The flash went on to recharge, so I think the capacitors are OK.
I've just been trying to locate a tube supplier in case Metz won't replace it for free. It seems a pretty short life span (just over a year of amateur use)

I guess it had to happen.
first, my backup ist stopped working so I had to borrow an Olympus, then in the middle of the speeches my Metz 58 went pop, like a party popper right in the middle of the best man's speech
I managed to get by with the on-board flash on the K10, and the Olly just kept snapping away on auto if I found myself with the wrong lens.
Then while they were eating, I took off on my motorbike and found a pentax 360 fgz which I was quite impressed with, but I took quite a few duff shots before I realised how to get it onto manual and how to turn it down a bit! hey ho.

So the question: Do flashes have a shelf life? Should the Metz have gone pop just using it normally on auto? I want my Metz back

It's true! and you'll also benefit from joining the opposite queue to me as well, that way you be assured of getting served quickly...

This is my second copy.... maybe I'm breaking them
They are very plasticky and the moving front element is very vulnerable, so be careful with it.

I think this is why I love the old SMC manual lenses and the fisheye - built properly.

It's an old 28mm Soligor A 2:8, (99p!) reversed onto 73mm ( Jessops) extension tubes (I have two sets).
I think pushing these normal lenses any further from the camera is asking too much of the resolving power, but this and the 50mm M 1:7 seem to do quite well.
You need plenty of light just to see the object in the viewfinder and flash is pretty much essential, especially when you're chasing the blighters around

I'm pleased that this thread has provoked such interest.
Thanks for the comments.

Thanks for the quote George, I was one of the ignorant ones, but that's funny thinking of Burns watching a louse wandering around on the back of a lady's perfectly made up head.
I wonder what people make of the fact that these bad boys set up shop in my son's hair?
Part of me hopes the beasties come back, so I can really go to town on this image. I think a dark backdrop would be better.

If you're like me it'll remain the best tenner you ever spent. I have two, and one of them is always in use for something. They're gorgeous little lenses! and so well made.

Lovely pictures

te he, I actually hadn't noticed that!
I understand owners of K7s have bigger ones...

Thanks Tim, that last shot was taken by the forth model on a my W60.
Hmm, I may have burnt-in some of the bottom panes to remove the dust as it wasn't appropriate, but I wouldn't have used noise reduction or despeckle as they both trash the image.
I can see what you mean, but in isolation, or full size, I suspect that observation wouldn't crop up. I think it is mostly down to the greater resize ratio.

Thanks KenH