2 580ex II die a week apart from each other

I still live by my old 550EX speedlites - have only one 580EXii that I've been using only sparingly since getting it repaired almost a year ago. the 550's just WORK, and are perfectly happy with pocketwizard tt5's

I believe canon charges $100 for fixing speedlites.

Canon are well aware of the problem, you can see a detailed report from PocketWizard on the issue here - http://lpadesign.com/5​80EXII.pdf

See the full thread here - https://photography-on-the.net …ighlight=580exi​i+with+TT5

AlanU wrote in post #13129735
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!!!

Im always shooting +1 on the 580exii and havnt had a problem yet (touch wood).

Reading these types of posts makes me worry sometimes. Glad I have two 580exii and another flash as backup.

But never had a problem with the 580exii in the past 2 years of owning them.

AlanU wrote in post #13129735
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!!!

Huh, thats very interesting. The one Ive had the longest is four years old and hasnt given me an issue yet. For you to have two go out is pretty crazy. How are you storing them? How often do you use them? What batteries are you using in them? Are you firing them on camera or off? If on, are you using the Canon brand off shoe camera cord? If off what are you mounting and triggering them with?

enginyr wrote in post #13128797
please, someone with information would be appreciated. $800+ down the drain.

Wow I paid $420 for mine new. Even now it's $450 new from Amazon.

Flashes can be abused, so there's no telling that just because they "look new" they haven't been almost fried by firing at full power rapidly and repeatedly.

I don't get why some people buy stuff used for almost new price. If you take the used price, and add a service call to canon, and it's anywhere near new price, buy new and save yourself a headache.

Send them in to Canon. If the guy who quoted $100 is accurate, they end up costing you $500/ea. Not much you can do really, unless you're technical and can open it up and check the capacitors and replace them if they're bad.

I've been considering buying a used 35L, but since most have been selling for $1300 I just won't touch that. $1300 + $150 if I have to get it serviced = $1450, which is basically a new one. Makes no sense to not just go new and save the headache for $50. I've kinda talked myself out of it now.

n0w0rries wrote in post #13137453
Wow I paid $420 for mine new. Even now it's $450 new from Amazon.

Flashes can be abused, so there's no telling that just because they "look new" they haven't been almost fried by firing at full power rapidly and repeatedly.

I don't get why some people buy stuff used for almost new price. If you take the used price, and add a service call to canon, and it's anywhere near new price, buy new and save yourself a headache.

Send them in to Canon. If the guy who quoted $100 is accurate, they end up costing you $500/ea. Not much you can do really, unless you're technical and can open it up and check the capacitors and replace them if they're bad.

I've been considering buying a used 35L, but since most have been selling for $1300 I just won't touch that. $1300 + $150 if I have to get it serviced = $1450, which is basically a new one. Makes no sense to not just go new and save the headache for $50. I've kinda talked myself out of it now.

Yea I have a real problem buying used too. Pretty much all my gear that I end up keeping was all bought new. I always feel like I might be buying someone elses problems when buying used. In the past when I have, its always been more like, buy for cheaper, try, resell, then buy new.

ben_r_ wrote in post #13137651
Yea I have a real problem buying used too. Pretty much all my gear that I end up keeping was all bought new. I always feel like I might be buying someone elses problems when buying used. In the past when I have, its always been more like, buy for cheaper, try, resell, then buy new.

I'm going to quote that in my sig box. There are a few people ribbing me about my not buying used.

I thought the classic (supposedly HSS-related) 580EXII problem was that it would go full power for every shot. But I'm not an EE, so I can't say that they would always fail the same way for that reason.

I sure like my 430EXII. As long as the batteries are charged, it just works.

enginyr wrote in post #13128797
please, someone with information would be appreciated. $800+ down the drain.

why don't you just make a trip to Canon in Irvine one day, show them the flashes and see what they can do for you. The guys working there are so nice and helpful. On a non busy days, sometimes they just bring my equipments inside for the technicians to take a look at and even fix immediately while i wait if the problems are easy enough for them to fix.

Both were sent to canon yesterday. not happy! Clearly a defective product.

DIY would cost approximately $60-70 each. I just fixed both of my 580exII about 3 months ago.

I only buy used and have been for many years. Why? Because canon makes a great product. Most of my gear has gone up in value. This product is clearly not up to Canon standards. We will soon see what their report says.

psxindo. What exactly was the problem and do you have a link to the DIY?

Sorry to hear about your 580 ii's went dead, but i have never had any problems with my 3 units.

weird thing is how both units went out at the same time something went wrong you are the only one that can figure out what it was? could it be just bad luck? if it was me I would say yes but no one has my luck do they?