I accidently switched on the self timer mode on my 350D, now it won't turn off? Is there a way to switch it of other than just pressing the button? I've tried taking the battery out and everything?

My guess is the self timer was accidently turned on

Description

Using the Self-timer on the EOS REBEL T3i.

Solution

The self-timer is useful when you want to photograph yourself or prevent camera shake caused when the shutter is released.
1. Set the power switch to <ON>.
2. Press < > button.

• You can check the self-timer operation with the self-timer lamp, beeper, and countdown display (in seconds) on the LCD monitor.
• Two seconds before the picture is taken, the self-timer lamp will stay on and the beeper will sound faster.

Attention:
With [ ], the interval between the multiple shots may be prolonged depending on the shooting functions settings such as the image-recording quality or flash.
NOTE:

• After taking self-timer shots, you should check the image for proper focus and exposure.
• If you will not look through the viewfinder when you press the shutter button, attach the eyepiece cover. If stray light enters the viewfinder when the picture is taken, it may throw off the exposure.
• When using the self-timer to photograph only yourself, use focus lock on an object at about the same distance as where you will stand.
• To cancel the self-timer after it starts, press the < > button.

Sounds like the self timer was accidently set.

Description

Using the Self-timer on the EOS REBEL T3i.

Solution

The self-timer is useful when you want to photograph yourself or prevent camera shake caused when the shutter is released.
1. Set the power switch to <ON>.
2. Press < > button.
3. Press <Cross Keys> to select the desired self-timer, then press the <SET> button.
: 10-sec. self-timer (The remote control can also be used.)
: 2-sec. self-timer
: 10-sec. self-timer plus continuous shots. After selecting , press <Cross Keys> to set the number of multiple shots (2 to 10) to be taken with the self-timer.)
4. Look through the viewfinder, focus the subject, then press the shutter button completely.

• You can check the self-timer operation with the self-timer lamp, beeper, and countdown display (in seconds) on the LCD monitor.
• Two seconds before the picture is taken, the self-timer lamp will stay on and the beeper will sound faster.

Attention:
With [ ], the interval between the multiple shots may be prolonged depending on the shooting functions settings such as the image-recording quality or flash.
NOTE:

• After taking self-timer shots, you should check the image for proper focus and exposure.
• If you will not look through the viewfinder when you press the shutter button, attach the eyepiece cover. If stray light enters the viewfinder when the picture is taken, it may throw off the exposure.
• When using the self-timer to photograph only yourself, use focus lock on an object at about the same distance as where you will stand.
• To cancel the self-timer after it starts, press the < > button.

If the timer is setup, you can press the MODE button until it shown MAN.
Press on the door of the switch timer for on & off.
You can printed a pdf manual at this site.
Click on English under Instruction Manuals
Also there is an Easy Set Instructions under Supporting Documentation.

http://www.intermatic.com/products/timers/consumer%20indoor%20timers/in-wall%20timers/ej500c.aspx

Hello.

Turn the function dial to the drive mode position.
Press the function button in the center of the dial.
Turn the front control dial to select the self-timer drive mode.
Use the rear control dial to to switch between a ten-second and a two-second delay.
Press the shutter-release button partway down or press the function button to set the mode.
------
When you are ready to take the picture.
Press the shutter button partway down to set the focus and exposure.
Press the shutter button all the way down to start the timer.

Hope this helps.

Check your manual how to disable the self timer.
For the 350d its changed by pressing the timer button, indicated with a clock-like symbol (above the arrow buttons).
While pressing that button turn the dial next to the shutterbutton.
In the LCD display the indicator will change between single shot, continuous shooting and self timer.

Couple of things to try - put it on full auto (green square on the dial) first. If it is still taking 20 seconds then there is something wrong unless you have set the self timer - is the camera beeping before it takes the shot? If this is the case, simply press the button under the AV button to switch between single shot, multi shot and timer.

If not timer, and it works in full auto, respond here and let me know what mode you are using (Av, Tv, M, P, A-Dep) and I'll suggest something else.

1. Secure the camera to a tripod or place it on a stable surface.
2. Rotate the mode dial to [S], [P], [PICT], [AV], or [M]
3. Press the Power button turn on the Camera.
4. Press arrow [>] .
5. Use up arrow or down arrow to select the desired self-timer mode.
6. Compose your scene and press the shutter button.

• The self-timer function is activated.
• The photograph is then taken after the preset time.
• To cancel the self-timer at any time, press the shutter button.

After one shot is taken, the self-timer mode is turned off.
If you wish to take another image using the self-timer, repeat these steps.

The self-timer is on. Press the button on the back of the camera to the right of the displays just under the AV button. The display icon will change from :-
Hand sweeping round clock = self timer mode
Simple square = single shot mode
Stacked squares = multi shot (keep finger pressed to keep shooting)

Putting Yourself in the Picture The Self Timer creates a 10-second delay between the time you press the Shutter button and the time the picture is taken. 1 Place the camera on a flat surface or use a tripod. 2 In any Still mode, press the Self Timer button. The Self Timer icon appears in the status area. 3 Compose the scene. Then press the Shutter button half-way and hold to set the exposure and focus, then press the rest of the way down. Move so that you are in the scene. The Self Timer light blinks slowly for 8 seconds (then quickly for 2 seconds) before the picture is taken. The camera "clicks" when the picture is captured. To turn off the shutter sound, see page 64. The Self Timer turns off after you take the picture or if you change modes. To cancel the Self Timer before the picture is taken, press the Self Timer button. (The Self Timer setting remains active.) To turn off the Self Timer, press the Self Timer button twice.

Okay - I felt like an idiot but the instruction manual sucks for this!!!!!! Press the menu button and stay on the first screen - Drive mode will probably say single and have image information listed under it. Use the down button and highlight drive mode - press the right button and it will change to single and under that it will say self-timer. Now use the down button and highlist self - timer and press the enter button. Now you use the self-timer. Once you take a picture, the camera will revert back to single image, it will not stay in self-timer mode, so you have to go this process everytime to use self timer. Hope this helps and happy picture taking!!!!!!!!!!