Problem with my 580EX

[itzjere]

So I decided to bring my 580EX tonight to play around.

I noticed that once I power on the flash, a few seconds later, the "Zoom --mm" begins flashing. I didn't think much of it. I don't have my manual with me, but assumed it was a sign of low battery. However, I noticed that after the "Zoom --mm" starts blinking, the controls on my flash are disabled. I cannot turn on the backlight on the LCD, pressing mode does nothing. Even flipping the Off/Master/Slave switch does nothing! If I turn my flash off, then back on, before the "Zoom --mm" starts blinking, I can control these functions. Once it starts blinking, they are all useless.

This happens when the flash is connected both on and off the camera. The flash triggers fine by the camera, but I have no control over ETTL or manual power control.

Any help is appreciated. I'm trying to find my manual at this time, but figure someone on this board might know. Thanks.

[MKII]

close the little ''plastic'' thats above the flash lamp.....thats it....

[itzjere]

close the little ''plastic'' thats above the flash lamp.....thats it....

If by plastic thing, you mean the wide panel diffuser, than no, this is not causing the issue. I know what you are describing, but that only happens when you have the wide panel diffuser down and are bouncing the flash. Furthermore, the blinking that happens when you have the wide panel down blinks the whole back LCD. The blinking only appears in the focal length area. Nothing else. Also, even when you have the wide panel open, you still have full control over all the buttons and Off/Master/Slave switch. Thanks for your input though.

Anyone have any other thoughts? I'm in the process of emailing Canon right now.

[elysium]

I got this when I didn't slot the flash diffuser bback in properly. Flash worked fine but after slotting it back in, it stopped.

[itzjere]

That's strange. I'm very positive that my diffuser is in properly. Maybe I have a bad panel sensor? Waiting on Canon's response

[MKII]

you mean the wide panel diffuser,
yes i didnt know how to tell it in english...:oops::oops::oops::oops:

do you have the flash on camera..? ?

[itzjere]

Yes I do. This problem happens when the flash is both on and off the camera. Swivel and tilt position doesn't seem to be affecting the problem

[MKII]

two things in my mind....the sensors of the panel diffuser dont work propertly....and maybe cannot regognize if its closed or not......
or...maybe the zoom mechanism has a problem....
you said you have contact with canon right...? ?
if someone here had any experience like that please post us,so we can help our friend itzjere.....

[itzjere]

Canon replied back saying it was a hardware issue. They didn't specify. I've mailed it off to Irvine repair center and will wait back for the estimate!

[itzjere]

Just to update everyone about my issue, Canon received my 580EX Monday morning. I had a quote in my email box before noon. Estimate was $118.62. They charged me their standard labor and parts rate of $111.00 (The rest of the balance is shipping cost). Flash has been fixed and is on it's way back to me already. That's a 1-day turn around time from the day they received it! I should have it in my hands before the end of the week. They mail by FedEx 2-day.

[itzjere]

Summary from Canon said that the zoom assembly was inoperative preventing proper operation. Canon replaced my zoom assembly.

[SYS]

When I had to send my 580EX to Irvine a couple years ago, I had the same great service. Am glad that you got yours fixed.