jcarlosjr Loc: Orange County

I went to use my Canon Speedlite 550ex and it does not fire. All other functions seem to work (zoom, etc), just no flash with either test or when connected.

I drove to the local genuine Canon service center to be told this model is no longer under service with them. Apparently, as units get discontinued, they are only serviced by Canon for a limited time (no one there could tell me how long).

MY QUESTION: Does anyone know where O can send the unit for repair beside Canon?

Bob Boner

The problem is that independent repair folks probably can't get the parts either. I had that problem with a 1.4x teleconverter.

nicksr1125 Loc: Mesa, AZ

Check with Camtronics here in Columbus, OH. A lot of times they have similar units & can get your's working with salvaged parts. http://www.camtronicscamerarepair.com/

Budnjax Loc: NE Florida

I would just buy a new or refurbished flash. On eBay I see working 550ex units for $100-$125 and I really doubt, if you should find someone who can fix it, you could get yours repaired for less once you pay S&H both ways, etc. We're a throw-away society where the cost involved in fixing something is frequently more than it costs to build and sell as a new item. Even when items are under warranty today the manufacturer will frequently simply replace a device instead of repairing it. Once electronic items start to break down and not work it normally means they are starting to fail and even if you replace one part there may be more parts on the verge of failure. People always want an estimate before they say "fix it" yet they don't want to pay for the estimate. Since determining the problem with an electronic device is frequently about 90% of the repair cost there are very few people doing this type work and thus repairs are frequently only justified if you're talking about very expensive units which need work.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Rick Riggins
DISCOUNT CAMERA REPAIR
1939 S Quebec Way #203
Denver, CO 80231
303-669-0945
Rick@discountcamerarepair.com
UHH PM rjriggins11

carl hervol Loc: jacksonville florida

When you turn on the flash can you hear it load up if so then the flash tube is bad if you do not hear it the capacitor is bad.If its the capacitor or the tube you can fix it its not that hard .just be careful to discharge the capacitor they can have up to 20000 volts and man it can put a hurt on you.