Flash Problem:
Apr 29, 2013 15:56:13 #
Using a Canon 30-D camera with 580EX II flash,Stroboframe off camera flash bracket, and Canon off camera shoe cord 2. Sometimes when I shoot vertical, it seems my flash looses contact and don't fire.Have tried several things,but can't find how or where contact is lost.Any suggestions. Other flash units seems to work great (screw down contact) Thanks
Apr 29, 2013 15:59:53 #
First thing is make sure all the contacts are squeaky clean. Contact cleaner is best or alcohol. Don't use acetone.
Apr 29, 2013 20:46:11 #
picture_me wrote:
Using a Canon 30-D camera with 580EX II flash,Stroboframe off camera flash bracket, and Canon off camera shoe cord 2. Sometimes when I shoot vertical, it seems my flash looses contact and don't fire.Have tried several things,but can't find how or where contact is lost.Any suggestions. Other flash units seems to work great (screw down contact) Thanks
Off camera cords are not forever. IMO they are the weakest link of any flash set up. I just blew thru three cords this last year with intermittent flash problems showing up first......the flash would fire the first 10 or so shots and then become erradic. Changed cords and the problem went away.
Apr 29, 2013 20:51:34 #
picture_me wrote:
Using a Canon 30-D camera with 580EX II flash,Stroboframe off camera flash bracket, and Canon off camera shoe cord 2. Sometimes when I shoot vertical, it seems my flash looses contact and don't fire.Have tried several things,but can't find how or where contact is lost.Any suggestions. Other flash units seems to work great (screw down contact) Thanks
Off camera cords are not forever. IMO they are the weakest link of any flash set up. I just blew thru three cords this last year with intermittent flash problems showing up first......the flash would fire the first 10 or so shots and then become erradic. Changed cords and the problem went away.
Apr 29, 2013 20:59:44 #
You would think Canon cords are best, but I have gone through a couple. I bought cheap after market ones and haven't had a problem for a couple of years now. But you may be able to save your Canon one if you feel like trying.
On the camera mount end, there is a small silver plate on the top (where your flash goes). Using a very small flat screwdriver, lift up on the plate (at the front) just enough to release it and slide it off. This will reveal some tiny phillips head screws. See if they are loose and tighten them down. Replace the plate and see if that resolves your problem. I had to do it to mine several times as it got used more and more. Good luck.
On the camera mount end, there is a small silver plate on the top (where your flash goes). Using a very small flat screwdriver, lift up on the plate (at the front) just enough to release it and slide it off. This will reveal some tiny phillips head screws. See if they are loose and tighten them down. Replace the plate and see if that resolves your problem. I had to do it to mine several times as it got used more and more. Good luck.
Apr 29, 2013 22:21:16 #
Apr 29, 2013 23:00:27 #
skidooman wrote:
You would think Canon cords are best, but I have g... (show quote)
I agree about the Canon flash cords....I've gone to Zeikos and they seem to last longer (especially when you can buy two or more for the price of one Canon).
Apr 30, 2013 06:58:45 #
Apr 30, 2013 08:02:48 #
Apr 30, 2013 10:41:29 #
I too have that problem but have solved it with the use of an elastic band around the flash unit. When I plug in the cord I simply flip the band over top to hold the connection tight. Works like a charm and the cost.... priceless. :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
Apr 30, 2013 13:31:30 #
Apr 30, 2013 13:39:20 #
TimS wrote:
Try cleaning contacts with a pencil eraser before using chemicals.
Pencil eraser can be quite abrasive. The two chemical I mentioned are non-corrosive.
Retired Photo Equipment Tech.
May 1, 2013 02:07:24 #
picture_me wrote:
Using a Canon 30-D camera with 580EX II flash,Stroboframe off camera flash bracket, and Canon off camera shoe cord 2. Sometimes when I shoot vertical, it seems my flash looses contact and don't fire.Have tried several things,but can't find how or where contact is lost.Any suggestions. Other flash units seems to work great (screw down contact) Thanks
It's probably the cord. I have problems with mine sometimes too. Buy a good one or this will probably keep happening.
May 1, 2013 05:00:33 #
Pentony
Loc: Earth Traveller
big-guy wrote:
I too have that problem but have solved it with the use of an elastic band around the flash unit. When I plug in the cord I simply flip the band over top to hold the connection tight. Works like a charm and the cost.... priceless. :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
Please post a photo of your "banding."
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