580ex problem

[kpiela]

It seems from previous posts that the problem I am having is not an uncommon one. When I turned it on, regardless of the position of the flash, I am getting "Zoom --mm" flashing. The only time I can utilize any buttons is right as it is turning on. I am wondering if anyone has found a reason for this error or if there is a defect? I am planning on returning it to B&H for a replacement flash unless someone has a solution to this problem. Thanks for any info!

[Ronald S. Jr.]

I've heard some people say that the "zoom" aspect, amongst others, doesn't work well with a few 3rd party lenses. However, looks like you only have the canon. That's the only explanation I can give you is that it may be swiveled to the left or right a bit, or tilted up only a few degrees. Other than that, I can only imagine that it may be in manual mode? Probably not, though. You said you weren't able to access the buttons. I'd just take it back to where you got it and talk to them about it. Call them...someone will talk to you. B&H is awesome.

[guitarman]

Possibly your wide panel is unseated somehow. I know if you pull it out the display only flashes and you can't change anything. Perhaps somehow its not seated properly in there and it thinks that the panel is pulled out.

[scottbergerphoto]

Is the camera turned on? The 580EX will do that if the camera is not on or goes to sleep.

[guitarman]

Is the camera turned on? The 580EX will do that if the camera is not on or goes to sleep.

Mine doesn't do anything if its turned off.

[kpiela]

Is the camera turned on? The 580EX will do that if the camera is not on or goes to sleep.

haha. I giggled when I first read that b/c I thought you were being facetious.
Yes, the camera is wide awake. :)

Thanks for the help. I guess I will have to call B&H tmrw. :(

[krc]

I had the same problem. I sent it back to Canon and they repaired it under warranty.

[kpiela]

I actually returned it to B&H and they are sending me a new one...hopefully soon!

[kpiela]

B&H rocks. I returned my flash last Th. and got my replacement today (Wed). Very quick turnaround AND it works...that's always a plus!

[GovtLawyer]

It seems from previous posts that the problem I am having is not an uncommon one. When I turned it on, regardless of the position of the flash, I am getting "Zoom --mm" flashing. The only time I can utilize any buttons is right as it is turning on. I am wondering if anyone has found a reason for this error or if there is a defect? I am planning on returning it to B&H for a replacement flash unless someone has a solution to this problem. Thanks for any info!

I see that you've returned your flash; hope that fixes everything. Just wondering. I think I had a simliar problem, something was flashing and I couldn't figure out why or how to stop it. It turned out that my flash was seated too far foward, in the minus 7 degree downward position; one click past straight on. When I clicked it up one stop the flashing stopped and it seemed to work fine. Not sure if it was the same flashing or not. When you get the new one, check out what happens when you tilt it to that position.

[robertwgross]

It turned out that my flash was seated too far foward, in the minus 7 degree downward position; one click past straight on.

That was the problem that I had for the first ten minutes of the first wedding that I ever shot. I figured it out as we moved from the first pose to the second pose, and I was so relieved.

---Bob Gross---

[kpiela]

I had a different kind of "flashing". I tried it out in the position you mentioned, Gvtlawyer, and I see what you mean. But my first flash just wasn't working properly. The new one is working great and of course I have taken about 1000 photos just to "try it out".

[GovtLawyer]

I had a different kind of "flashing". I tried it out in the position you mentioned, Gvtlawyer, and I see what you mean. But my first flash just wasn't working properly. The new one is working great and of course I have taken about 1000 photos just to "try it out".

Glad you've gotten it all straightened out. What are you using for a power source. After 1000 shots, you've probably gone through a few sets of whatever.