Nikon SB-900: I have a Nikon SB-900 and I forgot to remove the batteries back in December when I last used it. I wanted to use it a couple of day a go and it would not turn on. Looked...

JohnBoy5562 Loc: Alabama

I have a Nikon SB-900 and I forgot to remove the batteries back in December when I last used it. I wanted to use it a couple of day a go and it would not turn on. Looked at the batteries and they was corroded. I took a q tip whit vinegar and baking soda and cleaned the contacts and it started working again. Everything works and all is good except one thing it will not turn off. The switch works master remote on all work but when I turn it to off it will not power down. Any suggestions?

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

Further cleaning is needed. You may need to open it up.

Don, the 2nd son Loc: Crowded Florida

Remove the batteries each time you need to shut down. LUCKY it works at all. This is why I have switched to rechargeable batteries. Been there done that.

JohnBoy5562 Loc: Alabama

tradio wrote:

Further cleaning is needed. You may need to open it up.

I did open it yesterday unplugged the flash from the motherboard and cleaned it with vinegar and baking soda. Everything thing still works except the off button. It even goes into standby after the time limit I set for it. I can still use it and change the settings I just can’t turn it off completely with out removing the battery. I am looking at getting the newer Z1-N.

JohnBoy5562 Loc: Alabama

Don, the 2nd son wrote:

Remove the batteries each time you need to shut down. LUCKY it works at all. This is why I have switched to rechargeable batteries. Been there done that.

What do you think of the Newer Z1-N

NEEWER Z1-N TTL Round Head Flash Speedlite for Nikon DSLR Cameras, 76Ws 2.4G 1/8000s HSS, 10 Levels LED Modeling Lamp, 2600mAh Lithium Battery, 480 Full Power Shots, Recycle in 1.5s Flash https://a.co/d/7zVqGx1

Grahame Loc: Fiji

JohnBoy5562 wrote:

I did open it yesterday unplugged the flash from the motherboard and cleaned it with vinegar and baking soda. Everything thing still works except the off button. It even goes into standby after the time limit I set for it. I can still use it and change the settings I just can’t turn it off completely with out removing the battery. I am looking at getting the newer Z1-N.

I have a copy of the actual Nikon SB-900 'Repair' Manual, 14.7Meg PDF that I found on the web. It is extremely comprehensive and I used this when stripping my SB-910 to fully remove the battery contacts for extensive cleaning. If the contacts do have corrosion, verdigris and leakage debris there is a good possibility this can only be fully removed by taking the contacts fully out. Damage to them was extensive from corrosion and whilst I found a source for a genuine set of contacts in China, shipping costs and no flights to my location during covid forced me to replace the cleaned up ones, neutralized and coated in Vaseline. Luckily it all still works with the delicate soldering required and the unexpected re-termination of the fibre optic cable!!!!!

With respect to your On/Off rotary switch, detailed stripdown instruction, superb pics and diagrams go to this level.

(Download)

JohnBoy5562 Loc: Alabama

Thank you for the information.

f32clubmember Loc: Maple Valley, WA

I too own a SB-900 and use Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries. They are more reliable in cold weather, such as Montana, and are guaranteed not to leak. They cost more than standard batteries but still less expensive than having to replace a Speedlight.

Lucas Loc: Japan

There could be a few reasons why your camera's flash isn't turning off. One possible explanation is that there could be some gunk or rust on the power switch contacts that is interfering with its proper functioning. To resolve this, you can clean the power switch contacts the same way you cleaned the battery contacts. But before you start cleaning, make sure your Nikon SB-900 isn't attached to a power source.

Another reason for the flash not turning off could be due to some internal circuitry issue. In such cases, we would advise you to either contact the manufacturer or take the camera to a professional repair shop for further assistance.

In the meantime, you could try removing the batteries from the flash when it's not in use. This may help prevent overheating or excessive battery drainage. Also, ensure that you store the flash in a dry and cool location to minimize any further risk of damage or corrosion.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

JohnBoy5562 wrote:

I have a Nikon SB-900 and I forgot to remove the batteries back in December when I last used it. I wanted to use it a couple of day a go and it would not turn on. Looked at the batteries and they was corroded. I took a q tip whit vinegar and baking soda and cleaned the contacts and it started working again. Everything works and all is good except one thing it will not turn off. The switch works master remote on all work but when I turn it to off it will not power down. Any suggestions?

Take the batteries out.

Jules Karney Loc: Las Vegas, Nevada

billnikon wrote:

Take the batteries out.

I could be wrong Bill but I was told you have to use the flash a few clicks a month to keep them working. What is your thoughts?

greenwork Loc: Southwest Florida

I ended up sending one of my SB 900's in for repair due to the same problem. Came back as good as need and a lot brighter flash than it's mate! Good luck.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

JohnBoy5562 wrote:

I have a Nikon SB-900 and I forgot to remove the batteries back in December when I last used it. I wanted to use it a couple of day a go and it would not turn on. Looked at the batteries and they was corroded. I took a q tip whit vinegar and baking soda and cleaned the contacts and it started working again. Everything works and all is good except one thing it will not turn off. The switch works master remote on all work but when I turn it to off it will not power down. Any suggestions?

interesting. So there are two problems which might or might not be related. The corrosion and the turn OFF problem. Another user reported sending a unit in for repair “for the same problem” but he didn’t specify which problem.

I think at this point you have tow patches, send it in for repair or simply remove the batteries when you are done using it.

You should always remove batteries before storage to prevent corrosion damage due to leaking batteries.

BebuLamar

JD750 wrote:

interesting. So there are two problems which might or might not be related. The corrosion and the turn OFF problem. Another user reported sending a unit in for repair “for the same problem” but he didn’t specify which problem.

I think at this point you have tow patches, send it in for repair or simply remove the batteries when you are done using it.

You should always remove batteries before storage to prevent corrosion damage due to leaking batteries.

I think they are related in the way that his cleaning with vinegar and baking soda got to the button and caused the button problem.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

BebuLamar wrote:

I think they are related in the way that his cleaning with vinegar and baking soda got to the button and caused the button problem.

Definitely could be. But he reports the other functions of that same multifunction switch still work. Why was only one of multiple functions affected? Or maybe they have yet to fail?

Corrosion is not a good thing, hard to remove all the ions and the cleaning materials can also cause problems by spreading the corrosion.