Question for the Canon Sure Shot Clasic 120 Caption owners

[Norkusa]

I just found a boxed Canon Sure Shot Classic 120 Caption at the thrift store today for $4. Put two new CR2 batteries in it but the flash doesn't fire at all, no matter which mode I have it set to. The red-eye reduction light will come on but no flash.

I don't have any film in it. Does this camera have some kind of kill switch for the flash if film isn't loaded, or does it sound like I have a busted flash? The flash only pops out half-way, so I'm thinking it's probably an issue with the flash.

 

[farlymac]

If the flash is only popping out half-way, then the camera has been dropped, and the casing is dented. The contact slide for the charging circuit is most likely not making, so it's not charging. I've got one that if the flash circuit is on, it goes for the longest time without charging, then I get a flashing "H" code, and the camera won't work. I was able to get around that by placing it in Personal Mode, and setting the flash to off. But then why use it after that? I don't even want to run a roll of film through it, even though I love the lens, AF, and metering on it. My other Classic has it's own issues that come and go, depending on if I put it in my shirt pocket between shots. It wasn't right when I got the camera, and a little bit of moisture build-up on the control switches really plays havoc with the functions. I hope to one day find one that is in good working condition, but will shy away from thrift/charity stores, as that's where all the junk ones seem to wind up.

PF

 

[Norkusa]

If the flash is only popping out half-way, then the camera has been dropped, and the casing is dented. The contact slide for the charging circuit is most likely not making, so it's not charging. I've got one that if the flash circuit is on, it goes for the longest time without charging, then I get a flashing "H" code, and the camera won't work. I was able to get around that by placing it in Personal Mode, and setting the flash to off. But then why use it after that? I don't even want to run a roll of film through it, even though I love the lens, AF, and metering on it. My other Classic has it's own issues that come and go, depending on if I put it in my shirt pocket between shots. It wasn't right when I got the camera, and a little bit of moisture build-up on the control switches really plays havoc with the functions. I hope to one day find one that is in good working condition, but will shy away from thrift/charity stores, as that's where all the junk ones seem to wind up.

PF

Thanks for the reply. The camera doesn't look like it has been dropped....there's no visible dents or dings anywhere. Just seems like the spring that pushes the flash out is very weak. I can still pull the flash out all the way but that doesn't make it fire. Must just be an issue with the circuit like you said.

How's the lens on this camera? Didn't really know anything about it until after I saw it in the store today. Has a nice feel to it and is very compact for such a long zoom. Too bad I have to return this because I'd really like to shoot a roll with it.

 

[farlymac]

It's a very capable camera when things are working right.


Frosty Breakfast by br1078phot, on Flickr


Intense by br1078phot, on Flickr


Morning Graze by br1078phot, on Flickr

Canon Shure Shot Classic 120
Fuji Pro 160

PF

 

[Greyscale]

It would be well worth your finding a working example.

 

[racoll]

It would be well worth your finding a working example.

I agree. The lens is quite good with very little flare, even when shooting into the sun. It's very sharp and renders colors beautifully. If you search online you'll find a lot of raves about this camera. It will surprise you. It's definitely worth finding a properly working example. Put a roll through yours and see how it does; it may be just the flash that's not working while everything else works perfectly. Then you can decide if you want to get another one with no issues.

Andy