Calling all Teckies~Flash Problems

[cindavphoto]

Not Trekkies, but those of you who are technically advance. Not like me, I'm among the technacally challenged.


I'm having a problem with my flash. Do flashes burn out. I have a Canon Speedlite 420EX. I've had it for about 3 years and it's gone through some very heavy usage. Now lately, it doesn't seem to be doing the job. It's quite often not brite enough or it's inconsitant as in these examples.
Pic A~
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v433/cindavphoto/cin0011.jpg
Pic B~Taken about 20 seconds later, all the same settings. Exact same place.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v433/cindavphoto/cin0012.jpg
And for use as a fill flash....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v433/cindavphoto/cin0005.jpg

I don't know what's the deal. Maybe it doesn't sync with my new camera as well? I use a brackett and cord, but didn't have these problems when I shot film. I can't really say when the problems started, but it's really becoming a problem.

So anyway, long story short...do flashes burn out?[/img]

[Ballen Photo]

I use a brackett and cord, but didn't have these problems when I shot film. I can't really say when the problems started, but it's really becoming a problem.

So anyway, long story short...do flashes burn out?

The first place I would start is by pulling all the shoe connections loose, inspect and clean them, put them back together insuring solid, tight connections, then test them once more. Also, test with the 420 directly on the cameras shoe, in case the off camera cord has a broken wire somewhere.
I believe it's possible to burn out the Xenon tube(The bulb), but haven't really heard of people doing this.
Of the two photos you posted only the second one looked like the flash even fired. :shock:
Good Luck!
-Bruce

[cindavphoto]

Hi Bruce, Thanks for your info. The cord is brand new. I thought that was maybe what the problem was so I drove 89 miles last week to buy a new one. I'm getting the same results.

I haven't tried putting directly on the camera. I'll try this tomorrow.

We pulled up the technical info and it said the flash fired. Also, I kept asking my daughter if it was firing and she said it was.

Like I said, this flash has been through heavy use. We shoot team and individual pictures for several leagues. Last year in September, we probably shot 1200 kids at two shots each, plus all the team pictures and everything else we shoot. So in that one month alone, the flash probalby fired somewhere around 3000 times. Multiply that by the summer ball leagues, senior & family sessions, everyday pics of our kids, and everything else we shoot, you've got a very busy flash.

OK<We recently switched to rechargable batteries for the flash. Would that make any difference? I know it shouldn't.

[cindavphoto]

How do I move this post to the "Canon EOS Digital Camera" page?

[Nana]

I guess you can't if you are not a moderator/admin. :?

[tommykjensen]

How do I move this post to the "Canon EOS Digital Camera" page?

Send a PM to CDS, Belmondo or Pekka and ask them to move it.

[Belmondo]

How do I move this post to the "Canon EOS Digital Camera" page?

Click your heels together and say three times, "There's no place like home."

[robertwgross]

I would suggest you experiment with batteries, just so that you can rule out a problem there. I use both one 550EX and one 420EX, and when the batteries get a little weak, even though the ready lamp comes on, I am not convinced that the unit is really ready. As a result, sometimes I get a shot with weak flash visible.

I don't get any problem when I use newer/stronger batteries, or when I let the flash "wind up" farther after the ready light comes on.

Your symptoms could be from anything, so you have to start weeding out some of the possibilities.

---Bob Gross---

[scottbergerphoto]

The flash uses a capacitor to store energy for the sudden burst of energy needed for a flash. They do wear out. If you are using fresh batteries and your not getting the full output of your flash, then you should have the capacitor checked, provided that the hot shoe is not cracked and the contacts are not damaged.
By the way, I like your web site.
Regards,
Scott

[robertwgross]

Technically speaking, the large electrolytic capacitors used in a flash unit don't exactly wear out, but they can fail over time. Generally, the electrolytic compound dries out due to a poor air seal, or due to excess heat, or due to some weird over-voltage spike. As a general rule, as long as you use them normally and periodically over time, they stay good. If you leave it sitting in a hot car for a year and then try to make it work, it may leave you in the dark. In other words, you need to give your flash unit some regular exercise to keep it good.

---Bob Gross---

[robertwgross]

Technically speaking, the large electrolytic capacitors used in a flash unit don't exactly wear out, but they can fail over time. Generally, the electrolytic compound dries out due to a poor air seal, or due to excess heat, or due to some weird over-voltage spike. As a general rule, as long as you use them normally and periodically over time, they stay good. If you leave it sitting in a hot car for a year and then try to make it work, it may leave you in the dark. In other words, you need to give your flash unit some regular exercise to keep it good.

---Bob Gross---