580EXII hot shoe problem?

Snowgirl

Has anyone ever had an issue with the hot shoe on their 580EXII? I have tried mine on two different cameras and it fires sporadically. When I press the test button on the flash, no problem. So I am thinking there must be a problem with the hot shoe connection on the flash itself. Any thoughts or suggestions?:dunno

kdog

Have you tried cleaning the contacts on it, just in case there's some kind of grease them? Maybe wipe it down with alcohol if you don't have contact cleaner. It's a long shot, but what the heck. Oh, and you did change batteries obviously, so I won't even ask. Otherwise, you're probably looking at a repair.

Snowgirl

kdog wrote: »

Have you tried cleaning the contacts on it, just in case there's some kind of grease them? Maybe wipe it down with alcohol if you don't have contact cleaner. It's a long shot, but what the heck. Oh, and you did change batteries obviously, so I won't even ask. Otherwise, you're probably looking at a repair.

Thanks. I'll try that. Yeah, the batteries are good and it would fire when I hit the test button ok. I suspect repair is in my future. Sigh.

NeilL

I went through a brief bad patch with my 580EXIIs. First, the batteries became depleted, and I replaced them with standard AAs (Panasonic) which I was assured were right for the job. But they just didn't work. The test would fire, but the flashes would not function. I have since replaced all the batteries with Powerex, and also got the top Maha recharger. It seems battery type and performance are critical to these flashes. The charge has to be kept up to full potential otherwise the electronics go strange.

Neil

Snowgirl

NeilL wrote: »

I went through a brief bad patch with my 580EXIIs. First, the batteries became depleted, and I replaced them with standard AAs (Panasonic) which I was assured were right for the job. But they just didn't work. The test would fire, but the flashes would not function. I have since replaced all the batteries with Powerex, and also got the top Maha recharger. It seems battery type and performance are critical to these flashes. The charge has to be kept up to full potential otherwise the electronics go strange.

Neil

Ah - I had assumed because I had decent batteries that that wasn't the problem. Perhaps it is. Will try something else. Thanks!

aj986s

FWIW, I've also noticed that the fit onto the hotshoe can be be a bit snug. Make sure the flash is pushed all the way forward onto the hotshoe before locking it in place. I've experienced erratic flash behaviour, only to find the flash needed to go another 1MM or so forward onto the shoe. I believe being off a small amount interferes with the contacts.

NeilL

aj986s wrote: »

FWIW, I've also noticed that the fit onto the hotshoe can be be a bit snug. Make sure the flash is pushed all the way forward onto the hotshoe before locking it in place. I've experienced erratic flash behaviour, only to find the flash needed to go another 1MM or so forward onto the shoe. I believe being off a small amount interferes with the contacts.

Yep. And if you lock it in, that's double sure!

Neil

EDIT: I see Tony already mentioned locking it in.

pathfinder

I think the intermittent contact issue mostly occurs with the camera in portrait mode, with the flash cantilevered out, putting a great deal of stress on the hot shoe.

Try putting the flash on a bracket with an off shoe cord, and I think most of the issue disappears.

Snowgirl

pathfinder wrote: »

I think the intermittent contact issue mostly occurs with the camera in portrait mode, with the flash cantilevered out, putting a great deal of stress on the hot shoe.

Try putting the flash on a bracket with an off shoe cord, and I think most of the issue disappears.

Another excellent point. When I use remote triggers connected via a cord I have no problems.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Shall try any and all of the above before next week-end's big shoot.