Strobe capacitors "deforming?": I seem to remember being advised that electronic flash units had to had to be "fired up" regularly if they were not being used to prevent the capacitors...

flashbang

I seem to remember being advised that electronic flash units had to had to be "fired up" regularly if they were not being used to prevent the capacitors from "deforming." I have no idea of what that means ir of it is necessary, but I do try to make sure that units that have not been used for a few months are fitted with fresh batteries and turned on for an hour or so.

Is this necessary or just some antiquated superstition?

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

I believe it is true, and that powering up is not sufficient. You should fire the flashes ten times or so. If I’m wrong, someone please correct me!

rfmaude41 Loc: Lancaster, Texas (DFW area)

Rab-Eye wrote:

I believe it is true, and that powering up is not sufficient. You should fire the flashes ten times or so. If I’m wrong, someone please correct me!

CORRECT !!!!!

BebuLamar

Actually it should be left powering up without firing the flash for a period of time. That is keeping the capacitor at full charge for some time.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Probably a good idea for flash units that have electrolytic capacitors. For studio strobes that use big oil filled caps, I wouldn’t worry. I have placed oil filled caps into service that have been unused for decades with no issues. If I recall correctly, E.L. Shapiro used to run a flash/strobe build/repair business, so he is probably the most knowledgeable - perhaps he will comment.

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

rfmaude41 wrote:

CORRECT !!!!!

Thanks for the confirmation!

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

flashbang wrote:

I seem to remember being advised that electronic flash units had to had to be "fired up" regularly if they were not being used to prevent the capacitors from "deforming." I have no idea of what that means ir of it is necessary, but I do try to make sure that units that have not been used for a few months are fitted with fresh batteries and turned on for an hour or so.

Is this necessary or just some antiquated superstition?

Just turning the units on does not do you any good, you'll have to actually fire them!

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

flashbang wrote:

I seem to remember being advised that electronic flash units had to had to be "fired up" regularly if they were not being used to prevent the capacitors from "deforming." I have no idea of what that means ir of it is necessary, but I do try to make sure that units that have not been used for a few months are fitted with fresh batteries and turned on for an hour or so.

Is this necessary or just some antiquated superstition?

The instructions I received with the flash system that I used to have indicated a sequence of operations to preserve capacitor function. They were (as I recall):

1. Power up the system, then power it off without firing after a specified number of minutes.
2. Set the system to the lowest power, power up the system, then fire the flash one or two times. Power the system off.
3. Power up the system, set to a higher power level, fire one or to flashes.

E.L. Shapiro should be in here within a short time. He is the expert and will have the most correct answer. If it differs from mine or anyone else's, follow what he says.

BebuLamar

I quote the Metz 60-CT4 manual

"Forming the flash capacitor
The flash capacitor incorporated in the flashgun undergoes a physical change when the flashgun is not switched on for prolonged periods. For this reason it is necessary to switch on the flashgun for approx. 10 minutes every 3 months. The battery must supply sufficient power to light up the flash-ready
light within one minute after the flashgun was switched on."

You need to charge the capacitor and keep a voltage across it for a period of time.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

From my Mecablitz 60 CT-4 manual, page 21:
“Turn your Mecablitz on for 15 or 20 minutes every three months if it was out of use for an extended period of time. This will fresh up your Mecablitz and maintain optimum performance.”
There is no need to waste the flash tube.
Edit: My manual does not have a “Forming The Flash Capacitor” heading.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

flashbang wrote:

I seem to remember being advised that electronic flash units had to had to be "fired up" regularly if they were not being used to prevent the capacitors from "deforming." I have no idea of what that means ir of it is necessary, but I do try to make sure that units that have not been used for a few months are fitted with fresh batteries and turned on for an hour or so.

Is this necessary or just some antiquated superstition?

True.

The electrolytic capacitors will dry out over time from lack of use.
Firing it up every month or so should help as they don't change (dry out) overnight.
Just don't let it sit for a year or three.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

RWR wrote:

From my Mecablitz 60 CT-4 manual, page 21:
“Turn your Mecablitz on for 15 or 20 minutes every three months if it was out of use for an extended period of time. This will fresh up your Mecablitz and maintain optimum performance.”
There is no need to waste the flash tube.
Edit: My manual does not have a “Forming The Flash Capacitor” heading.

You don't have to "form the flash capacitor".

It's an electrolytic and is ready to go at manufacture.
However, it will dry out after an extended period of non use (not being charged),
so fire it up every few months. That's all, just fire it up. This charges the capacitor, which will drain off over time. But it helps keep it (them) from drying out.

BebuLamar

RWR wrote:

From my Mecablitz 60 CT-4 manual, page 21:
“Turn your Mecablitz on for 15 or 20 minutes every three months if it was out of use for an extended period of time. This will fresh up your Mecablitz and maintain optimum performance.”
There is no need to waste the flash tube.
Edit: My manual does not have a “Forming The Flash Capacitor” heading.

both your and mine say about the same thing. You don't need to fire the flash 10 times like someone said. You need to charge the capacitor up and keep it charged for some time.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

BebuLamar wrote:

both your and mine say about the same thing. You don't need to fire the flash 10 times like someone said. You need to charge the capacitor up and keep it charged for some time.

It will hold the charge until the internal resistance or associated components allow it to bleed off.
Just let it charge up, turn off, remove the batteries.

I would sometimes test how long my older flash held a charge by charging the cap, turning the unit off, then after 15 or so minutes hit the open flash button without turning the unit on. If it held, the flash will fire.

CO

This is from the owner's manual of my Nikon SB-700 flash. The last bullet describes how to refresh the capacitor.

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