2 580ex II die a week apart from each other

My 580 ex 2 are in relatively new condition and both die within a week from each other. My 430ex2 is still kicking strong.

Anyone know what is going on?

they turn on and zoom but no flash.

How old where they? there was some with faulty flash bulbs that causes arcing which eventually fries the power circuitry.

Were wou using Pocket Wizards for off-camera lighting?

Strange.. Return them and get new ones as it should still be under warranty.

I have had mine for years (two 580exii) and never had a problem. I use them like everyweekend and still going strong.

CliveyBoy wrote in post #13123420
Were wou using Pocket Wizards for off-camera lighting?

HSS w/o PW is just as deadly
it's just that PW users tend to use HSS more than non-PW users

Is that a known problem is it?

No pocket wizards. I got them used but almost new looking.

430exii's seem to be awesome robust flashes. I hate my 580exii flashes which are all purchased new. If you shoot HSS and hit them hard with +3 FEC in bright light attempting to over come sun the 580exii flashes die fast.

If you look at reports the venting around the flash bult is one of the culprits. Venting is lacking.

anyone know how much it will cost to send it to canon?

enginyr wrote in post #13124639
No pocket wizards. I got them used but almost new looking.

New looking isnt new though... Any time you buy anything used you really should try to confirm the age. Even asking for a purchase receipt isnt too much.

AlanU wrote in post #13125429
430exii's seem to be awesome robust flashes. I hate my 580exii flashes which are all purchased new. If you shoot HSS and hit them hard with +3 FEC in bright light attempting to over come sun the 580exii flashes die fast.

Thats like using your equalizer as an ampilifer. If youre shooting like that youre expecting too much out these flash units and should upgrade to a real flash strobe. Ive had my 580EX II for going on four years now and use it as intended well within its means and I have never had any issues with it. I have real strobes for dealing with the sun.

please, someone with information would be appreciated. $800+ down the drain.

enginyr wrote in post #13128445
anyone know how much it will cost to send it to canon?

Call Canon. No one else can really tell you price quotes like that.

I would never buy a used flash, for this exact reason.
It's WAY too easy to abuse a flash, then sell it.
That might be the case with your flashes.

Ben,

I had 580 exii flashes fail on me with regular use with NO HSS used. The flashes decided to underexpose out of the blue then it became consistent. This happened to 2 x 580exII's I had (both purchased brand new) Those flashes seldom ever went above +1 FEC bouncing flash.

the 580exii bottom line is a joke. I know many people in sales observing how flakey canon flashes are and Nikon's have substantially less issues.

Can wait to see a 580exiii. At this moment in time the 430exii is definitely more robust than the so called "flagship" 580exii.

Now that I shoot with fast primes and use less flash in my shooting style. My 580exii has become more reliable LOL!!!