I just sent my SB-800 to Nikon for repair. I think I fried the flash shooting too many shots in TTL in a short period outdoors resulting in a lot of full power flashes.
The flash no longer seems to charge - the display works and all settings, I've tried the two button reset. When I try to test flash the strobe or use the modeling light neither work and the ready light flashes for a few seconds and then goes dark. The high pitched whine that would usually be heard upon power up is no longer being made. I tried many rechargeable batteries and new AA's without any luck.
The flash is a few years old and out of warranty I am just not sure if I caused this or if it just may have gave out. My SB-900 was also in use at the same event and reached its boiling point a few times which led me to believe that is how I fried the 800. Is this a common problem when a flash is abused in this manner?
Since my goal was fill flash I've started dialing down the power in outdoor settings in hopes of eliminating this problem in the future. Any thoughts or comments are appreciated.
In sequential shooting (weddings) I have been close to frying my flash also. Others seem to go through many pictures without a problem.
In general, if the flash is not shooting at full power, logic tells me that the flash tube should recharge faster and easier. This is not a fact, it is what I think should be.
Look in the flash instructions or ask Nikon about this problem. Something I can tell you, if I use my old Sunpak in auto I do not encounter this problem.
Another observation if you use studio flash. Make sure that the flash output can be handled by the camera or otherwise damage will occur.
I never had this problem with Nikon cameras and my studio flashes are old. The same thing can happen with some old Vivitar flashes so, just check with the manufacturer.
William Rodriguez
Miami, Florida.
