Burnt Flash! - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

08/15/2006 04:29:46 PM · #1

Ok, I don't know how this happened, but I seem to have burn marks on the lens of my Sigma EF-500 DG ST flash!

On the lens:

And on the pop-up diffuser:

What effect, if any, will this have? Do I need to worry?
I tried cleaning the spots up a bit. It worked a little, but this is what I'm left with.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
-Nick

fotomann_forever

08/15/2006 04:32:24 PM · #2

You must have been really working the hell out of that flash... geez...

Did you have anything in front of it?

mist

Canon EOS-60D

08/15/2006 04:32:55 PM · #3

Originally posted by nickp37:

Ok, I don't know how this happened,

You must have been over-enthusiastic with the fire challenge...

08/15/2006 04:37:59 PM · #4

The Sigma EF-500 DG Super and DG ST share the following table in their manual:
"To prevent overheating of the flash's circuitry, please do not use your Flash[sic] for at least 10minutes[sic] after using the number of flash exposures, shown in the below table have been made in quick succession.[sic times 100]"

MODE-------------------------------Exposures (flashes) within 10 minutes
TTL, M(1/1,1/2)--------------------15 Continuous Shots
M(1/4,1/8)-------------------------20 Continuous Shots
M(1/16-1/32)-----------------------40 Continuous Shots
Multi------------------------------10 Cycles

Message edited by author 2006-08-15 16:39:10.

fotomann_forever

08/15/2006 04:38:46 PM · #5

BTW, you might try rubbing the burnt sections with fine scotch bright or steel wool pads. I wouldn't be so concerned about the burn on the flash. It doesn't look so bad, but the one on the diffuser looks like it'd leave shadows in the photos.

08/15/2006 04:44:43 PM · #6

Thanks for all the responses! Really, I don't use the flash that often. I don't think I've ever used it too rapidly either.

...Check that, I did use it fairly rapidly a couple of weeks ago on the M-low setting. Could it be that I didn't notice it until now?

As for anything in front of the flash, all I can think of is the pop-up diffuser itself.

I'll try cleaning it again, thanks for the tip. Too bad about the diffuser though, It really did make a difference.

Edited for typos.

Message edited by author 2006-08-15 16:45:06.

08/15/2006 04:45:46 PM · #7

Originally posted by nickp37:

Thanks for all the responses! Reall, I don't use the flash that often. I don't think I've ever used it too rapidly either.

...Check that, I did use it fairly rapidly a couple of weeks ago on the M-low setting. Could it be that I didn't notice it until now?

As for anything in front of the flash, all I can think of is the pop-up diffuser itself.

I'll try cleaning it again, thanks for the tip. Too bad about the diffuser though, It really did make a difference.

In my experience and from what I've heard Sigma really really backs their product. they maybe be willing to send replacement parts or fix it for free or at reduced cost. I would at least e-mail with links to find out.

08/15/2006 04:52:19 PM · #8

Originally posted by Vapor63:

Thanks, I'll try to contact them.

I was just looking closer and it appears that there are burn marks on the inside of the lens too. It could just be an illusion though.

Do you think I should try scrubbing it like fotomann suggested if I plan to send it in for service? I've been lucky so far and havent had to deal with service departments.

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

08/15/2006 05:00:40 PM · #9

Originally posted by nickp37:

Originally posted by Vapor63:

In my experience and from what I've heard Sigma really really backs their product. they maybe be willing to send replacement parts or fix it for free or at reduced cost. I would at least e-mail with links to find out.

Thanks, I'll try to contact them.

I was just looking closer and it appears that there are burn marks on the inside of the lens too. It could just be an illusion though.

Do you think I should try scrubbing it like fotomann suggested if I plan to send it in for service? I've been lucky so far and havent had to deal with service departments.

My vote would be to seek help from Sigma first. You should easily be able to find out how costly (if at all) and quickly you can get it repaired by Sigma for. If Sigma is of absolutely no help whatsoever (which is highly unlikely, given their past), then go ahead and scrub the crap out of your poor flash. If Sigma refuses to service it, be sure to ask if they can at least send a new deflector and/or lens for you to install yourself. If you can't get anything out of Sigma after a week at most, then I would scrub it. Otherwise, you risk giving Sigma an excuse to refuse service.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

08/15/2006 05:19:54 PM · #10

Do seek help from Sigma before you try anything severe to clean it. If they won't do anything, then perhaps it's time to get more aggresive.
I wonder if something got on there that you didn't notice. Anything that blocks light will cause rapid heating, though it would likely take more than a coule firings to do damage. It's also possible that there is a defect in the flash that causes a hotspot there. All pure speculation. Time to call Sigma.

ButterflySis

Canon EOS-50D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

08/15/2006 05:25:31 PM · #11

Call the company, maybe a defect?

08/15/2006 05:48:52 PM · #12

Originally posted by kirbic:

That sounds about right. Overloading a flash with continuous firings in excess of what the chart reads will burn out the circuitry, but not burn a specific splotch on the lens (and deflector!). that seems more like an obstruction, on or inside the lens. Maybe some sort of grease or oil got onto it.

08/15/2006 07:12:59 PM · #13

Thanks for all the help. I have e-mailed sigma and will update this thread when I get a response.

Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD

08/16/2006 07:40:12 PM · #14

$40 - $60 to repair(plus shipping no doubt). Unfortunately, this is a lot of money for me right now. I guess it's not an unfair price, but I'm considering trying to clean it myself at this point. Any thoughts?

MadMan2k

Sony Alpha a6400

08/16/2006 08:02:56 PM · #15

For that price, I'd do it myself. I would think sandpaper/steel wool would get it out, but it'll probably buff the plastic of the lens too and make it less transparent, so less light might go through. Not sure about that, though.