Nikon SB-24 Only Firing at 1/1

[PlentyGood]

Hello. Tonight I tried to start using a second SB-24, but when setting up, I turned on the flash, in manual, and discovered that it only fired at full power. I could adjust the flash on the back to go down its normal increments (1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16), but no matter what the back of the flash said, it still fired at only full power.

I doubt it's possible to diagnose the problem online, but I was wondering if maybe this was a somewhat common problem with a simple fix. Searching on google didn't turn up much help.

[SYS]

One huge advantage of owning a Canon flash, as opposed to Nikon, is that you'd definitely get LOTS of help on this forum... ;)

Seriously, though, if you don't get satisfactory answers here soon, then try FredMiranda.com and post the same question there...

[alyson]

the last time I checked, this board says CANON Digital Photography Forums. :)

yeah, try fredmiranda.com or dpreview.com

[shimmishim]

Hello. Tonight I tried to start using a second SB-24, but when setting up, I turned on the flash, in manual, and discovered that it only fired at full power. I could adjust the flash on the back to go down its normal increments (1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16), but no matter what the back of the flash said, it still fired at only full power.

I doubt it's possible to diagnose the problem online, but I was wondering if maybe this was a somewhat common problem with a simple fix. Searching on google didn't turn up much help.

Are you sure? I found a NB-24 manual online that shows you how to change the settings. I sold mine so I can't remember...

[shimmishim]

the last time I checked, this board says CANON Digital Photography Forums. :)

yeah, try fredmiranda.com or dpreview.com

But lots of strobists use Nikon flashes... whether it be a canon user or nikon user... I think this was a valid question to ask here. :)

[Sam_M]

How do you know it's always at full power? Also, make sure the flash is not set to be in slave mode.

[Sibil]

Hello. Tonight I tried to start using a second SB-24, but when setting up, I turned on the flash, in manual, and discovered that it only fired at full power. I could adjust the flash on the back to go down its normal increments (1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16), but no matter what the back of the flash said, it still fired at only full power.


Can I ask how you judged if the flash was firing at full power when the manual setting was at fractions? My eyes can never tell what the flash output power is just by looking at the flash.

[shimmishim]

when you set the flash on manual, a fraction shows up. 1/1 indicates full power and then halves when you adjust it down.

[Sam_M]

when you set the flash on manual, a fraction shows up. 1/1 indicates full power and then halves when you adjust it down.
Yes, but the OP somehow determined that even though the numerical output value was fractional, the flash unit was outputting at full power every shot.

[dpds68]

How do you know it's always at full power?


That's what I would like to know .

[René Damkot]

Very easy to hear and see the difference between 1/16 and 1/1 I'd say...
Not just in flash "pop", but also recycle time.

If the flash is firing full power whatever it's set at, it might just be broken.
Does it vary power in A setting?

[viet]

Can I ask how you judged if the flash was firing at full power when the manual setting was at fractions? My eyes can never tell what the flash output power is just by looking at the flash.

Fairly easy, listen to yer..ehh...the whining...of the flash when it recharges :grin:

[PlentyGood]

Yeah, the pop and whining where what caught my attention after the first test fire. Attached are two pictures, both taken with identical camera settings, both with SB-24s set for 1/16 power, using the flash I've been using without a problem (A) and the new flash (B).

You can obviously see the difference. I've got another shot of A at full power and it's identical to B at 1/16.

Like I said, I realize my flash is probably broken and I doubt to get any help off the internet, but I just wanted to check in the hope that maybe somebody had a clue. :)

[Sam_M]

Yeah, the pop and whining where what caught my attention after the first test fire. Attached are two pictures, both taken with identical camera settings, both with SB-24s set for 1/16 power, using the flash I've been using without a problem (A) and the new flash (B).

You can obviously see the difference. I've got another shot of A at full power and it's identical to B at 1/16.

Like I said, I realize my flash is probably broken and I doubt to get any help off the internet, but I just wanted to check in the hope that maybe somebody had a clue. :)
Ok, see that makes a difference. I'd say the flash is broken then. Thanks for posting pictures.

[howzitboy]

darn, it happened to me long ago but for the life of me, i cant remember if i just dumped the flash or got it fixed.
did u set both flashes to same settings? did u try clean the contacts?