SB80dx. capacitor to change?

[reachme2003]

when does one's capacitor needs changing? is slowing charging a sign? what about costs?

[Henessy]

Originally Posted by reachme2003 when does one's capacitor needs changing? is slowing charging a sign? what about costs?

Slow charging could be due to weak batteries

[reachme2003]

what if when filled with fresh batteries.

Originally Posted by Henessy Slow charging could be due to weak batteries

[chanxj]

Could be the capacitor.

[reachme2003]

has anyone change flash's capacitor at nsc and what 's the costs? thanks

[fatigue]

Have you kept your flash for too long?
Try to warm up a bit then observe.
Some manufacturers advise that flash should be charged (even without firing) once every 2-3 months. This is some sort of exercise to prevent the capacitor from changing it's characteristics.

There could be some other possible cause of slow charging.
Consider the capacitor as a water tank. Here are some possible reasons for slow charge:
1. Tank leak (capacitor leak)
2. It could be the water pressure (the batteries)
3. The valve (the circuitry)
4. The pipeline (the wires and contacts)

Try to check the contacts first. Poor contact means decrease in pressure (voltage drop).

Hope it helps.

[Henessy]

Originally Posted by fatigue Have you kept your flash for too long? Try to warm up a bit then observe. Some manufacturers advise that flash should be charged (even without firing) once every 2-3 months. This is some sort of exercise to prevent the capacitor from changing it's characteristics. There could be some other possible cause of slow charging. Consider the capacitor as a water tank. Here are some possible reasons for slow charge: 1. Tank leak (capacitor leak) 2. It could be the water pressure (the batteries) 3. The valve (the circuitry) 4. The pipeline (the wires and contacts) Try to check the contacts first. Poor contact means decrease in pressure (voltage drop). Hope it helps.

GD analogy

[plasma]

Originally Posted by Henessy GD analogy

What if the flash output a very loud EEeee sound when being recharge? Does it means that the capacitor need replacement?

[fatigue]

Originally Posted by plasma What if the flash output a very loud EEeee sound when being recharge? Does it means that the capacitor need replacement?

Fresh batteries or newly charged batteries will produce louder sound
Have you compared it with the same model?

For me, I prefer a loud charging sound. You don't have to remove your eyes from the view finder just to check your flash condition. Although nowadays, this may not be necessary with dedicated flash.

[lsisaxon]

Originally Posted by reachme2003 what if when filled with fresh batteries.

Did you keep your flash in the dry cabinet? The electrolytes in the capacitor may dry up if you do.

[Henessy]

Originally Posted by lsisaxon Did you keep your flash in the dry cabinet? The electrolytes in the capacitor may dry up if you do.

OMG, I did that to my flash. How!!!

[lsisaxon]

Originally Posted by Henessy OMG, I did that to my flash. How!!!

Doesn't mean that it will die lah.. Just a thought.. I keep my flash in the dry cabinet also, but I'm going to take it out tonight.. but it may accelerate the process if there is a leak on the capacitor.

To TS: I think it might be the charging circuit but we'll never know until you send it in for a check.

Another reason not to set the %RH too low on your dry cabinets other than SWMs jamming..

[reachme2003]

yes, along with cameras and lenses.

Originally Posted by lsisaxon Did you keep your flash in the dry cabinet? The electrolytes in the capacitor may dry up if you do.

[catchlights]

Originally Posted by lsisaxon Did you keep your flash in the dry cabinet? The electrolytes in the capacitor may dry up if you do.

so, what moisturizer should I use for my flash??

[hacknet]

man you guys are fretting over ant hills! dont worry, stick the flash in the dry box and you'll be fine, i've been dealing with high voltages and capacitors for quite a while and the in my books the fastest things to run a capacitor down is heat, the hotter they are the faster they run down, not because the electrolytes evaporate but because the dielectric breaks down. besides heat, look at things like specifications and quality something i trust nikon has taken care of, so just use your flash and stop fretting..!

the time the capacitors stop working, the flash will keep wailing. its wailing from the step up transformer's vibration. trust me, a wailing flash isnt always good. it often means 2 things.

1) bad caps are drawing more current than they should and thus causing the oscillator to work extra hard
2) bad oscillator/pwm which is causing the transformer to pass more current than rated.

if you are worried and love your flash too much to retire it, bring it down to nikon and see what they can do about it.

[lsisaxon]

Originally Posted by catchlights so, what moisturizer should I use for my flash??

Hmm.. I don't know.. To be honest, my flash is still in the dry cabinet too...