How Can New Unused Flash Units Maintain Optimal Condition?

pianodancer · 30th April 2006

Flash users have been told not to leave the flash units unused for a long period of time, and that we should fire the flash once a while to keep it in optimal condition.

If that's the case, does that mean brand new flash units stored in the retail shops will deteoriate over time? Please don't argue that the brand new flash are "unused, unfired virgins", coz they must have done test firing in the factory.

Cheers!

hondasleeper · 30th April 2006

Yes it is a good idea to fire of your strobes once in a while going through all the different power settings on them. The capacitors in the strobe deteriorate over time and use. And the flash tubes fail just like light bulbs, when ever they feel like, with or with out much use(if you know what I mean)

It has something to do with the capacitors drying up or leaking when stored for a long time. I do think strobes or rather the capacitors do have a shelve life before they need to be serviced.

Don't quote me on this but you can get some information from this site.

http://members.misty.com/don/samflash.html

+evenstar · 30th April 2006

retail shops know how many sets they can sell within a period of time, so they won't overstock...

pianodancer · 1st May 2006

Originally Posted by +evenstar

retail shops know how many sets they can sell within a period of time, so they won't overstock...

What about 2nd hand shops like TCW where they have loads of old antique flash units stored in the shelves? I don't suppose they take them out once a month to test fire?

JediForce4ever · 1st May 2006

Originally Posted by pianodancer

What about 2nd hand shops like TCW where they have loads of old antique flash units stored in the shelves? I don't suppose they take them out once a month to test fire?

People do try them out when they express intrest in them..so that counts?

HLL · 2nd May 2006

A Pro once told me that he "use up" his flash in half a year. Then he go back to change the tube. Then he use it up again and then sell it.

Lots of Pros may not have many of the same lens but you can bet that they have LOADS of the same flash.

Lots of pros out there using up lots of flashes, they always buying new ones, stock sure to be fresh at the big photo stores.

Unless you are sure you are buying your secondhand flash from a non-pro, just buy new...

Artosoft · 3rd May 2006

Use flashmeter to check flash's GN before you buy?

Regards,
Arto.

30th April 2006	#1
pianodancer Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,547	How Can New Unused Flash Units Maintain Optimal Condition? Flash users have been told not to leave the flash units unused for a long period of time, and that we should fire the flash once a while to keep it in optimal condition. If that's the case, does that mean brand new flash units stored in the retail shops will deteoriate over time? Please don't argue that the brand new flash are "unused, unfired virgins", coz they must have done test firing in the factory. Cheers! __________________ Musician \| Photographer \| Blogger Facebook

30th April 2006	#2
hondasleeper Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 334	Re: How Can New Unused Flash Units Maintain Optimal Condition? Yes it is a good idea to fire of your strobes once in a while going through all the different power settings on them. The capacitors in the strobe deteriorate over time and use. And the flash tubes fail just like light bulbs, when ever they feel like, with or with out much use(if you know what I mean) It has something to do with the capacitors drying up or leaking when stored for a long time. I do think strobes or rather the capacitors do have a shelve life before they need to be serviced. Don't quote me on this but you can get some information from this site. http://members.misty.com/don/samflash.html

30th April 2006	#3
+evenstar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Singapore Posts: 5,451	Re: How Can New Unused Flash Units Maintain Optimal Condition? retail shops know how many sets they can sell within a period of time, so they won't overstock... __________________ the SEARCH FUNCTION is there for a reason. USE IT!

2nd May 2006	#6
HLL Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 1,086	Re: How Can New Unused Flash Units Maintain Optimal Condition? A Pro once told me that he "use up" his flash in half a year. Then he go back to change the tube. Then he use it up again and then sell it. Lots of Pros may not have many of the same lens but you can bet that they have LOADS of the same flash. Lots of pros out there using up lots of flashes, they always buying new ones, stock sure to be fresh at the big photo stores. Unless you are sure you are buying your secondhand flash from a non-pro, just buy new...

3rd May 2006	#7
Artosoft Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Tanjong Katong Posts: 3,726	Re: How Can New Unused Flash Units Maintain Optimal Condition? Use flashmeter to check flash's GN before you buy? Regards, Arto. __________________ http://artosoft.multiply.com/photos __________________