Life of flashes

[digexpressions]

I'm thinking about buying a used 580EX and was wondering what the life expectancy of flashes is.

[sando]

Years upon years. I shouldn't worry about it's life-span.

[tim]

I've had a 550EX for about 5 years, I guess, it works as good as new.

[GerBee]

Six months to Seven years in service is my record for the Canon speedlite range. I have older Nikon units but not in regular service.

Canon have a simple one price fixes anything approach to their flashguns ~ theoretically allowing eternal life. :)

[robojack]

Depends how often you use it. If you use it a LOT everyday, as part of your job, then it'll probably last five years (give or take). If you shoot casually, and only use it for certain occasions and events, then it'll last you even longer.

[Seanzky]

Just take a look at some of the flashes that's been out of production since the 80s-90s and are still being used today. That should give you an idea.

[Big G]

As others have said should last for years. I bought both mine second hand, made sure I bought at such a price that loss of warranty made it worth the risk.

[yogestee]

I've still got a Metz 45 CT1 which I bought in 1980 (if I remember rightly)..It's had a power of work.. Looks a bit scratched about but still works like new..

[ShotByTom]

I have a small yashica flash that I use for lighting backgrounds, I bought it in 1979 and it still looks and functions great.

[picturecrazy]

It all depends on whether it's been abused or not. If it's routinely gets blasted at 1/1 power every six seconds for about 50 flashes in a row, week after week, it's not gonna last as long as the casual usage flashguns.

That being said, they're pretty robust and can take a beating both physically and in operation.