Canon Flash 580 EX I bought this flash and I haven't been able to get more than 10 pictures without having to replace batteries. Is everyone having the same experience>
292434
are you using eTTL? if your flash is set to manual mode and full power, "+3" then it will use batteries very fast. if the 4AA batteries that power the flash are rechargeable, then you need to charge them right up until you put them into your flash, otherwise they will not have full power. and yes, you will need batteries within the 2400-2700 mAh range, otherwise batteries do not have enough power. also consider a power supply for faster recycle times. also note that lithium-ion batteries get too hot when in constant use and can damage the flash.
292435
2700mAH NIMH batteries (or higher) for $24.00 at COSTCO for a SONY set of 4AAs and two AAAs and charger) should give you better results. They are capable of many hundreds of rapid recharges and having a second set charged and ready as a backup allows for continuous shooting and charging for longer sessions.
292436
No, you might want to try a different type of battery first. Make sure they are fresh and new too.
292437
http://bingocameras.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=19&products;_id=452I'd love to order from Amazon but even with free shipping and my Rewards, I can't justify the $70.00 difference
1820271
I use this flash on my Nikon D3100. So far I have only used it with the 4 AA batteries. I have not used it for any long shoots but I have used it for many short ones, and as of yet, (over a year) have only had to change the batteries once. I feel it was an excellent buy for minimal cost.
1512272
Mine ate batteries as well, a lot sooner than yours. Check the reviews - most are excellent, but there are a few of us who have had battery problems. See if Canon will send you a new model.
1787892
I am using regular AA batteries and have taken about 1,000 pictures, no video so far, and the batteries have about 1/4 left. I do have a set of rechargeable batteries, with a charger, which I will try soon.
77894
Because it nikon the ttl is set up differently... Canon has it own format of TTL... What I would do is if you had the flash less than 30 day exchange it or call vivitar and ask for a replacement flash but with a canon hot shoe... Vivitar's customer service is very helpful!
1292983
i never got a shot of lightning with it. i gave up and saved up for a higher price one from a different company. i tried talking with the opteka company couldn't get help. it took over 800 pictures over the past month never got one good shot (no lightning). if you havent had it long i would send it back.
125699
Get rechargeable batteries, best piece of advice I can give you. You'll make your money back in no time flat, especially if you're using the flash often.
300782
Robert, I said I would get back with you after taking more pictures. I just hit photo number 30 since you asked and no...it is not flashing that I need new batteries. I use regular Energizers. Nothing special. I too think you may have a problem with the camera. Although, I have gone through a couple pair of batteries very quickly, and it occured to me that the store may have just sold me old batteries. Not all have experation dates on the packging. Good luck, I love the pictures I am getting, I hope you do to.
1001019
Thanks NutMac. I just got the Canon XSi so I'm guessing that would control this flash (being very new itself). The one thing I didn't consider before was that the price of this new 430EX II will be at list price for a while, making it a lot more expensive that the current model! That will put it out of my price range, so I guess I'm sticking with the older technology for now! Thanks again,Stew
96809
The manual and the reviews say that it should last twice that much...are you doing something else besides shooting?..I mean, like playing with the settings, reviewing every shot longer than usual...if you are only taking pics, it's doesn't seem right, although having an extra battery is always recommended..
126584
When you recharge your battery and it is fine but lasts only 5 or 6 pictures and dies. It is best to simply get a new battery or take a chance on missing a good shot. I always carry two batteries when I plan to shoot an event or such.
1253288
Most probably yes, you are not using the camera correctly, I advice you to read the manual again. I have this camera for 6 months now, and it works perfectly! Good luck with that. Also take into account the light, because it might be that you are using the flash when you don't need it =)
1610489
Check your battery life, also if you are using built in flash it takes a little longer. Are you in manual or auto? If manual do a faster shutter speed and adjust ISO accordingly.
300777
You camera sounds like it is defective. I use lithium batteries and, although, I have never counted I believe I have gotten several hundred photos and/or several minutes of movies on one set of batteries (but I always carry spares, just in case).
1114871
Thank you. I have the problem of horribly overexposed photos with the flash. On Christmas day about half of the photos were washed out with the flash, in Auto mode. When we turned off the flash, some photos were ok, but others were blurry. I tried other rooms with different lighting, with and without flash, and again the problem of washed out subjects. Any suggestions? thank you.
183945
I took photos in rapid succession with the flash always on and it lasted between 260-280 photos before I changed it out, only because it was on the last bar. It recharges very fast in an hour or two. I have done this numerous times with similar results. They are a notch below the Nikon batteries as far as how many photos could be taken on a single charge, but they are still very good and way cheaper. I used them more than the Nikon battery, because they are cheaper to replace.
720417
Buy another brand! My flash quit on me within weeks after the one year warranty was up. Kodak told me to fix it for about $140.00, or give them back the camera for 15% off a purchase ONLY at their Kodak Store. Looks liek another reviewer had the same issue about 1 year to the day! Sorry I could not be more helpful about the repalcement of the bulb in your inquiry, but you are not alone!