Problems with my 580EXII & PW Plus IIs

Ok, back to square one.

If it fires consistently with the transmitter test button but not when you fire the camera, then the hotshoe contacts may be the culprit. Inspect everything involved in that connection and make sure your camera's hotshoe is tight.

Another thing to try - switch your PW units and try using the other one as the transmitter. Also try a different camera and a different flash. Replace components one piece at a time in an effort to pinpoint the problem.

Hi,

I have similar problem with my 580EXII a year ago when attached to my camera hotshoe. I was told it's a common problem of this speedlight and some kind of factory default. I ended up replaced the contact points underneath of the flash with another type which is more tapered compared with the original contact point (rounded) - See below pictures. It only cost me USD38.46. I would suggest you send it down to the nearest Canon Service Centre for further advice. Hope this help. Good luck! Cheers. Walj

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Michelle Brooks Photography wrote in post #14526912
Ok, back to square one.

You're not really back to square one. More testing is required like Curtis wrote. It could be RF interference since others have noted the same problem even with the old PW Plus II. Remember, during your shoots the flash fired some of the time. Even though it worked with the test button, it doesn't mean much.

I've heard that changing channels can help sometimes, but troubleshoot each piece of equipment first to try to pinpoint the problem.

Ok guys today will be test day. But just a couple of things: I have used different flashes (I have 2 580 EXIIs & this has happened with both); & when you say it may have to do with my hotshoe connection, are you meaning if I have a flash camera-mounted? Becuase I dont. Or are you saying the contact point could be the problem even when mounted in a cold shoe on a stand? If I have my terminology wrong please feel free to correct

Connection problems are usually the flash/transmitter is not fully seated in the camera's hot shoe or the contacts on the hot shoe itself being dirty. In your case, since your PW is hot shoe mounted, clean the contacts on the hot shoe. Don't worry about the pins on the 580exII right now since you're using the PC port on the flash.

Michelle Brooks Photography wrote in post #14527963
when you say it may have to do with my hotshoe connection, are you meaning if I have a flash camera-mounted?

The PW being used as a transmitter is mounted in the camera's hotshoe, correct? Wouldn't it stand to reason that if this connection was faulty, then the flash would fire with the test button but not when you fire the camera?

Diagnostics requires thinking about these things logically. Your camera completes an electrical circuit when you press the shutter. Follow the chain of connections and communication from one end to the other, in logical, systematic fashion.

Well, I got up this morning, got both my 580EX IIs, put the PWs on, & fired each flash 50 times. Not a single misfire. This is not reassuring but frustrating. I did nothing different, changed nothing from yesterday when I was having misfires. Now I feel like I'm doomed to experience the same inconsistent performance at my next wedding instead of having solved the problem.

Take a PC cable, preferably a locking one from FlashZebra.com. If it starts being inconsistent trigger it using the PC sync cord instead of the hotshoe.

tim wrote in post #14530658
Take a PC cable, preferably a locking one from FlashZebra.com. If it starts being inconsistent trigger it using the PC sync cord instead of the hotshoe.

Thanks, Tim.

Michelle

My guess is the flash. I had the same thing happen plus mine would occasionally switch to TTl from ETTl. sent it to canon and it turned out to be an 80.00 Fix. Has not done it since. I want to say that they replaced a flash Tube? but it solved the problem.

Also, Not sure what cables you have but ive also heard of people having similar issues and it turned out to be the cord from the plus11. spend the extra money and get the pricy cords from Pocket wizard that are made for the plus11's.......they are 17.00 but in my opinion worth it. I doubt its the plus11....they are pretty much bullet proof.

umphotography wrote in post #14530934
Michelle

My guess is the flash. I had the same thing happen plus mine would occasionally switch to TTl from ETTl. sent it to canon and it turned out to be an 80.00 Fix. Has not done it since. I want to say that they replaced a flash Tube? but it solved the problem.

Also, Not sure what cables you have but ive also heard of people having similar issues and it turned out to be the cord from the plus11. spend the extra money and get the pricy cords from Pocket wizard that are made for the plus11's.......they are 17.00 but in my opinion worth it. I doubt its the plus11....they are pretty much bullet proof.

Thanks, Mike. I sent the PW guys an email, I'm hoping to hear back from them & that maybe - maybe- they will offer to give me a break on the cost if they say I need the better cords.

Ok PW admits the prob with the 580s sometimes & suggested the cords with the screw lock (which I ordered from FZ) but they sure didn't offer ot help with the cost. I sent a reply back thanking them for the response but saying I was disappointed that this information wasn't readily available to me when I ordered my 5 PWs.