580EX II Problem

[jaworsk3]

I'm having some problems with my 580EX II. I have fifteen or so NiMH AA batteries that I recharge when they need it. They've only had one or two recharges, so I doubt they are dead. The problem is, after shooting anywhere from 5-30 shots, the battery dies. The flash shuts off and is able to be turned back on but the red light doesn't come on for the flash. I don't think it's the automatic function to prevent the flash head from overheating. I can turn the flash back on in an hour and the light still won't be on and it'll turn off again soon after. Even if I'm shooting all my shots on full power, which I'm not, the flash should last much longer than it does. I did a shoot today and went through two sets of fully charged NiMH batteries in only thirty or so shots. I didn't have a flash for the rest of the shoot which was in an abandoned building that was pitch black. This unfortunate surprise really through off the shoot. Any idea what the problem is? I heard that attaching the flash to a metal cold shoe can short the bottom connections. I've done several shoots with this flash on a metal cold shoe, but nothing too extensive. I'd say it's spend maybe five or so working hours on the shoe, but not all at once. Thanks.

[ben_r_]

Just out of curiousity, what kind of batteries are they?

[jaworsk3]

Impact 2700 maH

[ben_r_]

Hmmm, and how long were they sitting out of a device before you put them into the camera and use them? Or for that matter in a device or even between uses?

[jchad]

Besides an external power pack, you may find that Sanyo eneloop batteries will fix your problem (as they did mine).

I had 16 or so 2500mh NiMH AA's, but over time they would not take as much of a charge as from brand new. This, and of course the fact that they self discharge over a short period of time, was a major PIA.

The 8 Eneloops I replaced them with have been faultless so far. (6 months from new now, in 580EXII's)

[jaworsk3]

To answer ben_r_'s question first, I brought two sets to the shoot. Both were charged the night before the shoot. One set stayed in the flash for about 15 hours or so, while the others stayed in a bag for a day or so. Is this enough to make the batteries die after only a few shots?

jchad, that sounds great. Is my issue almost certainly not a defective flash or anything like that? It's not because I put it on a metal coldshoe? If the solution is as simple as buying eneloop batteries, that would be amazing. I was thinking of contacting Canon about this issue, but from the sound of what you guys are telling me, my problem isn't unusual.

Also, can I use my Impact NiMH charger for the eneloop AAs?

[Linkzi]

try some alkaline batteries to confirm that your NiMH sucks. I use the duracell rechargables with no probs.

[jchad]

I agree with Linkzi that you should try a set of alkaline disposables first. They, like eneloops, don't self discharge (well .... not much) so would be a test of your flash as well. I used a set of them while waiting for the Sanyo's to arrive from Honk Kong and they were 10 times better. (HK via eBay was the cheapest place to purchase for me.)

As for the charger, I use one that was made for NiCD & NiMH's. It analyses the batteries before deciding whether to discharge them before recharging, or soft starting to recharge straight away. 'Can't comment on your charger though.

Anyway, I hope your problem turns out to be a simple one of power supply.

[cdifoto]

Sounds like you got some bunk batteries. Duracell NiMH and Rayovac Alkalines work fine in my 580EX, 580EX II, Sunpak 383, and Vivitar 5600. Just because your batteries are new doesn't mean they aren't junk. If they're not new, they could be at the end of their life.

[bcdoug]

it wouldn't hurt to put a piece of electrical tape on your shoe and see if that does anything.

my umbrella kit came with a metal shoe as well and just for safety i taped it up. haven't had any issues with it at all.

[jaworsk3]

Thanks. I just taped it up.

[ben_r_]

Besides an external power pack, you may find that Sanyo eneloop batteries will fix your problem (as they did mine).

I had 16 or so 2500mh NiMH AA's, but over time they would not take as much of a charge as from brand new. This, and of course the fact that they self discharge over a short period of time, was a major PIA.

The 8 Eneloops I replaced them with have been faultless so far. (6 months from new now, in 580EXII's)

Thats what was ultimately going to recommend as well.