Toronto Photography Meetup Group

Unfortunately there's no way to tell how many times a flash has been fired.

As well, flashes are different in that the like to be used, rather than sitting around unused (if a flash has been unused for a long time it may not work due to the fact the capacitor changes when unused for a long time, and it may not take to being re-formed when the flash is turn on).

HOWEVER, many flashes are used like canons (hundreds of shots per hour overheating the flash) when they aren't designed to be, and that can also destroy the flash.

I've bought used flashes at the flea markets, but either I test them there, or I buy them knowing full well that I may be buying a dud...but usually my limit is $30 for that, and they are non-TTL.

My preference is to buy new but if you are looking at used I would take a flash and make sure it's not discoloured (usually yellowing) - this is a sign that flash may have burnt a little. Also I would smell it - it shouldn't smell like toast

Damn, I wanted to pick up a second 580EX2 as well but it kills me when you look up BHPHoto and they're $420.USD with free shipping within the US. I know shipping to here is approx $30.USD and not subjected to duties and taxes so you still save. I guess the alternative is to pair op with other photographers and order 'em and save on shipping. Or send it to a friend in the US and have them snail-mail it up in which case you'd be subjected to handling fees (approx $5.) and taxes.

If buying a Canon flash for on camera use buy new. If for off camera almost any flash will do and you can pick some up really cheap.

If you want to go to BH or something you can always have it shipped to buffalo and pick it up. At leasy you do not get dinged for the ridiculous fees...Or call them and ask if they can use USPS. Canada post is much more reasonable.

I could be wrong, but I thought both the 580exii and sb-900 have mechanisms to prevent overheating...

I can verify from personal experience that the Sony HVL-58FAM has this feature.

At least with the 900 people in forums complains it shuts down too early (because it has this feature) so is a useless flash to have...until they learn how to defeat the feature.

You're right about the 580EXII having thermal protection, the previous 580EX did not.