Problem with Battery Chamber Doors on Flash Units
Dec 13, 2021 09:20:58 #
Lucian
Loc: From Wales, living in Ohio
Tape may not hold, plus it gets messy when you want to remove it. Better to get some of those thing Velcro straps they sell to gather up computer and printer power cables and use that to hold it in place. You are sure though, that there is not a way to slide it after pushing it closed?
I had a thought, what batteries are you using? I recall once that the rechargeable batteries I had purchased, were ever so slightly longer and would not allow the door to close and lock on something I was using then in. Try using, say Duracell, if you are not already, or a different brand and see if the door will close and lock then.
I had a thought, what batteries are you using? I recall once that the rechargeable batteries I had purchased, were ever so slightly longer and would not allow the door to close and lock on something I was using then in. Try using, say Duracell, if you are not already, or a different brand and see if the door will close and lock then.
Dec 13, 2021 09:39:45 #
dbrugger25
Loc: Raleigh, NC
Uou could perminently glue Velcro to the battery door and chassis. That works very well.
Dec 13, 2021 09:53:18 #
tovie wrote:
I have two old flash units: Canon 420EX and Sunpak... (show quote)
I have had old flash units too where the battery door has gone south as they say. I have used tape or several tight rubber bands. Mine were different brand and models from your but the same issue. Good luck and do be aware of the flashes trigger voltage when using with a newer camera.
Dec 13, 2021 11:39:17 #
I was thinking: try some older type batteries, non-lithium, maybe even non-alkaline. Would not be surprised if size has increased just enough. I have a high power UV lamp and one battery would not stop charging. They sell it on Amazon, but not the batteries made exactly for it. Found replacements, but 1 mm longer for same battery type. Luckily they do fit the flashlight. Might even get a caliper at HF and measure batteries until you find the shortest ones.
Dec 13, 2021 11:49:10 #
Throw them out and buy new ones. Check out Godox The new stuff works ever so much better
Dec 13, 2021 12:01:39 #
Nicholas J DeSciose wrote:
Throw them out and buy new ones. Check out Godox The new stuff works ever so much better
That is true too.
Dec 13, 2021 13:06:31 #
amfoto1
Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA
tovie wrote:
...Tape may be the only solution.
Or get the door replaced, if the latch is broken.
P.S. I have no idea what they're called... but I bought some straps that I use to keep coiled up power cords and pneumatic hoses neat. They are around 6" or 8" long, 1/2" to 3/4" wide, have a large plastic loop on one end to pass the other end through, then hook and loop (Velcro) fasteners to keep them secured in place. They would very likely work to keep a battery door tightly closed, too. Look for them in hardware stores. I've also seen similar at computer stores, where they're sold to be used to keep bundles of wiring neat under desks and behind furniture, etc. The difference is that these don't have the large loop on one end, just rely on the hooks and loops to keep them fastened. This type can easily be cut to a more convenient length, if needed. Both of these are based upon a flexible strap that won't stretch (the way rubber bands etc. would), so should stay in place well for this sort of use.
Dec 13, 2021 13:53:47 #
amfoto1 wrote:
Or get the door replaced, if the latch is broken. ... (show quote)
Thanks, those sound like a good idea for the OP and I can think of other uses for them as well.
Dec 13, 2021 14:35:57 #
tovie wrote:
I have two old flash units: Canon 420EX and Sunpak... (show quote)
In a pinch a couple of strong rubber bands may solve your problem
Dec 13, 2021 15:27:42 #
You may be able to obtain, If they are worn out beyond repair the catch mechanism a real door for each of those units, there is a quick fix that has worked for me.
Buy a small roll of GORILLA TAPE. Cut a map piece and apply it to the door. It will come off with a little effort when to need to change batteries but it won't come loose in use. Other improvisations I have used in an emergency situations are ZIP TIES or cable ties. I buy the less expensive ones in the dollar stores because they are more flexible. Sometimes I will splice 2 or 3 of them together- tighten them up and cut them off to change batteries.
I keep the tape and ties in my gear cases. It's surprising what they will hold in place.
Attaced- a shot of my dirty and beaten up old spare flas that live in the trunk of my car for emergencies. It's head together with zip ties!
Buy a small roll of GORILLA TAPE. Cut a map piece and apply it to the door. It will come off with a little effort when to need to change batteries but it won't come loose in use. Other improvisations I have used in an emergency situations are ZIP TIES or cable ties. I buy the less expensive ones in the dollar stores because they are more flexible. Sometimes I will splice 2 or 3 of them together- tighten them up and cut them off to change batteries.
I keep the tape and ties in my gear cases. It's surprising what they will hold in place.
Attaced- a shot of my dirty and beaten up old spare flas that live in the trunk of my car for emergencies. It's head together with zip ties!
Dec 13, 2021 18:22:11 #
JD750 wrote:
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.
Sometimes you can find new battery doors on ebay
Dec 13, 2021 19:49:42 #
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.
Exactly.
Dec 13, 2021 20:09:08 #
tovie wrote:
I have two old flash units: Canon 420EX and Sunpak... (show quote)
I also have a 430EX but I have not have your problem. I just opened it and see that I have a corroding battery in it. I have also had it to stop working due to a corroded contact.
Dec 13, 2021 21:46:13 #
I use a black silicone wristband on a Yongnuo ring flash that is well known for its broken battery door problem. Amazon B08DKV7GKZ
Dec 13, 2021 21:53:38 #
birdman12 wrote:
I also have a 430EX but I have not have your problem. I just opened it and see that I have a corroding battery in it. I have also had it to stop working due to a corroded contact.
Speaking of corrosion, consider using Eneloops or similar, and you can forget the potential corrosion and damage from alkaline batteries.
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