Question to Speedlite 550ex users

[J.P.]

Hi,

I got my new Speedlite 550 ex today, but I'm not sure if the battery compartment cover is broken. When I slide it down and try to open it opens only about to 45 degrees and feels really loose. If I pull it hard it opens fully, but should it work like that? I would think expensive things like this should not feel like its going to break soon.

Thanks for you help.

[RichardtheSane]

that sounds exactly like mine. call it a design feature!

It is a bit clunky, I will agree wth that!

[neil_r]

Mine is exactly the same, 2 years down the line and it hasn't fallen off yet :)

N

[GenEOS]

The plastic on the 550EX seems a bit more "cheap" than that of the 540EZ, but it works. What do you expect for $325?

[robertwgross]

That's about right for the battery door on the 550EX.

Here is the extra credit question: Where is the Feet/Meters control on that unit?

:
:
:
:
:
:
It's inside the battery compartment. I guess they stick it in there so the user won't flick it the wrong way accidentally.

---Bob Gross---

[EoSD30fReAk]

sounds like mine 550EX
i have got it 1.5 year now and it still works, no bits broken or fallen off.

looks like all got it

i agree with you on the crappy design 8)

[Whaler]

Yup! Feels very flimsy.

[G3]

You don't need to worry so much about the battery compartment cover coming off as someone pulling the little diffuser/bounce flap gizmo thingie out.

[u02bnpx]

Nor do you have to worry as much about that sickening grating sound when you open the battery door as I do about the dark pic syndrome that plagues me when I use the 550 inside on my 10D. I've invited commentary on this in another thread here and at Miranda, and the suggestions have been helpful but not consistently helpful.

Floyd

[kraterz]

Sounds like mine. And $325 is not cheap either, for some of us who are still with older and cheaper equipment!

[G3]

Nor do you have to worry as much about that sickening grating sound when you open the battery door as I do about the dark pic syndrome that plagues me when I use the 550 inside on my 10D. I've invited commentary on this in another thread here and at Miranda, and the suggestions have been helpful but not consistently helpful.

Floyd

I don't understand. Mine works great, indoors or outdoors.

[Mills]

Mine too.

[deepakvrao]

Must be a problem with all manufacturers, y Minolta and Canon flash battery covers are designed the same way. Maybe made by the same small time guy in China