SB600 dead


baggiolee

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Dec 7, 2006
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I can't figure out the parts name and is amazed that the repair cost is way more than 50% of my whole flash unit. i only use it for less than 2 years and i usually shoot less than 10 times per quarter year. is external flash so unreliable?

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If the repaired cost takes half of the brand new price, better getting a new set.
IMHO ..
 

I've owned numerous Nikon flashes and they have all been reliable and have not died on me. I used to own an SB600, no problems. If it cost $180, I dun think it is worth servicing... why not consider a SB700 for the next flash?
 

I've owned numerous Nikon flashes and they have all been reliable and have not died on me. I used to own an SB600, no problems. If it cost $180, I dun think it is worth servicing... why not consider a SB700 for the next flash?

ya....considering sb700. but i still have to repair sb600 as it'll be my backup. but i can also switch to other brand since i've refunded my recently bought 24-70 due to focus issue, nothing much left now. quite disappointed with nikon generally. :thumbsd:
 

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If the repaired cost takes half of the brand new price, better getting a new set.
IMHO ..

ya what a waste of money. never expected it to be so short life and ended after my warranty expire on february this year. quoating me $180 after my warranty expired for 6 mths sounds like nonsense to me. i think they should do a bit more. :dunno:
 

It may not be due to how long u have used or how frequent u used it, it is also due to "how" u used it, imagine someone drop the flash on hard floor or shoot in the rain, only once would be enough to make it dead.
 

It may not be due to how long u have used or how frequent u used it, it is also due to "how" u used it, imagine someone drop the flash on hard floor or shoot in the rain, only once would be enough to make it dead.

Actually, I read from somewhere that how frequently you use a flash does matter... and it was advised to at least use the flash once a month, and if not used, just take it out and just flash it a bit.

I do not get to use all the flashes frequently, so I would take them out about once a month, stick in some batts and do a few test flash, and then put them back in the dry cab.
 

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ya....considering sb700. but i still have to repair sb600 as it'll be my backup. but i can also switch to other brand since i've refunded my recently bought 24-70 due to focus issue, nothing much left now. quite disappointed with nikon generally. :thumbsd:

Hey bro... sorry to hear about ur experience. I read the other thread about your 24-70 focusing issue... but I do not buy some of the reasons given to you that low end bodies would not fit a high end lens. In anycase, this is a forum, and different people have different views, but not all of them are valid.

Personally, I've started on Nikon and have not be disappointed so far. Some swear by certain lenses, and some don't. I guess you have to find out the lenses that work for you, and what doesn't. It is a journey... :)
 

If you seldom use it, would you consider to rent the flash when needed?

Quite pricey to replace the parts...
 

let me guess the problem,

because you seldom use the flash

you left the batteries in your unit

battery leak thus you have to change the circuit board

thus i do not get why are you blaming external flash is unreliable

if my deduction is wrong please correct me.
 

why don't you ask fatigue if he can help?

fatigue - sorry, if this sounds like arrow :bsmilie:
 

i've had and used my (2nd hand) SB600 since Jan this year. so far so good considering I'm a heavy user as I shoot indoors almost every weekend with it. Thanks for sharing and I agree with the rest,get the new SB700. your repair cost is too high
 

It may not be due to how long u have used or how frequent u used it, it is also due to "how" u used it, imagine someone drop the flash on hard floor or shoot in the rain, only once would be enough to make it dead.

nope...never drop my flash b4 and use didn't use it in the rain. it's in good condition physically.


let me guess the problem,

because you seldom use the flash

you left the batteries in your unit

battery leak thus you have to change the circuit board

thus i do not get why are you blaming external flash is unreliable

if my deduction is wrong please correct me.


nope. i never leave my battries inside more than 1 day.
 

Hey bro... sorry to hear about ur experience. I read the other thread about your 24-70 focusing issue... but I do not buy some of the reasons given to you that low end bodies would not fit a high end lens. In anycase, this is a forum, and different people have different views, but not all of them are valid.

Personally, I've started on Nikon and have not be disappointed so far. Some swear by certain lenses, and some don't. I guess you have to find out the lenses that work for you, and what doesn't. It is a journey... :)

i may buy back the 24-70 again if i stick to nikon and buy the D7k. it's an awesome lens even though i can only shoot at f7.1 with my d60 all the way. even Mr Richard at TK is quite puzzled.

anyway, since D7k can calibrate in the menu, i've no worries if i buy it.
 

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Had put my flashes to hard use over the years and no problem. Got a SB600 that bounced few times on the floor from dropping and OCF work, suffered small cracks and chips and dents around but still working perfectly.

I think you are on a string of bad luck with Nikon products.

Glad to hear that you were able to get refund for your 24-70 lens.

And agreed that its quite disappointing that NSC slap such a big bill for repair, though most of the time its the replacement parts that cost a lot. Had similar experience on other items too, repair cost is like 50% of the new item.

If its indeed batt leak, our weather also plays a part. In general I avoid alkalines batts, especially leaving them in the unit, coz the hot and humid weather accelerates and increases the chances of leaking.
 

why don't you ask fatigue if he can help?

fatigue - sorry, if this sounds like arrow :bsmilie:

yap anything spoiled, i will think of him lol.

anyway, i contacted him. will discuss with him furthermore. :)
 

i've had and used my (2nd hand) SB600 since Jan this year. so far so good considering I'm a heavy user as I shoot indoors almost every weekend with it. Thanks for sharing and I agree with the rest,get the new SB700. your repair cost is too high

still, i have doubts on nikon's flash now. if wat happened happens again, that means i must change flash every 2 years? i don't have that kind of money. :(
 

Had put my flashes to hard use over the years and no problem. Got a SB600 that bounced few times on the floor from dropping and OCF work, suffered small cracks and chips and dents around but still working perfectly.

I think you are on a string of bad luck with Nikon products.

Glad to hear that you were able to get refund for your 24-70 lens.

And agreed that its quite disappointing that NSC slap such a big bill for repair, though most of the time its the replacement parts that cost a lot. Had similar experience on other items too, repair cost is like 50% of the new item.

If its indeed batt leak, our weather also plays a part. In general I avoid alkalines batts, especially leaving them in the unit, coz the hot and humid weather accelerates and increases the chances of leaking.


there's no leaking stain on my flash, and i've switched to rechargeable batteries recently. the flash just suddenly stop firing in the middle of my photoshoot.
 

i just collected my sb600 from nsc too, used my sb600 for 3 years and it fell to its death about 3 weeks ago from a table about waist height.

i had the same quote as you, $180.

but i went for it and repaired it.

Previously was using the flash for about 3 years. No hiccups. I think you're just unlucky.