Slow taking pic, flash flashes multiple times while lenses acts like it is trying to focus

I have a 5D Mark II that has acted up like this. 99% of the time it will reset itself it you power off, remove the lense and allow them to sync up. Try this, it may work for you too!

It's hard to say if anything is really wrong with the camera. It sounds like you haven't gone through the manual and tried the features as they are explained.

There are two likely reasons for the blurry pictures. One possibility is, as you surmised, a slow shutter speed. Try mounting the camera on a tripod or other stable support. You might also try turning on the flash.

The other reason is focus, or lack thereof. You didn't specify what cameras you have, but if they're Coolpixes, they most likely have a close-up or macro mode that will allow the lens to focus closer. If you're using a DSLR, you will need some other way to focus closer. Macro lenses, extension tubes, and close-up filters are three ways of achieving this.

Try using the limit switch to cut the focus time down, depends on your subject distance, but it may help

The Flashing is a normal thing for the Camera to do, Nothing to worry about.

I own an F70 with similar lenses. I am not fully familiar with the F80, and therefore can't be sure what I am saying will halp, but I believe it is the next model of similar specs as mine. However, from your description, I think what you are saying is that the little red light that flashes, before the photo is taken and when you have the flash mechanism up, is no longer working, and that your camera is haveing difficulty getting a fix on the focus in automatic focus mode?
This red light is not the 'red eye reduction' flash, but rather a red light (so it doesn't make your subjects blink / squint too early) that helps the camera focus: Auto focus mechanisms need light too. If your light has stopped working, then that would explain why the camera can't focus. This should however only occur in low light conditions.
Fixes:
-Obviously, if it's still under warranty - take it back.
-Get it repaired
- OR if that's going to cost too much or you were thinking of doing so anyway, a dedicated flash unit MAY solve the problem. Most flash units have there own red light to aid autofocus. At any rate, you could take it in to a store and test a flash unit in-store to see whether it helps with the problem. If a dedicated flash unit didn't help (make sure you try it in a dark room - ask them to take it into a back room and try it) then it might suggest another problem such as: the camera is failing to send the signal to the red light to flash rather than the light not working. After all, the red light would be an LED, which have extremely long lifespans.

hit the camera a few times it will go back to focus i had the exact same problem E:61:00 and it worked like a charm...

I remember reading a review of the K100D that mentioned that it had poor low light performance. I know mine has a really hard time focusing in low light situations. It does the sweeping back and forth & most of the time never ends up taking a picture. (Even when it bursts the flash to try to focus.)

I've just started experimenting by using a flash light aimed at the subject I want to focus in low light situations, and the camera seems to be able to focus & take a shot more reliably.

If this works, I'm going to rig up something to hold the flash light underneath the camera so that I can use it more often.

I will post an update if this works!

Take Care & Happy Imaging!
Glen
:)

I have the same issue. One picture the flash is perfect the next there seems to be a "half" powered flash and the pic is dark

This is the camera trying to give itself enough light to focus with.

As it uses contrast to focus with you will get problems in low light conditions. There's no way round this I'm afraid except to light the subject better. As it's a digital camera and you're not wasting film, try manual focus and see what results you get.