Just another rant....580EXII

#3 speedlite DEAD

This weekend I had my 580EXII on my TT5 flex/Kacey BD.

It was working well considering the harsh sunlight. So little abuse then suddenly the flash seems to have lost sync with the camere (tested on 3 bodies). I did everything you could imagine to troubleshoot. The current flash has been repaired (completely gutted with new components).

Back to my favourite camera store so they can ship it out for me. They laughed and said they were NOT suprised. I was told this is not uncommon. Bad luck is also not a factor either. Jokingly they said I should go to the darkside and enjoy a more robust Nikon flash. The "shop" even tried a quick trouble shooting of this flash and they said "yup its NFG"

Man this flash thing irritates me. Oh well.......

And for this same reason, i am thinking of switching to the darkside.

Nikon has really nice flashes, and their flash metering seems to be better.

I think every person who works at my local pro shop must use a Nikon except one, I try to buy from her lol. Sorry about your speedlight though, I guess I'll knock on wood cause mine have worked perfectly for over a year now and they get used at least once a week now.

How about giving us more info on how the flash was being used prior to it's demise. Were you rapid shooting at full power? Recent drop or trauma to the lens? Type of environment you were in?.......Etc, etc.

I'm curious too...harsh sunlight, with a BD. Seems like a combo that uses a TON of power.

justaf IREMAN wrote in post #10561557
How about giving us more info on how the flash was being used prior to it's demise. Were you rapid shooting at full power? Recent drop or trauma to the lens? Type of environment you were in?.......Etc, etc.

I'm a hobbyist.

This flash was recently completely gutted by Canon. The flash is virtually new (internally). This flash was purchased new 1+yrs ago.

Flash has never been dropped, or used rapid fire full power. This particular unit hasn't been used much with an external battery pack either. The full on repair was done under 3mths ago.

I have had 2 other speedlites that unexposed severely. All my flashes are purchased new.

My environment is always dry. Never used in the rain.

Haven't explored Metz yet but my only concern is compatibility with my PW flex's.

My cheap 430EXII has been rock solid for many years. I just hate using it due to the limitation of the rotation of the head.

Luckily this flash will be repaired under warranty (only 3mth warranty after Canon's repair). If this flash dies again I will get a new replacement.

Seems my 580EXII lifespan is under two years of hobbyist use. This is why I only buy "new" flashes 'cause I know its not been dropped/abused etc etc.

I really wonder if others are experiencing this same "lifespan". The camera shop seems to say its not uncommon.

I've had one for almost two years with zero problems.
My camera store has reported no problems with the flash either, as I was in and almost purchased a second one. I ended up buying a 430 instead, just because of cost, and my needs. I specifically asked about maintenance issues, as well as return rates on both. I have the new pocketwizards as well.
I'm thinking that a BD with full sun is causing a lot of flash power to be used.
This may be shortening your lifespan....just my guess.

Marloon wrote in post #10561465
And for this same reason, i am thinking of switching to the darkside.

Nikon has really nice flashes, and their flash metering seems to be better.

The SB900 is amazing.

I'm just saying.

ootsk wrote in post #10561757
I'm curious too...harsh sunlight, with a BD. Seems like a combo that uses a TON of power.

I wasn't even using my external battery packs. The flash had an enormous amount of time to cool shot after shot.

Less than 3mths of use on this particular flash. This was my 2nd outing using the 580exii/BD combo.

I wonder when they are gonna ditch the 580exii for a revision.

Sorry to hear that.

Glad my 2 580EX II's are still worry free for around 2 years now.

Nikon is really king when it comes to speedlights, they are buildt well, without being crippled of any features. And of course there flashmetering is top notch compared to the competition.

Sony's design of their HVL-58AM beats both Canon and Nikon, sadly looks isnt all.. Sony lacks a brain..

I've heard from professional Nikon users that the SB-900 burns too.

What was your exif information during the last few good flashes on the day it broke?
What f-stop, iso, and shutter speed?
I'm thinking that using a BeautyDish in full sunight probably required close to a full flash each time, and if you were in HSS mode, there would have been an incredible load put on the flash....but I'm curious.

apersson850 wrote in post #10562932
I've heard from professional Nikon users that the SB-900 burns too.

Yes just like any speedlight will if you push it to hard.

I have five 580EX II, even dropped one and they work fine. There is always problems no matter which side you're on.