Toronto Photography Meetup Group

TPMG.CA
It is currently Tue Oct 21, 2025 2:56 pm

All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ]




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 8 posts ] 
Author Message
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Aug 13, 2009 11:06 am 
Offline
TPMG SUPERSTAR
User avatar

Joined: Sat Sep 23, 2006 12:49 am
Posts: 2012
Location: Leaside
Has thanked: 0 time
Have thanks: 0 time
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.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Aug 13, 2009 11:17 am 
Offline
TPMG SUPERSTAR
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jan 22, 2008 4:29 am
Posts: 3415
Location: James in RH
Has thanked: 2 times
Have thanks: 2 times
Flickr: http://goo.gl/cahhK
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 ;)


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Aug 13, 2009 11:30 am 
Offline
TPMG SUPERSTAR
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jul 14, 2009 11:46 am
Posts: 2119
Location: Toronto
Has thanked: 0 time
Have thanks: 1 time
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.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Fri Aug 14, 2009 9:21 pm 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: Sun Mar 09, 2008 8:27 am
Posts: 487
Location: toronto
Has thanked: 0 time
Have thanks: 0 time
Flickr: www.flickr.com/tauro220
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.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Fri Aug 14, 2009 9:34 pm 
Offline

Joined: Tue May 09, 2006 11:28 pm
Posts: 492
Location: Toronto
Has thanked: 0 time
Have thanks: 0 time
I could be wrong, but I thought both the 580exii and sb-900 have mechanisms to prevent overheating...


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Fri Aug 14, 2009 11:15 pm 
Offline
TPMG Moderator
User avatar

Joined: Mon Jan 15, 2007 3:52 am
Posts: 4022
Location: Newmarket
Has thanked: 0 time
Have thanks: 2 times
Flickr: http://goo.gl/RJbMu
fchang wrote:
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.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sat Aug 15, 2009 6:02 am 
Offline
TPMG SUPERSTAR
User avatar

Joined: Sat Sep 23, 2006 12:49 am
Posts: 2012
Location: Leaside
Has thanked: 0 time
Have thanks: 0 time
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.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sat Aug 15, 2009 8:29 am 
Offline
TPMG SUPERSTAR
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jul 14, 2009 11:46 am
Posts: 2119
Location: Toronto
Has thanked: 0 time
Have thanks: 1 time
fchang wrote:
I could be wrong, but I thought both the 580exii and sb-900 have mechanisms to prevent overheating...


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


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 8 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ]


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 11 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group