420ex Flash Problem - DPChallenge Forums

09/21/2005 07:41:43 PM · #1

I bought a 420ex flash about 2 weeks ago. Took about 3 pictures today, in which the flash fired but was leaving hot spots on the picture. So I swiveled the head to bounce it a bit. It made the sound as if it was recycling and recharging, but never went back to the ready position. I have tried everything including changing the batteries a few times (with batteries I know have a charge) but still nothing. It's making the high pitch sound like it is recycling constantly, but nothing. The pilot button doesn't work either.

Anybody have any clue?
:(

Message edited by author 2005-09-21 20:00:24.

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

09/21/2005 07:54:50 PM · #2

Anybody?

I may cry!

strangeghost

Canon EOS-7D

09/21/2005 07:57:43 PM · #3

I've got a 420 and have never had a problem with it. Warranty? Return to sender?

fstopopen

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

09/21/2005 08:01:58 PM · #4

I'm curious. I was thinking about buying the 420 ex. is this a common problem? did you like the flash other than that... wait stupid question. "other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"

drake

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

09/21/2005 08:04:18 PM · #5

I loved it and have already grown too attached to it, that it's going to SUCK if I have to send it back right now!

I am trying everything and nothing seems to work. Searched the Canon forums and nothing either! :/

Spork99

OM System OM-1

09/21/2005 08:16:39 PM · #6

When you swiveled it, did you push the release buttons? Sounds silly, but I've known people who have just turned the flash head the way they thought it should go and broken it.

Does the green ready light on the back illuminate? Can you fire it with the test button? If you didn't have the flash seated all the way in the shoe, swiveling it, may have caused it to slide back in the shoe enough to disconnect.

orussell

Canon EOS Rebel T6s

Canon EF 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 II USM

09/21/2005 08:18:50 PM · #7

No complaints here with the 420EX. Can't imagine what the problem is. Either use NiMh batteries or Lithium ions. Regular alkalines don't last at all. Even ones that say high capacity for electronic equipment don't last either. If you buy NiMh look for the highest milliamp hour rating you can find - I think 2500 is about the limit but not sure.

If you are using cheap batteries it may just not have enough power to charge the capacitor properly.

09/21/2005 08:20:48 PM · #8

Definitely push the button to swivel it. It's sitting fine on the shoe. However that doesn't seem to matter as it won;t reach enough of a charge to even fire the test pilot. It's making the high pitched noise like it is charging, but never gets to ready position for firing.

The red AF works fine, just not firing.

And it just keeps getting worse... I've had it now for 16 days and B&H only accepts exchanges within 14 days!!!!

09/21/2005 08:22:03 PM · #9

I'm running NiMh batteries. Tried new ones and still nothing