I killed it dead.
August 5, 2008 3:04 PM Subscribe
I think I killed my Nikon SB-600 flash (via overheating). Is it economically feasible to have it repaired?
So, last weekend I was shooting a large number of flash pics in a short period of time (I estimate it was about 150 in 15 minutes, so one every 6 seconds or so at full power). Of course, my flash overheated and stopped working. Removing the batteries (NiMH rechargables), I found they were very hot, almost too hot to touch.
Now, everything appears to work fine on the flash except its ability to actually, well, flash. The LCD display and zoom controls still function, but the flash "READY" light never comes on. After a couple minutes of staying on, it gives a low-battery warning, even on fully-charged batteries.
I've had the flash for over a year, so it's no longer covered under warranty (and I doubt this would be covered anyways). There is no visible damage to the flash head itself, and the last couple of pictures where the flash went off have reduced flash power, so I'm guessing that the power system, or maybe the main capacitor, was damaged from the heat of the batteries (as opposed to the flash head itself overheating from overuse).
Is this a simple repair that won't set me back much? These things retail new for about $180 these days, which means it'd have to be a pretty inexpensive repair to be a viable option.
So, last weekend I was shooting a large number of flash pics in a short period of time (I estimate it was about 150 in 15 minutes, so one every 6 seconds or so at full power). Of course, my flash overheated and stopped working. Removing the batteries (NiMH rechargables), I found they were very hot, almost too hot to touch.
Now, everything appears to work fine on the flash except its ability to actually, well, flash. The LCD display and zoom controls still function, but the flash "READY" light never comes on. After a couple minutes of staying on, it gives a low-battery warning, even on fully-charged batteries.
I've had the flash for over a year, so it's no longer covered under warranty (and I doubt this would be covered anyways). There is no visible damage to the flash head itself, and the last couple of pictures where the flash went off have reduced flash power, so I'm guessing that the power system, or maybe the main capacitor, was damaged from the heat of the batteries (as opposed to the flash head itself overheating from overuse).
Is this a simple repair that won't set me back much? These things retail new for about $180 these days, which means it'd have to be a pretty inexpensive repair to be a viable option.
Response by poster: I've tried multiple sets. Same results.
posted by neckro23 at 5:06 PM on August 5, 2008
posted by neckro23 at 5:06 PM on August 5, 2008
hmm, I don't have an answer but I will watch this thread, as I dropped my SB-600 and it now won't turn on. No visible / physical damage. Curious if it's worth attempting to fix/save or if I should just buy a new one.
posted by lonefrontranger at 7:39 PM on August 5, 2008
posted by lonefrontranger at 7:39 PM on August 5, 2008
Why not send it in for a repair estimate? Most places won't do repair work without having an estimate approved first anyway. That way you'll be able to compare the cost/benefit of fixing it versus replacing it.
posted by rinosaur at 6:51 AM on August 6, 2008
posted by rinosaur at 6:51 AM on August 6, 2008
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by mr.anthony337 at 4:40 PM on August 5, 2008