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Kino86 6:06pm, 22 February 2010
I have seen 2 other cases beside mine where the 580EXII has stopped working on ETTL. Now the 580EXII only works if it is set to any other mode other than ETTL. I was using the TT5 with the AC5 triggered by a TT1 for the past 3 weeks and now the 580EXII stop working on E-TTL II. Have any other user have experiencing this behavior lately?

This is the setup:
1st setup:
Camera: 5DMII & 40D
Both Cameras set at E-TTL II on the menu
580EXII set to ETTL mode
results: I can see the preflash but the actuation is underexposed (No flash).

2nd setup:
Camera: 5DMII & 40D
Both Cameras set at E-TTL II on the menu
580EXII set to M or Multi
results: It will triggered the flash but it will be overexpossed.

3rd setup:
Camera: 5DMII & 40D
Both Cameras set to TTL on the menu
580EXII set to TTL or M or Multi
results: It will triggered the flash but it will be overexpossed

I did the same test using the TT5 w/AC5 triggered by TT1 and I got the failures with the ETTL.

I tested the same setup with a 430EXII(With & W/O TT5) & 380EX(W/O TT5) and results where a good exposed acutation.

I posted this issue here because the only common denominators between the 3 cases is that we use PW TT5 and of course the 580EXII.

Any suggestions?
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(1 to 100 of 246 replies)
stevekershaw 14 years ago
you could try a factory reset on the units tt5`s
Kino86 14 years ago
I tested the TT5 and it is working fine. I saw that 2 other guys are having the same problem that I'm experiencing. So I wanted to know if this is a by product of the TT5 or is just a defective 580EXII. The only thing in common between the 3 cases are the TT5's and the 580EXII.... I just found it weird...
FlicBons19 14 years ago
You could be on to something here. I've not been harpy with my rig on the 5D, but more annoyingly, my problem did not go away when I took off the PWs.

I was then blaming Canon and put my PWs away and don't use them any more in general.

But what I have been doing is keeping one flash dedicated on a TT5 and not moving it or using it on my camera ... the occasions that I am using the PWs are not so bad, [recently] so my interest is being piqued again.

Now I see your post and a hypothesis is forming, it is possible that the camera and or flash circuitry is being changed ~ we do know that computer components can work without physical connections and pathways can be formed around direct routes etc and so forth. ????
MarkW Photo Posted 14 years ago. Edited by MarkW Photo (member) 14 years ago
I had the same issue with my 580EXII flash before I even got my TT5 and TT1. If I was using the flash on the camera shoe (50D) occasionally it would flip out of ETTL mode going into TTL mode. After doing some research most pointed to either the pin contacts being dirty or the flash shoe having a loose connection. I noticed if just wiggled the flash while it was on the hotshoe it would start working again. I cleaned my pins but that didn't help too much. The next thing I did was remove the foot on the flash and checked the internal connections. All the pins were still connected with no broken or loose solder joints. When I re-assembled the foot I made sure I tightened the screws enough without it over tightening. I believe the foot of the flash, while it was fairly tight, was flexing a little bit due to the weight of the 580EX. The was causing the pins to lose contact on occasion. It's been 5 months so far since I've done this and I haven't had one single problem at all.

I don't know if this will be the fix for you but it certainly could be a possibility.

Good luck!

MW
Kino86 Posted 14 years ago. Edited by Kino86 (member) 14 years ago
I got back my 580EXII from Canon (well back on 03/04/10) and they told me that they had to replace the battery assembly. However, I have seen this issue come up with other people so I'm guessing that maybe the AC5 is creating this issue with the 580EXII. This is like a never ending story...

Kino
BillyBuffBill 14 years ago
I have a similar problem with my 580EX II as well.

I have it on top of my 5D Mark II with no PocketWizards attached. All I'm getting is a preflash. Settings are ETTL. The Master Unit's flash is NOT disabled.

In Manual mode, it's giving out full power even if I am at 1/64, iso 50, f/4.5 and 1/200" shutter in a DIMLY lit room. I am getting extreme overexposure.

