Can't take picture with flash...icon just blinks!

The flash may be broken.
If not these are the flash settings on the camera in case a different flash mode has been set accidently.

Set the mode dial to [camera icon], and press [up arrow] on the control button repeatedly to select a flash mode.

The flash mode has the following features.
No indicator (Auto):
The camera decides to use the flash based on lighting
conditions. The flash will be used when
there is not enough light or when shooting a
subject against a light source.

(Forced flash):
The flash will be used regardless of the amount of ambient light.

(Slow synchro):
The flash will be used regardless of the amount of ambient
light. In this mode, the shutter speed is
slower under dark conditions, so you can
clearly shoot a background that is out of the flash-lit area.

(No flash):
The flash will not be used.

If the flash cannot get a full charge, it will blink and prevent a picture from being taken. check your batteries.

The hand icon may be a warning of low light or about stabalisation if your camera has this feature. You don't say what model your camera is, but Canon usually use a jagged arrow icon, like a lightening bolt, to indicate the flash is on. If this is blinking, then the flash is still charging up. Does the camera actually flash? A low battery may prevent the flash from charging up enough to provide the light needed. In any case, flash only works for subjects that are reasonable close up.

1.Turn off the camera.
2.Install a set of new or fully charged batteries into the camera. then turn it ON
3.Press the Flash Status button to scroll through the flash options until Fill Flash (the lightning bolt icon alone, with no other letter or symbol) is displayed. This forces the camera to use the flash.
4.Take a picture. [If flash still doesn't work contact Kodak support line 1 800 235 6325 (23KODAK)]

I had the same problem, called Samsung and they sent me a shipping label via email. I sent to their repair 12/15/08 and got the fixed camera today, 12/18/08. Very quick service - they replaced the lens. Camera now flashes.

Have you checked your camera settings via the menu? You could check and see if the flash is set for continuous use or only when needed.And also your camera power supply? Could be the batteries are too weak to run both.

there is no chance you can fix it.. you need prof service to fix it. internal flash circuitry malfunction is present. try shooting in program mode or manual setting ( not using flash).

1 The flash- with the camera shut down take the batteries out. leave an hour. put them back in. Now - switch on and go to flash mode. Hold the camera to your ear.Can you hear a slight hgih pitched whine? This is the capacitor charging up. If you did not hear it then the flash unit is dead. But to be sure- read the manual and make sure you have set it up and operating it correctly. Blurry picture are something else[possibly] Check that you have not inadvertantly got the camera set to MACRO mode[this may also affect the flash inability. A good reread of the manual will do little harm and check out all those controls again.

Try replacing the media card - may be corrupted

yes, the flash of your camera is not charging. needs repair.