Speedlite 430EXII Issue

Kinkajou

Ok, I just did a couple searches but didn't find anything on this topic, so I apologize if this has come up before and I wasn't able to find it.

I got the 430EXII a couple weeks ago (my first external flash), put some batteries in it, tested it out for a while, and it was great. Since then, I've been able to get few and fewer firings out of it each time I've used it, which is a whopping total of about 5 times. Today I got three. I have replaced and recharged and tested and purchased new batteries, so the batteries don't seem to be the issue. Although, I could be wrong.

Anyone have any idea what's going on? It's just so weird (and definitely a tad bit frustrating!). Bought it brand new.

Thanks.

jeffreaux2

Kinkajou wrote:

Ok, I just did a couple searches but didn't find anything on this topic, so I apologize if this has come up before and I wasn't able to find it.

I got the 430EXII a couple weeks ago (my first external flash), put some batteries in it, tested it out for a while, and it was great. Since then, I've been able to get few and fewer firings out of it each time I've used it, which is a whopping total of about 5 times. Today I got three. I have replaced and recharged and tested and purchased new batteries, so the batteries don't seem to be the issue. Although, I could be wrong.

Anyone have any idea what's going on? It's just so weird (and definitely a tad bit frustrating!). Bought it brand new.

Thanks.

Just to be sure we are on the same page...

Are you getting 5 "rapid-fire" flashes, or do you mean 5 shots TOTAL from the charge on a set of batteries...and then no amout of recycle time will give you another shot?

davev

Kinkajou wrote:

Ok, I just did a couple searches but didn't find anything on this topic, so I apologize if this has come up before and I wasn't able to find it.

I got the 430EXII a couple weeks ago (my first external flash), put some batteries in it, tested it out for a while, and it was great. Since then, I've been able to get few and fewer firings out of it each time I've used it, which is a whopping total of about 5 times. Today I got three. I have replaced and recharged and tested and purchased new batteries, so the batteries don't seem to be the issue. Although, I could be wrong.

Anyone have any idea what's going on? It's just so weird (and definitely a tad bit frustrating!). Bought it brand new.

Thanks.

I don't have this flash, but the quick answer would be to return it for an exchange.
There's something wrong with it.

Kinkajou

jeffreaux2 wrote:

Are you getting 5 "rapid-fire" flashes, or do you mean 5 shots TOTAL from the charge on a set of batteries...and then no amout of recycle time will give you another shot?

That's correct. Just a few shots, and waiting a good 10 min doesn't help. The thing just turns off completely, even the LCD. And when I push the camera trigger button down halfway, the screen usually turns on once or twice more for just a second, then it's done.

davev wrote:

I don't have this flash, but the quick answer would be to return it for an exchange.
There's something wrong with it.

That's what I'm thinking, I just wanted to be sure it was defective before I made the exchange.

Thanks, guys.

jeffreaux2

Kinkajou wrote:

That's correct. Just a few shots, and waiting a good 10 min doesn't help. The thing just turns off completely, even the LCD. And when I push the camera trigger button down halfway, the screen usually turns on once or twice more for just a second, then it's done.



.

It's probably broken...and needs to be returned or repaired.

...but Id try one more set of brand new batteries to be sure?

I havent heard of this often unless it has been used as a "modeling light". I have a pair of 580s...one bought new...one used...and the newer one actually took a fall from about 6 feet off a lightstand several months ago. Once I got the batteries stuffed back in it worked perfectly...and continues to.

Im sorry to hear of this and hope you can get it resolved asap.