Would these action shorten the lifespan of 580EX II?

[danielyamseng]

Would the following action would spoilt the flash internal capacitor/the flash?

1) Forget to turn it off before taking out the batteries
2) Directly install new batteries without first turning off the flash power switch.
3) Turning off the flash before it fully recharge(the light goes red).

[PacAce]

No, they wouldn't.

[canonphotog]

While none of the above is a good practice.., I would not expect any one of the above to hurt the flash.

[msowsun]

While none of the above is a good practice.., I would not expect any one of the above to hurt the flash.


If it won't hurt the flash, why is it not good practice?

I never turn off my camera or my flash when changing batteries or when mounting, or un-mounting the flash, or a lens. (mostly because I am too lazy....)

Never had a problem.

[DennisW1]

Would the following action would spoilt the flash internal capacitor/the flash?

1) Forget to turn it off before taking out the batteries
2) Directly install new batteries without first turning off the flash power switch.
3) Turning off the flash before it fully recharge(the light goes red).


The only one that would have any negative effect is #3. Ideally you should let the flash fully charge and then discharge it with a full power fire before turning it off. This keeps the flash capacitor "formed" to keep it working at its maximum efficiency.

Ever turn on an old flash that you haven't used in like a couple years? It may struggle for several minutes to reach full charge if at all. Usually, it the capacitor is able to be saved, several cycles of firing it at full power (or as close to full as it is able to reach) may bring it back to life. If not then the capacitor would need to be replaced.

[canonphotog]

If it won't hurt the flash, why is it not good practice?

I never turn off my camera or my flash when changing batteries or when mounting, or un-mounting the flash, or a lens. (mostly because I am too lazy....)

Never had a problem.

If you're that lazy.., why did you respond to my post? :rolleyes:

[ToddR]

Interesting. I just fired up my circa 1983 Vivitar flash last weekend that I hadn't powered up for at least three years. I can't believe the old batteries got the light to go red...but it took at least four minutes, and then it test fired.

So on a flash you actually care about (I'd like to get a 580EX II sometime), one should discharge it immediately before powering off? But don't they charge so fast as to make that an awkward exercise? What about my Bees? They recharge even faster.

Ever turn on an old flash that you haven't used in like a couple years? It may struggle for several minutes to reach full charge if at all. Usually, it the capacitor is able to be saved, several cycles of firing it at full power (or as close to full as it is able to reach) may bring it back to life. If not then the capacitor would need to be replaced.

[rudy_216]

The only one that would have any negative effect is #3. Ideally you should let the flash fully charge and then discharge it with a full power fire before turning it off. This keeps the flash capacitor "formed" to keep it working at its maximum efficiency.

Ever turn on an old flash that you haven't used in like a couple years? It may struggle for several minutes to reach full charge if at all. Usually, it the capacitor is able to be saved, several cycles of firing it at full power (or as close to full as it is able to reach) may bring it back to life. If not then the capacitor would need to be replaced.

While I agree with your second paragraph I know you are wrong in the first one. There is no reason to fully charge or discharge the flash capacitor after use. There is no reason to do any special discharge (full power discharge) after you had used it. None.

There is a lot of misinformation on flash capacitor care. Just use your flash regularly (once a month) and it will be fine.

None of the actions asked about from the original poster will cause any problem.


https://www.ucccaps.com/UCCGuideLines.aspx
Storage

The electrical characteristics of aluminum electrolytic capacitors are dependent on temperature; the higher the ambient temperature, the faster the deterioration of the electrical characteristics (i.e., leakage current increase, tan d increase, capacitance drop, etc.). If an aluminum electrolytic capacitor is exposed to high temperatures such as direct sunlight, heating elements, etc., the life of the capacitor may be adversely affected. When capacitors are stored under humid conditions for long periods of time, the humidity will cause the lead wires/terminals to oxidize and thus impairing solderability. Therefore aluminum electrolytic capacitors should be stored at room temperature, in a dry place and out of direct sunlight.

A voltage treatment/reformation process to electrolytic capacitors may have to be applied after a capacitor has been stored for more than 2 or 3 years. If aluminum electrolytic capacitors are stored above room temperature for long periods of time, the anode foil may react with the electrolyte increasing the leakage current. After storage, the application of even normal voltages to these capacitors may result in higher than normal leakage currents.
In most cases the leakage current will return to normal levels in a short period of time. However in extreme cases, the amount of gas generated may cause the safety vent to open.

Capacitors that are stored for long periods of time should be subjected to a voltage treatment/reforming process (Note 1) which will reform the dielectric and return the leakage current to the initial level. Leakage current increase during storage will vary with the working voltage of the capacitors, normally in this order:

Low voltage capacitors < Middle voltage capacitors < High voltage capacitors.

Note 1: In the reformation process the applied voltage is gradually increased up to the rated voltage without exceeding the initial specified leakage current of the capacitor. After reaching the rated voltage, continue applying this voltage for 30 to 60 minutes.

[danielyamseng]

Rudy_216, thanks for your supporting fact. Glad to hear from you guys that is fine to do that:D