Just when I started getting into flash photography.....

[graciousness]

My freaking 430ex started acting up. I've hardly used this flash since I've had it and it's only recently that I started using it. Two parties and a few shots here and there this year. That's it. But a couple of days ago, I noticed that my flash is not firing continuously, meaning, it's not powering up as fast as it should. It would take more than 10 seconds for the pilot to go red again before I could fire the flash again.

I changed the batteries today. TWO times. Did the same thing.

I've mounted it on another camera (from the 40D to 30D), same thing.

I've done ten million test shots (figure just slightly exaggerated) on the flash alone off camera by pressing the pilot button, it's off and on. Sometimes it would let me fire rapidly, most of the time it won't. At most, it will let me do 2 fires and then it would take another several seconds for it to power up.

Mounted back on the camera, it would only let me fire the flash once every 10 to 20 seconds.

Cleaned the hotshoe on the camera. Cleaned the contacts on the flash. A few times.

Same bloody issue.

Checked tightness on hotshoe. Yup, all ok.

I think I've done all I can to try and find the issue and damn it, I've run out of options. I know what people will say, take the camera and flash to a canon service centre and get it all checked and get them to fix, but damn it, I don't have the money to pay for service. And I know the fix is not going to be no less than $100. I may as well rob the liquor store around the corner and get another flash like a Nissin if the service costs more than a hundred.

I'm just getting into flash photography, you know, since 2 days ago. Learning about flash set up with ambient light, fill flash, etc. Was loving the results when I was practising. And now my gear/s acting up on me.

Yeah I know. This is a rant. I've got nowhere else to go.

So anyway. I need a sugar daddy.

Any volunteer?

[Woody]

Originally Posted by graciousness

My freaking 430ex started acting up.
Yeah I know. This is a rant. I've got nowhere else to go.

So anyway. I need a sugar daddy.

Any volunteer?

Hang on Grace, just settle down.

What setting are you shooting on? I generally shoot with my flash on P.

Just check the settings on the flash unt and make sure they are re set to default.
Make sure the batteries are premium Eveready or Duracell and not cheap crap.
If all else fails before you run off to Canon for repairs, I can let you try my 430ex11 on your cameras or try your flash on mine. Unless you know someone else closer.

Just let me know.


Cheers,

John W

[graciousness]

John!!! Guess what, it's bloody working now!! I went out today and bought premium batteries as a last resort. I was going to do that before I read your post and then when I read your post, I thought, yeah, that confirmed that it may be the case.

So it's ok for the meantime. It's not firing as quickly as it used to, but I've decided to get really good rechargeable NiMH batteries. Cause damn, premium batteries are bloody expensive and I'm going to need a lot of batteries in January.

So many, many thanks for your suggestions and your help!

Also, I freaking forgot that it was Saturday yesterday. I thought it was Friday!!! So I missed out on seeing you at the bridge. And damn, I missed out big time because apparently, there was huge storm clouds and made for awesome shots of the opera house/city!

Me and my dumb brain and lazy ass.

[Woody]

Originally Posted by graciousness

John!!! Guess what, it's bloody working now!! I went out today and bought premium batteries as a last resort. I was going to do that before I read your post and then when I read your post, I thought, yeah, that confirmed that it may be the case.

So it's ok for the meantime. It's not firing as quickly as it used to, but I've decided to get really good rechargeable NiMH batteries. Cause damn, premium batteries are bloody expensive and I'm going to need a lot of batteries in January.

So many, many thanks for your suggestions and your help!

Also, I freaking forgot that it was Saturday yesterday. I thought it was Friday!!! So I missed out on seeing you at the bridge. And damn, I missed out big time because apparently, there was huge storm clouds and made for awesome shots of the opera house/city!

Me and my dumb brain and lazy ass.

No you're not dumb, but I'm a quitter. Just as we were leaving to go into the city last night, it just started to piss down,it was cold and miserable, so stuff it we thought and went to the Caringbah pub for dinner.

I'm pleased you now have your flash somewhat working. I also use rechargeables and keep 2 sets of new batteries in my bag. I find that if I don't keep the batteries fully charged, the flash is not very flash in working.

Anyway good luck with your new found toy. BTW just bought a sigma 18-200 on Gumtree for a song. I'll have a play with that for a while.


Cheers,

John W