoe.

I don't think gsgary's suggestion to use a feeler guage will work. But making sure the lock lever is in the unlock position, and holding the camera and speedlight upside down would mean gravity is helping to retract the pin. It wolud be worth it to me to spend a couple of hours jiggling the speedlight, camera, and maybe even the locking lever, trying to get them apart with out damaging either.

Do you feel any resistance when turning the locking lever just before it reaches the locked position?

 

[ghache]

WEll, i think you are on panic mode a litte a bit, just relax because there is no way in hell you cant get that flash off the hotshoes

 

[kundalini]

I don't think gsgary's suggestion to use a feeler guage will work. But making sure the lock lever is in the unlock position, and holding the camera and speedlight upside down would mean gravity is helping to retract the pin. It wolud be worth it to me to spend a couple of hours jiggling the speedlight, camera, and maybe even the locking lever, trying to get them apart with out damaging either.

Do you feel any resistance when turning the locking lever just before it reaches the locked position?

Turned upside down and entering from the rear, it may just work. I would suggest to REMOVE ALL BATTERIES, though.

 

[Josh66]

I would try the feeler gauges... The pin should be spring loaded, so even with the lock on - you can push it in. Try to bounce the pin down (or up, depending on how you're holding it) as you insert the feeler gauge.

If that doesn't work, you're going to have to remove the 4 screws that hold the base on, remove the flash from the base, disconnect any wires, then try to pull the pin up or out from the inside.
You might need a 90 degree screwdriver for that, which is probably going to be hard to find in a size that small... I think I have one, but I can't think of any hardware stores that sell stuff like that...

If you can find an Apex bit the right size (the size is most likely 0), you can use that and turn it with a 1/4" wrench.


If the feeler gauges don't work, taking the flash apart is the only option I see... (Probably why they quoted you $250...)

 

[gsgary]

If the feeler gauge trick works it will only cost $50 sent to my paypal

 

[Reyna]

ok, so probably a stupid question, but what is a feeler gauge?

 

[Josh66]

Danaher Tool Group-Allen KD-162 15 Blade Feeler Gauge

Any thin piece of metal will work.

 

[Sonoma]

Feeler guage- very thin piece of metal to very precise thickness.

KD Tools KDS161 30 Blade Feeler Gauge

 

[Reyna]

ok, so probably a stupid question, but what is a feeler gauge?

ok, nevermind, i googled it. let me go look in my hubby's tool box and see if he has anything like that! i will let you guys know! i hope this works!!

 

[benhasajeep]

There are 4 small screws on the bottom of the flash. They hold the foot to the base of the flash. If you take these 4 screws out. You can lift the body of the flash up. The communication wires (not power wires) are on a quick connector. Can disconnect the wires and you have access to the foot. And the flash body will be out of the way.

You will need a #0 phillips angled screwdriver to get at them since its still on your camera body (normally use a straight one). If you take the camera and flash to a handy man with tools, He should be able to take the screws out, remove the flash body. Then take out the components to get to the locking pin.

 

[KmH]

I would try the feeler gauges... The pin should be spring loaded, so even with the lock on - you can push it in.

Yep, the pin is spring loaded.

When the lock pin is properly engaged the tip of the pin is below the top of the hot shoe plate, which is why I don't think the feeler gauge will work. That's what keeps the speedlight from sliding off before you want it to.

Hopefully, I'm wrong.

 

[Reyna]

ok, he doesn't have any. i tried a needle and that wasn't thin enough to go in there. i'm going to lowes to get a feeler gauge.....

 

[benhasajeep]

Also before you try the screws. Have you tried pushing the flash forward and moving the locking lever.

If that doesn't help. Get some help with 1 person holding the camera body. Then another grab the body of the flash. While working the locking lever of the flash open and closed. Try and rock the flash body forward and aft. Not alot of pressure but enough to try and relieve pressure on the pin. The whole time pulling slightly aft on the flash body.

If that doesn't work, then go to removing the 4 screws. If by chance you happen to break the flash foot. It's a fairly simple fix. Can get the part for $35 or so.

Good luck.

 

[Reyna]

There are 4 small screws on the bottom of the flash. They hold the foot to the base of the flash. If you take these 4 screws out. You can lift the body of the flash up. The power wires are on a quick connector. Can disconnect the wires and you have access to the foot. And the flash body will be out of the way.

You will need a #0 phillips angled screwdriver to get at them since its still on your camera body (normally use a straight one). If you take the camera and flash to a handy man with tools, He should be able to take the screws out, remove the flash body. Then take out the components to get to the locking pin.

awesome, my neighbor has every tool you can think of. he sells snap on tools. i'm going over there now and i will keep y'all updated.

thank you sooo much for all the help. i'm gonna get this damn thing off without paying $250!

 

[Josh66]

I would try the feeler gauges... The pin should be spring loaded, so even with the lock on - you can push it in.

Yep, the pin is spring loaded.

When the lock pin is properly engaged the tip of the pin is below the top of the hot shoe plate, which is why I don't think the feeler gauge will work. That's what keeps the speedlight from sliding off before you want it to.

Hopefully, I'm wrong.

You probably wouldn't be able to just slide it in and push the pin up - but sliding it in while trying to bounce the pin up might work...

I would put the camera between your legs with the flash pointing down. Give the bottom of the camera a good smack as you try to put the feeler gauge in.