Flash on the fritz...

[vfilby]

hmm... where to post?

So I bought a Sigma EF-500DG Super used off FM.com about 4 months ago. The condition was perfect, better than described. But this evening the flash has started acting up, firing intermittently then not firing at all.

The typical capacitor whine is now a more garbly sound, and I am worried that it is on the path to perma toast. I guess the next step is to talk to Sigma, figure out what they say. If it is too expensive I will look at it myself as long as the parts are available.

Any advice?

[Jon]

If it is too expensive I will look at it myself as long as the parts are available.
DON'T. The capacitors in the flash are designed to build up a very high charge, then shoot it out very fast to make the flash tube glow. If there's a charge built up in there and you discharge it yourself, it'll make you glow, with (uncomfortable, certainly, harmful, probably, fatal, possibly) results you won't like.

I assume you've changed batteries to known fresh. Sounds somewhat like a bad connection somewhere in the charging circuit. I'd guess that Sigma has a flat rate for repairs on the flash.

[vfilby]

If it is too expensive I will look at it myself as long as the parts are available.
DON'T. The capacitors in the flash are designed to build up a very high charge, then shoot it out very fast to make the flash tube glow. If there's a charge built up in there and you discharge it yourself, it'll make you glow, with (uncomfortable, certainly, harmful, probably, fatal, possibly) results you won't like.

I assume you've changed batteries to known fresh. Sounds somewhat like a bad connection somewhere in the charging circuit. I'd guess that Sigma has a flat rate for repairs on the flash.

Well, I am assuming the TV's that I have opened up and discharged packed more of a punch. There probably isn't much of a ground on the flash so I am assuming that I can discharge the cap by shorting the leads. I will certainly read up on it first though.

I have tried fresh batteries, seemed to work better right off the bat and then stopped working all-together.

[vfilby]

Small update...

The flash works well when first turned on (but you have to let the cap discharge for quite some time, i.e. you can't turn it off then on again and have it work). It works for about a dozen flashes then stops working. Everything seems to work, charge light on, lcd display functioning properly but instead of a bright light all you hear is a small click.

Functions the same in all modes (not sure about the slave modes though).

[Jon]

Bad capacitor, then. Possibly overheating. Seriously, it's probably more than a single component, and any parts you can get from Sigma would likely be assemblies anyway, so why not let them do it and get a warranty on the repair?

[vfilby]

Bad capacitor, then. Possibly overheating. Seriously, it's probably more than a single component, and any parts you can get from Sigma would likely be assemblies anyway, so why not let them do it and get a warranty on the repair?

Because I bought it used, I am assuming that I will not be able to get a warrantee on it. I am planning on contacting the guy who sold it to me o see when he bought it.

Cheers,

[Jon]

Whether it's under warranty now or not, if you get it repaired by them, they'll warranty the repair for, usually, 90 days or so. DIY and you're self-insuring.

[vfilby]

I understand... I checked the package that the flash was sent in and it has a blank warrantee card in it. I have asked the seller for more information. Maybe I can get the repair under warrantee.

Any experience with situations like this?

Thanks,

[Jon]

If you can provide proof of original purchase (from a retailer) there should be no problem. Even if you can't, they may be able to tell from the s/n whether it can reasonably be assumed to be in warranty.