This is why you have a backup

[D Thompson]

There is a lot of good advice about having backup equipment because you never know when something will happen. I was doing a portrait session using one 580 exii off camera and one 580 exii on camera as master. I set my camera down on a bench to make an adjustment. Picked it back up and the strap caught on a slat and pulled it out of my hand. Thankfully, it didn't fall far and this was the only damage. Put the good one on and bounced it off a reflector. Calling Canon Monday morning.

[hbomb69]

ouch, happened to me last year....just ordered a replacement foot, and it was as good as new.

[scorpio_e]

OUCH !!!!! I have dropped a flash before. Luckily it hit carpeting.

[SMP_Homer]

I've had flashes bounce off cement and hard floors from as high as 6 feet and have yet to break one!

I've never had total failure at an event from a piece of hardware - closest has been top dial on 5D2 stopped working... Could still shoot with it but was a lot harder to use!

[highway0691]

Yes - good advice. Only yesterday one of my 580 ex II wouldn't fire, the pilot light was out, despite the screen lighting up. Turned on/off, popped abtteries etc., so I had to work the rest of the day with one, a PITA but got by. Today I tried new batteries and no problems. will keep an eye on this flash though.

[jser]

It's also why you have insurance

[Red Tie Photography]

Its not really worth it to claim insurance on it. I think I had mine fixed locally with a new foot for $70.

[piggie_tak]

Sorry to hear!

It happened to me last year when the foot just broke from wear and tear. I sent it into CPS for a replacement.

Good luck!

[ChadAndreo]

If you know how to use manual flash, the yn-560 would come in handy for situations like this .

[D Thompson]

Originally Posted by jser

It's also why you have insurance

Good point and is making me reconsider.

Originally Posted by Red Tie Photography

Its not really worth it to claim insurance on it. I think I had mine fixed locally with a new foot for $70.

From what I can find, the part should run me ~$50. It's 4 screws and plug in the connector. While it wouldn't be worth it to claim this, it had the potential to be very costly - 5D, 70-200 f2.8 LIS Mk1, and the 580 EX II. The "what if" is making me really consider the insurance that I checked into a few months back.

[tim]

There's a thread on how to replace the foot yourself, it's cheap and easy. Parts can come from ebay. This thread.

I've had pretty much everything fail at weddings. Once I had two cameras fail at the same time. I've dropped cameras, lenses, and flashes. Once I put down my camera and flash and walked away, forgetting it was connected to the battery pack on my belt.

Some photographers even go to the extend of having a backup vehicle available. Personally I figure I'll rent if that happens.

[D Thompson]

Originally Posted by tim

There's a thread on how to replace the foot yourself, it's cheap and easy. Parts can come from ebay. This thread.

Thanks for the link. Yeah, it's a simple fix. I just need the new part. I'll probably skip ebay and go with Canon parts. Call me anal or whatever, I like to stick with original equipment if I can.

I've got it "rigged" and can still use the flash if I had to, just not on a stand or on camera. My SO usually helps me and could hold the flash/umbrella in hand, but I have a feeling she'd be complaining after a little while.

[Allan.L]

Originally Posted by SMP_Homer

I've had flashes bounce off cement and hard floors from as high as 6 feet and have yet to break one!

I've never had total failure at an event from a piece of hardware - closest has been top dial on 5D2 stopped working... Could still shoot with it but was a lot harder to use!

It was attached to his camera, so much leverage on the foot!

I have dropped flashes too (by themselves!) and they have been fine.

[Jericobot]

Yowza, hope all goes well

[form]

580EX popped and died last wedding I shot. Good thing I had 3 with me that day.