580ex ll not firing all the time

My 580 ll only fires when it feels like it cleaned all the contacts
Every time I change head direction it won't fire for the first could of snaps then it works fine any iseas

i dunno mine doesn't ever missfire

Are the batteries fully charged.

Does this happen with all your cameras or just one of them?

Its most likely the contacts on the flash/hotshoe mate ... I have read this elsewhere and had slight issues myself on occasion.
Basically you need to give it a wiggle, or remove and reseat the flash firmly - some theories are that the method canon have chosen to secure the flash is not as tight as it needs to be, and the old screw down clamp affair creates a much better contact.

When I use the 580 EX II, I slide it onto the hotshoe, slide the locking mechanism across and make sure it clicks securely in place first time, if not, I remove and repeat till it feels good and snug, then I give it a slight twist/wiggle to make sure the contacts are good and sound.

Sounds like when you are twisting and turning the head you might be dislodging the contacts slightly ... if it does this, give it a "wiggle" and you should be sorted

Replace your batteries. This issue happens when they are low on juice. This might be the problem.

^^ had it happen with freshly charged batteries, although of course another thing to check.

damnit wrote in post #11430136
Its most likely the contacts on the flash/hotshoe mate ... I have read this elsewhere and had slight issues myself on occasion.
Basically you need to give it a wiggle, or remove and reseat the flash firmly - some theories are that the method canon have chosen to secure the flash is not as tight as it needs to be, and the old screw down clamp affair creates a much better contact.

When I use the 580 EX II, I slide it onto the hotshoe, slide the locking mechanism across and make sure it clicks securely in place first time, if not, I remove and repeat till it feels good and snug, then I give it a slight twist/wiggle to make sure the contacts are good and sound.

Sounds like when you are twisting and turning the head you might be dislodging the contacts slightly ... if it does this, give it a "wiggle" and you should be sorted

This is exactly what happens to me, especially when I'm using an external battery pack. The power cord tugs on the flash just enough so the flash loses contact with the camera. This new mounting system makes the flash almost unusable for me. The 580EX II wiggles around in the hot shoe, my old 430EX with the "old" mounting system has no wiggle at all. I may have to look into a different brand of flash solely because of this.

I read a while back of a wedding Photographer who had totally had enough with of 580 EX II missfires so switched his entire setup to Metz speedlights cos of this.
Not a bad option if you are serious ... the Mecablitz 58 is the equivalent of the 580 EX II and is one hellova bit of kit, Canon ETTL compatible (as well as a tonne of other manufacturers), firmware updatable via USB (so "futureproof"), and cheaper than the Canons if I am not wrong!

It also has a 2ndary flash on the front to use as fill flash when you have the head straight up and using the reflector card as a catchlight ... nice little bonus (power slit something like 85/15 if I am not wrong).

If I did a lot more with flash and not already got the Canons, I would seriously consider the Metz mecablitzes.

I am sending my flash back to Canon on Monday because of exactly the same issues especially if on a bracket with an off camera cord.

Like others have said it seems to be the new sliding lock doesn't give a snug a fit as you would like.

I will let you know the response from Canon once I get the flash back

I like that Metz. I think I'm going to try one. I'm already on my second 580EX II. My 430 is still going strong and has been for years. The 580EX II is garbage.

Skids wrote in post #11435080
I am sending my flash back to Canon on Monday because of exactly the same issues especially if on a bracket with an off camera cord.

Like others have said it seems to be the new sliding lock doesn't give a snug a fit as you would like.

I will let you know the response from Canon once I get the flash back

I've had multiple issues with this sort of thing and OCF cords. A lot of the cords suck.

You might have this problem

http://shimworld.wordp​ress.com …ite-580ex-ii-hotshoe-fix/

I have had a similar problem with my 580EXII. It doesn't seem to want to work on my 1DMkIIN but is ok on the 20D and seems to be ok on the 1DMkIV. My 580EX works fine however on all bodies....