I just sent it out for delivery to the Canon Factory Repairs.
flawless territory [deleted] 14 years ago
Stop using AC5 on the 580exii. Stick with the 430exii. I hope the sucessor to the 580exii will match the nikon sb900 features and not produce noise.
kkrows 14 years ago
Ditto Ditto Ditto to Ray Yap suggestion
BillyBuffBill 14 years ago
It wasn't the AC5 Soft Shield. I wasn't even using the AC5.

There's a weird bug when using extreme high shutter speed at 1/8000 and small apertures at f/18 or f/22 with the FlexTT5 that screws up the ETTL.

I don't recommend anyone trying those settings but here it is:

580EXII with FlexTT5
Set aperture on camera to f/22 and shutter speed to 1/8000

If you notice a double flash within 2-3 seconds of each other, then that's the bug.

So try at your own risk!
Archie Uy 14 years ago
im having the same problem on my 580exii. It exclusively fires full power at any mode. no more ettl for me for 4 months now.

however, there's a little difference in my case. i haven't used my flash on the new PocketWizards that supports ETTL. I have been using the old PlusII's for 3 years with this flash. i can't really send it to canon now, im currently in the philippines and canon service center here is extremely slow at returns. i'll wait when i go back in the US.

but if anybody has found anything to solve this or at least to have an explanation with this phenomena please let me know. as i thought i was having an isolated case of a malfunctioning 580exII until now.

thank you =)

archie
BillyBuffBill 14 years ago
I'm barely using my AC5 Soft Shields as I don't have a problem with range so I don't use them at all. I have like 7 RF Soft Shields laying on my shelf collecting dust lol! I'm usually shooting my portraits within 25-30 feet so I don't need them.

I have a feeling it's a faulty flash. I just got my flash back from Canon repairs (CPS rocks!) Here's what they said:

"Your product has been examined and it was found that the part was broken causing the flash to operate improperly. The battery case & cover assembly, flash head assembly were replaced and product functions were confirmed. Checked flash sync & cleaned factory specs."
mlam3d 14 years ago
You guys are not alone...two of my 580EXII have the same problem at the same time (I do mean it exact same night when I test it with my two new softbox) after I start using it with the AC5 shields+adapter for 2 weeks......To be honest, I don't want to believe it's PW broke our flashes......but from the other poster here and my own experience....anyway, I think I'm going to stop using the AC5 after I get my flash back from Canon Canada and see what happen...It's kind of lucky I figure it out before my wedding season start in May.....man....

My setup:
Canon 5D with MiniTT1
2x 580EXII with FlexTT5 + AC5 soft Shield + adapter
Problem: Under exposure (flash not register in photo) in ETTL. Full power dump in M mode regarding power setting.
Tested with two 5D, and one 40D. And my 580EX1 is working fine one all camera.
jwlphotography 14 years ago
Add me to the list of dead 580ex2's. I sent in 2 units for repair about 2 weeks back not knowing what the issue was. Both came back and were operational during a shoot last weekend. Yesterday I tested them and one of them is exhibiting the same problem with Ettl firing full blast regardless of setting, with the flash output not showing in the image. I am using tt5's both on cam and flash with the Ac5 and a 5dmk2. I'm glad I'm not alone in experiencing this issue.
FotoCrazy8 14 years ago
Wow, this sucks. I am worried about my 580ex2. Does it kill the flash when it is on top of the camera? Or does it only kill the flash sitting in the receiver?
jwlphotography 14 years ago
I mounted my 580ex2 directly on cam and it still exhibited the same behaviour. This was after I noticed the full power dump with the tt5's.
jwlphotography 14 years ago
FWIW, here is what the repair order came back with:

farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4566411073_556e7e9374_o.jpg

