Do I repair or replace??? - DPChallenge Forums

12/05/2006 09:03:18 PM · #1

Ok, I have a set (3) of JTL versalight 160's.jtl web site(TL-480 Light Kit.)This kit They operate on continous mode, or they strobe off slave. I have had them for 14 months, but with out much use. 9 I am still trying to learn proper lighting techniques.
Anyway, the two primaries are not operating in the slave mode, only in continuous. I called JTL, I have to send them in to have them looked at, they are no longer under warranty. I'm Looking at a minimum of $150 or so to have them repaired. If its only the flash tubes. The tech said its usually not the only issue.....Oh boy, do I send them in for repair, or invest in a better quality set. please any advice is welcome.

Tammy

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

12/05/2006 09:59:07 PM · #2

bump anyone???

alfresco

Nikon D700

12/05/2006 10:01:50 PM · #3

My opinion:
I would probably save and invest in something that won't break after a year of minimal use.

Nobody

Pentax K-S2

Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO IF for Pentax

12/05/2006 10:08:28 PM · #4

What do you mean by continuous mode? I have a Versalight, and have no idea what you are talking about. Do you mean the modeling light vs the strobe?

12/05/2006 10:16:50 PM · #5

not to sound flip, but have you tried the obvious things like bulbs, cables, connections?

12/06/2006 07:00:57 AM · #6

Originally posted by Nobody:

What do you mean by continuous mode? I have a Versalight, and have no idea what you are talking about. Do you mean the modeling light vs the strobe?

Yes, the modeling light works, but they wont work in strobe. Cables are connected, fuses, are fine. The bulbs (flash tubes), are only to be replaced by the manufacturer. they run at $60 ea. plus tax and labor. But I am told by their tech, that it is usually not the problem, as they are rated for 8000 flashes, and I have not even come close to that. There is what I am having an issue with. Problem unknown could cost more than to repair than replace. If you were in my shoes what would you do?

Message edited by author 2006-12-06 08:44:10.

12/06/2006 08:44:42 AM · #7

Bumpity bump bump for the mprning crowd. Could really use some advice PLEASE!

12/06/2006 08:52:02 AM · #8

Hey Tammy. Ok, still trying to understand what ISN'T working. Modeling lights are meant to give you an idea what the strobe light will look like, so the modeling lights should be on UNTIL you flash, they go off when the strobe flashes, then come back on a mili-second later. Is that what yours are doing? Do your have a seperate setting for modeling / strobe? The modeling light (on my ABs) is a regular light bulb. I don't know your specific lights, so tell me a little more and maybe we can figure out if its fixable. Since its 2 of the 3 and they're that new, I tend to think its NOT anything major (I hope).

12/06/2006 09:22:20 AM · #9

Cindi,
Yes, there is a separate on off button for modeling and strobe. I can turn them on and they stay on, but do not respond to slave for strobe function....? There are two switches on the back of the unit, one for strobe only, one for strobe/modeling. The lights will only work If I turn bith switches on, and do not activate in strobe function, they only stay on, until I turn them off.

12/06/2006 09:32:22 AM · #10

Hmmm Have you tried using a synch cable to one rather than relying on slave mode? Not the prettiest solution, but a reliable one if it works for your lights. A synch cord is under $10, so would be the first thing I'd try. If that doesn't work, I would use the JTLs as back up or fill-in while I slowly collect some new strobes. You could buy one AB400 and use it with the one JTL that's working properly and still have a pretty good set - later on, maybe ebay the other 2 JTLs and buy another AB400.... just a thought. I don't think I would pay to repair those.

Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO IF for Pentax

12/06/2006 10:15:37 AM · #11

Cindi, Tried using the sync cable and they still dont work....ahhhhhh,
How am I ever going to learn with out lights.

Nobody

Pentax K-S2

12/06/2006 10:16:14 AM · #12

You said something odd there.
"Cables are connected"..

Only one light should have a cable (other than power) connected. The others should not have a sync cable. They fire off of your primary light's flash. If a cable is inserted, it disables the slave mode.

12/06/2006 10:21:32 AM · #13

Originally posted by Nobody:

Yes, i have that set to slave, and the sync cable plugged to the lights, just like I always have. They wont work. I didnt set them up any differently than I had before, but they are not responding.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

12/06/2006 10:42:43 AM · #14

Originally posted by tjbel05:

Originally posted by Nobody:
You said something odd there.
"Cables are connected"..

Only one light should have a cable (other than power) connected. The others should not have a sync cable. They fire off of your primary light's flash. If a cable is inserted, it disables the slave mode.

Yes, i have that set to slave, and the sync cable plugged to the lights, just like I always have. They wont work. I didnt set them up any differently than I had before, but they are not responding.

Synch cable plugged to ONE light (connected to camera), right?

Mick

Canon EOS-5D

12/06/2006 10:58:29 AM · #15

Is it possible that you accidentally disabled the slave circuit on the light(s)? With an AlienBees light, you can disable the slave by inserting a small RCA type plug in the back of the unit. You need to remove the plug if you want the light to fire when it 'sees' another light flash.

Did your lights come with a manual? Determine what the method is to disable the slave circuit on your lights, then see if you accidentally did that.