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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Replacing the hotshoe on an SB26
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02/22/2013 04:11:28 AM · #1
So, this isn't hard to do, but I figured I'd show what is entailed on the off chance you were unsure of whether you could do it on your own or not. You'll see there isn't really a reason to have a repair place do this for you. These directions are likely the same or similar for other similar vintage flashes, but I have not disassembled my SB28 to find out. Rumor has it the SB28 DOES have a ribbon cable inside the foot, so be cautious not to damage it, as they are pretty fragile. Please read the photo descriptions for some additional details on disassembly, as well. If you are having problems with your detent pin, you can follow these same directions to access it and perform any necessary mods/cleaning etc. These directions do not replace any of the wiring or anything, just the actual plastic shoe itself.
My replacement foot came from here and appears to be identical to the original.


As you can see below, there is a crack in the existing hot shoe. Instead of waiting for it to fail, I just went ahead and repaired it right away instead of suffering a flash drop when it inevitably broke down the line.


The first step is to remove the batteries. The second step is to remove the 4 screws that attach the foot assembly. Once you have done this, you can remove the whole thing by lifting and moving the foot towards the back of the flash so the prongs will disengage


Once free of that, the shoe will still be connected by a wire coupling that I recommend disconnecting to make things easier. Use your fingers or needle nose pliers if its troublesome, just wiggle it side to side and slowly remove it at the point I've noted here.


Here are the next 4 screws you need to remove. They are longer and have a slightly different head than the first 4.


Once you get down to the final screw, move slower and make sure you hold the circuit board and shoe together by pinching it between your fingers to keep it from completely disconnecting. If you don't do this, you risk losing your detent pin, which keeps the flash in the shoe, as it is literally spring loaded in there.
The shoe will come apart from the assembly pretty easily, just let the pins slide through it and don't lose your detent pin.


If you forget, this is where you will place the detent pin in the new shoe. It can only go in one way, with the tab facing out from the circle that forms the shoe.


Then just reverse the steps to reassemble and you're done. Nice and easy!

02/22/2013 02:57:55 PM · #2
I lost all of the screws. Would you send me some of yours? I think two will hold it on.
02/22/2013 08:44:43 PM · #3
Good writeup, Derek. Those 20 year old flashes are still just as good as they were in the mid-90's, and I was mighty glad to find that someone (sdcamerasolution.com is a very nice woman named Micki who lives near my office) is still having replacement parts made. Especially since I still have a couple of 20 year old Nikon speedlights of my own.

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