2 minute fix costs $100? Don't break a 580EXII PC socket

JimKarczewskiJimKarczewski Registered Users Posts: 969 Major grins
edited February 25, 2011 in Accessories
I had a screw type PC cable connected to my 580EXII. One day I opened my case and the cable wasn't in the flash, but still connected to the PC socket and held together by a VERY thin grey cable which fires the flash.

Well, the cable finally broke. I sent it to CPS for repair and they have to replace the ENTIRE SHOE of the flash. Not just re-solder the PC and superglue (or whatever they use) it back into position.

$100 to replace the foot. If it happens again, I'm doing it myself... not worth $100 when the shoe wasn't bad, just the PC socket.
Jim Karczewski - http://www.jimkarczewski.com

Comments

  • Matthew SavilleMatthew Saville Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 3,352 Major grins
    edited February 24, 2011
    In other news, this is why I never buy my flashes new, I always buy them used. Why? Because in the entire history of owning flashes, EVERYTHING that has ever gone wrong with them has been a warranty-voiding issue and it becomes a moot point. So now I tell people to buy a used flash from somewhere with a good return policy, test it thoroughly upon shipment, and if it works you're good to go.

    Bummer about the repair, Jim! :-\

    =Matt=
    “My first thought is always of light.” – Galen Rowell
    My SmugMug Portfolio • My Astro-Landscape Photo Blog • Dgrin Weddings Forum
  • JimKarczewskiJimKarczewski Registered Users Posts: 969 Major grins
    edited February 24, 2011
    Haha.. I just bought a couple used flashes from KEH. Due to the fact mine never came in from China... So I picked up a couple of 540EZ for on location shooting. Don't need ETTL and as powerful as any current Canon flash.. In the future I'll just buy more of these for $100 a pop.. vs $450-500 for the "current" flashes. I did need at least one with ETTL for when I use it, but 95% of everything lately for me is manual.
    Jim Karczewski - http://www.jimkarczewski.com
  • NeilLNeilL Registered Users Posts: 4,201 Major grins
    edited February 24, 2011
    I guess a thank you is in order for your generous support of the company we all love for what it sells us!rolleyes1.gif

    Neil
    "Snow. Ice. Slow!" "Half-winter. Half-moon. Half-asleep!"

    http://www.behance.net/brosepix
  • Matthew SavilleMatthew Saville Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 3,352 Major grins
    edited February 25, 2011
    JimKarczewski wrote: »
    Haha.. I just bought a couple used flashes from KEH. Due to the fact mine never came in from China... So I picked up a couple of 540EZ for on location shooting. Don't need ETTL and as powerful as any current Canon flash.. In the future I'll just buy more of these for $100 a pop.. vs $450-500 for the "current" flashes. I did need at least one with ETTL for when I use it, but 95% of everything lately for me is manual.
    You can also check in local camera shops for old Vivitar flashes that usually have a great guide number and sometimes a PC sync port. You can just use them with a hotshoe trigger though of course. The old used Vivitar flashes can be found for under $50 depending on the model. But a 540 is great too, and probably a bit better constructed...

    =Matt=
    “My first thought is always of light.” – Galen Rowell
    My SmugMug Portfolio • My Astro-Landscape Photo Blog • Dgrin Weddings Forum
  • JimKarczewskiJimKarczewski Registered Users Posts: 969 Major grins
    edited February 25, 2011
    Yeah, I like the 540.. very much like the 550 but older electronics.

    As for the Vivitar, I have a couple of 285HV's as well. They rarely see the light of day. I prefer the Sunpak 120J, then the Vivitar if absolutely necessary.
    Jim Karczewski - http://www.jimkarczewski.com
  • OverfocusedOverfocused Registered Users Posts: 1,068 Major grins
    edited February 25, 2011
    Here here to generic flashes that can do the same thing!


    (Sunpak's PZ42X is a good one for $140!)
    www.overfocused.com
  • JimKarczewskiJimKarczewski Registered Users Posts: 969 Major grins
    edited February 25, 2011
    Just wish Sunpak never stopped making the 120J.. It's a nice light to have...
    Jim Karczewski - http://www.jimkarczewski.com
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,133 moderator
    edited February 25, 2011
    JimKarczewski wrote: »
    Just wish Sunpak never stopped making the 120J.. It's a nice light to have...

    I agree. It had some very nice properties.
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • OverfocusedOverfocused Registered Users Posts: 1,068 Major grins
    edited February 25, 2011
    JimKarczewski wrote: »
    Just wish Sunpak never stopped making the 120J.. It's a nice light to have...


    Ditto. But, I'm a macro guy so handheld or on camera flash is where my heart lies :D
    www.overfocused.com
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