Dropped 580ex ii

Well, it happened when I had my camera up on a tripod. It wasn't locked in, one thing lead to another and if fell about 4 ft. to the ground.

The red plastic cover from the wireless pickup popped/broke off but there was no other visible damage.

However, when I turn it on the LCD just flashes for a second and disappears--it doesn't work.

Has anyone had an experience like this and have any idea if it could possibly be a reasonable repair (under $150) for a shop? Or do I just contact Canon and send it in?

Thanks in advance for input.

The problem with flashes is the cost of labour to repair compared to the price of the unit. What is the shop rate of a car these days? $100 an hr? Camera equipment is pretty close. I hate to be the the herald of bad news but based on similar threads it may be more cost effective to purchase a used 580ii.

Do you know of a local shop that can check it and give you a price? Is it an authorized Canon repair shop? If not then sometimes they can spend more time trying to trouble shoot than it is worth it. If not send it to Canon. If it turns out it is not cost effective to repair they may give you a break on the inspection fee and you can turf it if it is too expensive.

This one is a tough call. I wish I had better news.

Forgot to say. I had a 580c that had the switch for master and slave. It broke and because it was integrated with a major component it was less expensive to buy a new one, if I could have find one of that vintage.

mickeyb105 wrote in post #16280169
Well, it happened when I had my camera up on a tripod. It wasn't locked in, one thing lead to another and if fell about 4 ft. to the ground.

The red plastic cover from the wireless pickup popped/broke off but there was no other visible damage.

However, when I turn it on the LCD just flashes for a second and disappears--it doesn't work.

Has anyone had an experience like this and have any idea if it could possibly be a reasonable repair (under $150) for a shop? Or do I just contact Canon and send it in?

Thanks in advance for input.

Send it direct to Canon for a repair estimate.

They fix MOST of the ones they still repair for a flat rate of about $150.00 or so.

If the estimate is above your price ceiling they will ship the unit back to you at reasonable rates.

I think they have a factory repair facilities in California and New Jersey.

Enjoy! Lon

digital paradise wrote in post #16280396
The problem with flashes is the cost of labour to repair compared to the price of the unit. What is the shop rate of a car these days? $100 an hr? Camera equipment is pretty close. I hate to be the the herald of bad news but based on similar threads it may be more cost effective to purchase a used 580ii.

Do you know of a local shop that can check it and give you a price? Is it an authorized Canon repair shop? If not then sometimes they can spend more time trying to trouble shoot than it is worth it. If not send it to Canon. If it turns out it is not cost effective to repair they may give you a break on the inspection fee and you can turf it if it is too expensive.

This one is a tough call. I wish I had better news.

There is well-respected photography shop about 25 min away that has been around forever but I have no idea what their capabilities are for repairs. Thank you very much for the feedback, I have a feeling it may be a push as to selling it on EBay as-is and getting it repaired.

FlashZebra wrote in post #16280433
Send it direct to Canon for a repair estimate.

They fix MOST of the ones they still repair for a flat rate of about $150.00 or so.

If the estimate is above you price ceiling they will ship the unit back to you at reasonable rates.

I think they have a factory repair facility in California and New Jersey.

Enjoy! Lon

Thanks a bunch, Lon. I'll call Canon tomorrow and see what they have to say first.

I would have *almost* rather my body had taken the fall, I just got the flash a month ago from Adorama!

Edit

Look at it from the bright side. Now you got a good excuse to invest into the 600EX-RT system.

Ginga wrote in post #16280593
Look at it from the bright side. Now you got a good excuse to invest into the 600EX-RT system.

I'd say that too but the OP has only owned it for a month - ouch.

Ginga wrote in post #16280593
Look at it from the bright side. Now you got a good excuse to invest into the 600EX-RT system.

Don't think for a second that thought didn't pass through my mind! LOL

About this time last month I had to talk myself into buying a used 580ex ii for $300instead of a refurbished 430ex ii for $215ish. Gear is such a slippery slope.

I was really happy with the 580ex ii so far after shooting on and off camera with it, just for the record, as it was the first flash I had used since I borrowed my father's AE-1 and flash two decades ago.

Well there is always Yongnuo or the new Mitros. If things don't pan out with the repair (hopefully they do) and for any reason you decide on a new Canon the price of the 600 has dropped.

http://pixsylated.com …es-600ex-rt-and-580ex-ii/

Keep us updated. Curious what Canon quotes you.

Will do, going to try and take care of it tomorrow. Thanks for everyone's input.

mickeyb105 wrote in post #16280469
......, I just got the flash a month ago from Adorama!

Check your credit card. Some offer purchase protection for ?30, ?90 days or so.

In the end the repair cost $183 and was completed by Canon in a prompt manner. The paperwork says the repair is guaranteed for six months, so not bad.

Thanks for the advice, Flash Zebra.