Problem with Battery Chamber Doors on Flash Units
Dec 12, 2021 14:33:00 #
I have two old flash units: Canon 420EX and Sunpak auto433AF Thyristor for Canon. I have not used them for a long time but find now that they both have the same problem: I can snap-close the battery chamber doors for each if there are no batteries in the chamber. But if I place batteries in the chamber (4xAA's), the chamber door will not close and stay shut. I can hold the door closed and the flash will fire when triggered but the door on each unit will not stay closed on its own. I'd appreciate any ideas on how to fix this other than taping the doors closed.
Dec 12, 2021 14:41:18 #
Not sure about your 430, but my 600 can have the same issue. Remember that you have to push it down and then slide it into place in sort of a double motion - mine won’t just snap straight down like many other battery covers.
Dec 12, 2021 14:43:27 #
My units the doors require a little force to close. I have to hold them down securely while sliding the door shut to get the little catch under the lip of the door.
If that catch is broken off you should be able to see that. In that case I recommend gaffers tape to hold the door shut.
If that catch is broken off you should be able to see that. In that case I recommend gaffers tape to hold the door shut.
Dec 12, 2021 14:59:03 #
Thanx for the quick reply. I've still no luck with those battery covers. Tape may be the only solution.
Dec 12, 2021 14:59:36 #
Thanx for the quick reply. I've still no luck with those battery covers. Tape may be the only solution.
Dec 12, 2021 15:08:15 #
tovie wrote:
Thanx for the quick reply. I've still no luck with those battery covers. Tape may be the only solution.
Can you see evidence of a damaged or broken catch?
Dec 12, 2021 15:08:20 #
Search Survival , Skog, Ranger, etc. Rubber bands. Edit: Not your average rubber band!
Dec 12, 2021 15:38:56 #
tovie wrote:
I have two old flash units: Canon 420EX and Sunpak... (show quote)
I've found that gaffers tape or rubber bands work for a little while but that the constant push of the springs at the top of the battery eventually make the tape slip or the rubber bands stretch. I've never found a great solution.
...Cam
Dec 12, 2021 20:43:35 #
TriX wrote:
Not sure about your 430, but my 600 can have the same issue. Remember that you have to push it down and then slide it into place in sort of a double motion - mine won’t just snap straight down like many other battery covers.
Does it slide forward? It probably needs to.Dec 13, 2021 05:30:35 #
CamB wrote:
I've found that gaffers tape or rubber bands work for a little while but that the constant push of the springs at the top of the battery eventually make the tape slip or the rubber bands stretch. I've never found a great solution.
...Cam
...Cam
I use zip ties on the Yongnuo flash doors that wont shut. They too can eventually wore out but it leaves no residue.
Dec 13, 2021 07:04:36 #
Slightly astray from the topic. I use a length of monofilament fishing line hot glued to the door and to the body to ensure that it does not come off and wander away when walking at a shoot.
On topic, Dollartree sells in the cosmetic section hair bands, some very small which fit things like your flash problem.
On topic, Dollartree sells in the cosmetic section hair bands, some very small which fit things like your flash problem.
Dec 13, 2021 07:39:48 #
Have you looked at the battery contacts?
If the flashes have been just sitting around for years...there may be some oxidation buildup on your contacts...making it that much more difficult to close...not a lot of wiggle room typically.
If the flashes have been just sitting around for years...there may be some oxidation buildup on your contacts...making it that much more difficult to close...not a lot of wiggle room typically.
Dec 13, 2021 07:47:42 #
Inspect the door and the flash housing that it fits into, and look for damage or wear. I did a Google search for a replacement of the battery cover of the Canon 420EX, and got some nibbles, but those always led to battery covers for camera bodies. Its still (maybe) possible that there are replacement covers out there somewhere.
You may have to spring for a new flash. There are inexpensive flashes from Neewer and other companies. Not as solid, but they definitely do the job.
You may have to spring for a new flash. There are inexpensive flashes from Neewer and other companies. Not as solid, but they definitely do the job.
Dec 13, 2021 08:07:08 #
Dec 13, 2021 08:51:43 #
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