Is my 430EX broken?

[SusanK]

My 430EX flash seems to be broken. It is stuck in the Manual zoom mode, stuck at 14mm (using with my 24-105 lens). It says 14mm no matter what setting on the lens. Nothing happens when I push the zoom button or the up/down buttons. Am I missing something or is the thing broken? I'd appreciate any help!

[pepperoni]

Is the flip-out diffuser in the flipped-out position?
If so, put it back in.

[SusanK]

No, the diffuser is stowed.

[Curtis N]

Pull it out and shove it back in, making sure it's in all the way.

[hjohnson]

No, the diffuser is stowed.

Unfortunately, if it's fully stowed, I suspect the issue may be the microswitch that detects when the diffuser is deployed or not. This might be a warrenty issue, if your flash is still covered.

[pepperoni]

Pull it out and shove it back in, making sure it's in all the way.


Try this...

Power off
Remove batteries
Pull out diffuser and shove it back in
Batteries back in
Power on

Hope that helps. If not, something went screwy.

[SusanK]

Thanks everybody, I will try all your suggestions when I get home. Hopefully you saved me a trip to the expensive repair shop. I'll post tonight or tomorrow to let you know if it worked.

[Titus213]

Stuck at 14mm? If it's in slave mode it goes to 24mm.....

[SusanK]

Okay, it was the diffuser. It was stowed, but only about 99% of the way. The last 1% makes all the difference. Thanks for all your help - worth the cost of admission!
Susan