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Dormant flashes

Pwynnej
Posted 27/06/2022 - 14:12 Link
I thought this had already been covered in PU, but...

If you have older flashguns, e.g. AF500FTZ, you might find that after a significant period of hibernation simply installing fresh batteries results in absolutely nothing. No charging whine, nothing registering on the LCD panel at the back. Even adding the additional power pack made no difference. It was ready to go to Richmond tip during this morning's booking.

I had decided to take out the Z-1p plus a few primes to Photo24, and taking the flash out just in case it was needed. I did predict the flash would play up and it did. However, a few taps on the side, the inevitable whine started and flash was working again, as it should.

Should take it out more......

So, if after a period of inactivity, your old flash refuses to start, don't despair!
Z-1p, K-1, P50
F50 1.7. SMC-FAs 24, 35, 50 1.4, 85, 135. HD-FA15-30, DFA24-70, D-FA*70-200. The SMC-FA Limited Trinity.
Metz 45 CL-4, AF500FTZ. AF540FGZ.
Some Mamiya and some Nikon
Chrism8
Posted 27/06/2022 - 14:18 Link
The capacitors in flashguns if left for a considerable length of time, will refuse to work / charge with freshly charged batteries, there are 2 main options.

1 - Don't let them discharge fully, I charge and fire mine probably every month to 6 weeks if they've not been used.

2 - They mostly recover if left on with fully charged and fresh batteries for 12 hours or sometimes more
Chris

www.chrismillsphotography.co.uk

" A Hangover is something that occupies the Head you neglected to use the night before".

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K1 - Sigma 85mm F1.4, Pentax DFA 150 -450 F4.5 / 5.6, Pentax DFA* 24 - 70 F2.8

Samyang 14mm F2.8, Pentax DFA* 70-200 F2.8, Pentax A 50mm F1.2

K3iii + K3ii + K5iis converted to IR, Sigma 17 - 70 F2.8, Pentax 55 - 300 F4.5 / F5.6 PLM
Pwynnej
Posted 27/06/2022 - 14:54 Link
better check my AF540FGZ then...
Z-1p, K-1, P50
F50 1.7. SMC-FAs 24, 35, 50 1.4, 85, 135. HD-FA15-30, DFA24-70, D-FA*70-200. The SMC-FA Limited Trinity.
Metz 45 CL-4, AF500FTZ. AF540FGZ.
Some Mamiya and some Nikon
OldTaffy
Posted 27/06/2022 - 15:45 Link
Many thanks for the timely reminder. It is months since I last used my big Sigma EF-610DGST. It was a relief to find that it was still working, with four new AA alkaline batteries.
A few of my photographs in flickr.
Lizars 1910 "Challenge" quarter-plate camera; and some more recent stuff.
Pwynnej
Posted 04/07/2022 - 12:18 Link
The AF540FGZ was fine. next the Metz...
Z-1p, K-1, P50
F50 1.7. SMC-FAs 24, 35, 50 1.4, 85, 135. HD-FA15-30, DFA24-70, D-FA*70-200. The SMC-FA Limited Trinity.
Metz 45 CL-4, AF500FTZ. AF540FGZ.
Some Mamiya and some Nikon

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