430 exii slower than used to be

I noticed that my 430exII is getting slower with recycle times. I used to get 4-5 bursts out of it before it woudl have to charge the flash now sometimes I get only one (I have the power dialed down to 2/3). Could this be the batteries (I use recharables and have one of the 15 min quick chargers). I have ordered a new Powerex MH-C800S and should get it in a few days (it came with 8 PowerEx batteries) or is the flash needed some work? I'd say its fired..5,000 times (and that's just a guess). What is the average life of a flash like this? Thanks for all input!

How fast are you re-firing the flash?

If you are getting 4-5 bursts in quick succession on auto for a subject that is close the flash that can be expected, but you will drain battery power. I doubt there is anything wrong with the flash - you are just draining batteries and need to give the capacitors and opportunity to recharge. You also want to make sure you don't overheat and destroy your flash with too many fast discharges like that.

As far as life expectancy goes - you should get years and thousands of flashes out of that unit with proper use. Just don't abuse it and let it periodically cool down during heavy usage.

yeah..I'm thinking the batterys need to be reconditioned..lets face it..on the quick charger..sometimes..it doenst take 5-6 min before they say they are ok.

tj3775 wrote in post #12265646
yeah..I'm thinking the batterys need to be reconditioned..lets face it..on the quick charger..sometimes..it doenst take 5-6 min before they say they are ok.

Could very well be - I've never used a quick charger and have always avoided them. They tend to build up tremendous heat which is never good for batteries; heat will shorten the lifespan of batteries.

Standard charges take a great deal more time, but they will generate far less heat and extend the overall life of your batteries.

Recycle time on mine gets much, much worse as the batteries age or wear down. I'd slow charge those batteries if you can, and keeping a fresh set of alaklines in the bag doesn't hurt for emergencies.

Virto wrote in post #12266136
Recycle time on mine gets much, much worse as the batteries age or wear down. I'd slow charge those batteries if you can, and keeping a fresh set of alaklines in the bag doesn't hurt for emergencies.

I think this is the problem most likely. I slow charge all my batteries for my 430's and never have this issue. I think most people would be surprised how much of a difference good batteries make!

Yeah..I think a good reconditioning with the new Powerex MH-C800S I bought should help out...I always keep a set of alkies around..never know

tj3775 wrote in post #12267363
Yeah..I think a good reconditioning with the new Powerex MH-C800S I bought should help out...I always keep a set of alkies around..never know

I believe that unit has a pretty effective "break-in" cycle which is good for refreshing older batteries, but it does take about two days or so to run for a full set.

I hate my 10 hour charge time with my chargers, but my batteries seem to last foreverrrrr.....and I have so many that I never feel as though i don't have enough to bring extras on-top of whatever I need for my equipment at any given time.

You can never have to many rechargeables...I think I must be up to 50 now hahaha