580 EX ll Reliability/Longevity?

I have owned a 580 EX ll for about a year with a 7D. It is the version with the pointy contacts. I have had occaisional problems with it where it turns on in TTL mode and I'd have to remove and replace the batteries and remove and replace the unit on the mounting plate in order to get it to open in ETTL mode. Always solvable though with some fiddling. Now however I have a serious problem. The flash will only fire one or two times out of ten (allowing adequate recycle time) even though it's screen is on and shows no errors. Doesn't matter what camera shooting mode, M, Av etc., ETTL or ETTL High Speed. I have tried the usual; remove, replace the unit on the camera, remove replace the (fresh) batteries and so on. It has been used almost daily for much of that year. Could it just be worn out? Any ideas? Thanks.

Out of curiosity, what kind of batteries are you using for the flash?

I highly recommend Eneloop rechargeable batteries. I have 3 x 580 EXII flashes that I have had for several years and no problems. Make sure you always use freshly charged batteries. I also only use Phottix odins with them for off camera flash and so far the combo has been 100% reliable.

@sys I'm using Powerex 2700 rechagable.

I've had my 580EX II for about 4 years now and have it almost permanently mounted to my camera. I don't think you've worn yours out. I have had a similar problem a couple of times that was caused by the flash not being seated properly on the hotshoe. Once I pushed it further onto the hotshoe and made sure the locking lever is tight it behaved properly.

Pitter...I had to send my 3 yr. old 580exII to Canon for repair. Had the same problem you are experiencing. It cost around $200 to fix. Don't have invoice in front of me to tell you what they replaced. But, works perfect now.

I love 580 but the bottoms are not as clear as 550. You need to have a manual nearby.
As for rest, I have had no problem.

I guess you mean buttons...?
I've had my first 580 EX II for more than five years now. No issues.

I use Engergizer rechargeables with my three 580 EXII flashes and the work great.

jgogums interesting. Thanks for mentioning that. Looks like a turn in the repair department is in order. I'm glad others have had such good luck with their units but of course I posted in hopes of getting a handle on the very serious problem I have with mine.

Pitter,
It does sound like in needs servicing. Is it just one year old? Unless you are using it all day, every day for a year, it really should last longer than that. But they can fail, even when new. If you aren't a CPS member, certainly sign up and send it to them, they'll fix it up for you. It will probably be in the $200, as someone else mentioned, unless it's still under warranty.

Robert W it's two years old. Thanks for the CPS tip.

Hello!
I have a problem with a Canon Speedlite 580EX II. Whatever the mode and settings that I use triggers only at maximum power. and the preflash for ETTL mode it triggers at the maximum ori if i press the pilot..
Has anyone encountered this problem?

FreddyHFK wrote in post #15851803
Hello!
I have a problem with a Canon Speedlite 580EX II. Whatever the mode and settings that I use triggers only at maximum power. and the preflash for ETTL mode it triggers at the maximum ori if i press the pilot..
Has anyone encountered this problem?

Is the flash seated all the way forward on the hot shoe? Make sure it's pushed all the way in.

even with the flash off camera using only pilot button for test, in ETTL or Manual mode. in any case it triggers only on maximum power