Flash problem: D850 intermittent failure to fire flash
Nov 26, 2023 11:23:58 #
Please tell us the model of the flash as that might help in diagnosing the problem.
There could be a conflict with flash settings made on your flash and flash settings made on your D850. Make sure you are making them on the camera or the flash. (I believe some can be done on both, but you would have to review the manual info first.
Another possible source is the batteries in the flash. Take them out. Then reinstall them or use other batteries.
When you mount the flash make sure it is Off. If it is On when being mounted, strange things can happen.
Check the flash synch settings. See if the problem occurs in every synch setting. Sometimes Red eye detection can be an issue.
Are you are using the Creative Lighting System settings (iTTL, TTL BL, etc) or are you using manual settings?
https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1304793/Nikon-D850.html?page=312
There could be a conflict with flash settings made on your flash and flash settings made on your D850. Make sure you are making them on the camera or the flash. (I believe some can be done on both, but you would have to review the manual info first.
Another possible source is the batteries in the flash. Take them out. Then reinstall them or use other batteries.
When you mount the flash make sure it is Off. If it is On when being mounted, strange things can happen.
Check the flash synch settings. See if the problem occurs in every synch setting. Sometimes Red eye detection can be an issue.
Are you are using the Creative Lighting System settings (iTTL, TTL BL, etc) or are you using manual settings?
https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1304793/Nikon-D850.html?page=312
Nov 26, 2023 13:15:24 #
DaveyDitzer wrote:
Using a shoe mounted flash on my D850 I experience intermittent failures of the camera to trigger the flash. I have cleaned the contacts on both the flash and the hot shoe. I have tested three different flash units (one a Nikon). I have tested the flash units on my D500 without a problem. Is there possibly some menu setting I have missed?
Please offer helpful suggestions before I pack the D850 up and off to Nikon service.
Please offer helpful suggestions before I pack the D850 up and off to Nikon service.
I had this issue several years ago. I needed to update the firmware for my speedlight then all worked fine. I forget the brand at the time.
Nov 26, 2023 13:57:36 #
Be sure that the flash is seated firmly in the flash shoe. Give it a wiggle, and ascertain that the little locking pin on the flash drops down properly.
Nov 26, 2023 14:45:07 #
DaveyDitzer
Loc: Western PA
Just to cover as much as I can: I have used a Nikon SB300 to replicate the problem. If I turn everything off and remove and reinstall the flash it sometimes works and sometimes not. I have tested all 4 flashes on my Df and D500 and they work as they should. I have reduced the shutter speed to 1/30, 1/60 and 125 with no improvement. I have used only manual while trying to use this unit and to test this unit.
The SB11 uses a synch cord that, on the D850, is synched via a unit on the hot shoe. The D850 has less than 3300 shutter actuations and has suffered no shocks, dropping or other abuse. It is a "garage queen", purchased new and just not carried often since I have a lighter kit for outdoors. This may be the first time I've used it with a flash even though I've had it for quite a while. I wanted high resolution for an indoor group picture. The batteries are fresh and the software is up to date.
The SB11 uses a synch cord that, on the D850, is synched via a unit on the hot shoe. The D850 has less than 3300 shutter actuations and has suffered no shocks, dropping or other abuse. It is a "garage queen", purchased new and just not carried often since I have a lighter kit for outdoors. This may be the first time I've used it with a flash even though I've had it for quite a while. I wanted high resolution for an indoor group picture. The batteries are fresh and the software is up to date.
Nov 26, 2023 14:58:09 #
DaveyDitzer
Loc: Western PA
PS: I've cleaned all the contacts. And Yes, I finally found the port for the flash synch cord, p. 188 user manual.
Nov 26, 2023 15:24:12 #
larryepage
Loc: North Texas area
DaveyDitzer wrote:
Just to cover as much as I can: I have used a Niko... (show quote)
You have checked all the easy stuff and some beyond that. Seems to be time for a trip to the camera hospital.
These cameras are just incredibly complex machines. My brand new first D850 had to go in for "treatment." No matter what shooting format I chose, all the masks in the viewfinder were darkened...all the time. It was a warranty repair, and they replaced a bunch of stuff, so I don't know what was actually causing the problem.
My suggestion is to be as detailed and complete as possible in your description of the problem and what you have checked and your results. One of the D500s that I've bought for gifts is in for repair of an intermittent problem right now. I don't mind the repair, but don't want them sending it back without fixing it, so my description may be all they have to go on.
Nov 26, 2023 15:27:06 #
Be sure that the flash is seated firmly in the flash shoe. Give it a wiggle, and ascertain that the little locking pin on the flash drops down properly.
Nov 26, 2023 16:05:10 #
DaveyDitzer
Loc: Western PA
DaveyDitzer wrote:
PS: I've cleaned all the contacts. And Yes, I finally found the port for the flash synch cord, p. 188 user manual.
Firmware version is C:1.30
Nov 27, 2023 10:58:56 #
DaveyDitzer
Loc: Western PA
Final report: Spoke with Nikon and the camera must go back to Nikon. Sad because it's 2-1/2 years old, bought new from B&H, lightly used (3300 clicks) and now possibly out of warranty. None of my Nikon bodies are highly used but this "professional" body is the first Nikon that's failed and requires Nikon service. "That'le leave a mark."
Nov 27, 2023 12:52:07 #
larryepage
Loc: North Texas area
Sorry to hear that. But...it's not something that should create a lot of concern. Today's cameras are incredibly complex devices with a boatload of parts. Your problem may simply be a bad or loose connector somewhere in the camera.
Nov 28, 2023 07:41:10 #
Nov 28, 2023 08:32:19 #
larryepage
Loc: North Texas area
DaveyDitzer wrote:
Well, the first $100 went to UPS. The body is on the way to Nikon :(
Ive moved to using to Priority Mail at the Post Office. UPS's Declared Value charges have become a real killer for me...at least four times the cost of USPS insurance.
Nov 28, 2023 08:37:48 #
DaveyDitzer
Loc: Western PA
larryepage wrote:
Ive moved to using to Priority Mail at the Post Office. UPS's Declared Value charges have become a real killer for me...at least four times the cost of USPS insurance.
Thank you. I should have checked that out. However Nikon said they preferred UPS. What's done is done.
Nov 28, 2023 12:30:58 #
larryepage
Loc: North Texas area
DaveyDitzer wrote:
Thank you. I should have checked that out. However Nikon said they preferred UPS. What's done is done.
Yep. And hopefully there won't have to be a next time.
Nov 28, 2023 17:07:27 #
DaveyDitzer
Loc: Western PA
larryepage wrote:
Yep. And hopefully there won't have to be a next time.
less than 3300 clicks! less than 1% of the MTF. Darn well better not be a next time.
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