Sounds like the aperture is stuck wide open :
If you are mechanically minded you can try fixing it yourself
This will mean dismantling the casing and getting at the lens internals.
Don't go spraying any fluids in there
Worth a try i think but if that fails then George's advice would be your next step.

Sure you could I haven't tried it but i can't see a problem and if its a little short i can add segments to make it longer.

Haven't tried portrait yet unless you count the cat But i think it will work ok.
Just a bit fiddly with all manual controls.

My wife already thinks i look like an idiot, now she is convinced

Yes i did George but i took it off to show the flash i was using.
These AF- 160 flashes have 3 settings low high and manual.
The low (green) setting was too low and the manual setting was way too high
So i settled for the high (red) setting which was kinda in between.
But angling the heads in any direction above, below or too the side also affects the outcome. So i'm experimenting at this stage

BTW i didn't need that adapter f we were discussing last night, I managed to get it all together with what i had at hand.

Here is my home made flashbracket. And remember you promised not too laugh
I had all this gear lying around and decided to make use of it all
After spending $18 on a couple of pieces here is the result.
And it seems to work pretty well as a fill flash when doing macro shots

Frankenbracket



A couple of shots with the flash. It was an overcast morning just after a rain shower and was quite dull.

Hoverfly on a flower.



Rusty our cat came out to see what i was up too and wondering what that strange this is i was holding.



I have only taken a handfull of shots but i like the initial results and its light weight and not as cumbersome as it looks.

I am always forgeting to turn it off when i use a tripod

Thanks George a silver medal
I didn't use a reflector but the sunlight was quite intense filtering through the trees above and behind the moth. I was lying flat on the ground to get the shot. So maybe the light was reflecting up off me or off the inside of flowers. :

Congrats Dr Mhuni a beautiful shot and worthy winner.

I also liked very much Amoringello's shot.

A moth.




D-FA 100mm Macro
expos. 180
Apert. f5.6
iso 200

Excellent shots Hefty, you have yourself a little gem there

And well done with your rebuild project,you must have the hands of a surgeon.

You will be e-baying your digi gear before long

Are you expecting to get another keeper from the remains of the other bodies :

Your a clever and patient chappy Hefty.
I am enjoing your rebuild so keep it up.

Maybe you can get Don to video it and sell it to Discovery Channel
It could be the next big thing like American Chopper
You could call it UK cameras. I would have watched it just to see you crawling around on the carpet looking for a 1mm ball bearing.