Curious to see if others have the same repair description.
Neighb0r 14 years ago
I havent had any issues with my 580EXII but hurray for Canon giving the free repair even out of warranty.
Kino86 Posted 14 years ago. Edited by Kino86 (member) 14 years ago
I sent mine back to Canon for the second time. This happen only after two months from receiving my repaired unit. I get a pre-flash but no acutal flash so the pics are underexposed. The Canon CPS replaced the battery assembly but is back to Canon in NJ to be repair a second time! I used the 580EXII for 3 shootings( well, there were 7 but they were 4 short sessions of maybe 30 shots at the most) so I will say less than 800 actuations. If I change it to Manual mode it will send a flash so intense that looks like the light from Angels & Demons. This is crazy! I asked Canon to replace the unit since it fail on crucial moments and I need to have reliable equipment becuase if it fail I don't get my Ca$h. I only use the 580EXIIs when I can't have a control environment and the terrain is not friendly. It could be a bad batch of 580EexII... I'm using a 5DMII like the majority here so it maybe the 5DMII or the TT5 or is a bad batch of flahes. My warranty will expired on August so I will keep hitting it until then but it sucks not knowing when this 580EXII will fail... not good for business.
Kino86 14 years ago
JWL.. i got the same things replaced but with a different wording... your was worked on CA mine was worked in NJ. Both places replaced the battery ass'y maybe that is what the TT5 might be damaging when you go 1/8000 with an aperture of F18 or smaller.
jwlphotography 14 years ago
Well, it happened again on a shoot today. After using it for a few shots, flash started firing full power in all modes. Used 5dmk2, 580ex2, and TT5 with sock. I have another 580EX2 and 580EX that worked fine all day with the same combo.
Kino86 14 years ago
JWL....It was the same flash that was repaired by Canon?
jwlphotography 14 years ago
Yes, the same flash. I'll be sending it again for repair tomorrow.
dsmPhotoCompany-Brian 14 years ago
I found this article (shimworld.wordpress.com/2008/02/28/speedlite-580ex-ii-hot...) as I started have the same issue above. I think I'll give it a try as I'm way outside the warranty. It makes sense with the hot shoe filter in place from the AC5 that an already big 580ex II hot shoe contacts issue would get worse. So may now be the PW per se but rather having to mess with the hot shoe so much.

I'll let you know my testing when I get it all done.
1600 Squirrels 14 years ago
Those symptoms (losing ETTL intermittently; full-power discharges) happened to me the one time I borrowed a heavily-used 580EX II (and were the primary reason I bought Pocket Wizards and 430EX IIs instead).

As far as I can tell it was due to the hotshoe not locking down properly - even in the locked position, I could wiggle it several degrees in either direction. My guess is, at the extremes of the movement, one or more of the "peripheral" contacts (i.e., not the standard central one) were no longer in contact, causing the flash to be treated as a manual flash and firing full power. This happened most often after turning the camera in portrait orientation (so that gravity works to move the flash in the shoe).

I had no such problem with the 430EX, which had the non-locking plastic shoes. One of my new 430EX IIs is starting to loosen already, and more than once already I've lost TTL where I can't trace the cause to the camera or Pocket Wizards. It probably doesn't help that I can't lock down the Mark II flashes all the way in the MiniTT1 or FlexTT5's hotshoes. (BTW, is that normal? Because it sucks. My $30 Opteka off-shoe E-TTL cord allows locking down just fine and even has weather sealing.)
warl0rd 14 years ago
I too am seeing this issue. I am sending my 580ExII for it's third repair back to canon. I have a 430Ex and it works all day long no problems. I have been using it with the AC5. I was not pushing anything super hard, maybe 1/350 with f1.4-5 So the flash wouldn't have been dumping full power hits 100x in a row or anything crazy.

I am going to request a FULL unit replacement this round rather than have them replace the same (faulty) part.
Confuscia 14 years ago
Bump (Hello PW folks??)

I also have 2 dead 580ex IIs. Two brand new 580s. Probably less than 1000 flashes. One with less than 200. Hypersync at 1/1000 and I can't remember what f-stop, killed them. I get a full power pre-flash and there is nothing left for the actual exposure. The 580s still work in manual mode properly. I would assume a loose foot would be an intermittant problem, it wouldn't kill ETTL completely. I may be wrong though. I now have to rent 2 for this weekend with the chance that my PWs will kill them. In which case I will have purchased two very used 580s if they no longer function upon return.

PW folks, Any stance on this issue. Call tech support, but havn't heard back.
acmesnaps.com 14 years ago
interesting. there are posts about the AC5 "killing" a 580EXII. I just can't imagine how the AC5, and maybe even the ControlTL devices, could "kill" a 580EXII. Especially the AC5. Before the AC5 were available, I made my own RF socks and used them without any issues for several months. Call PW again. I've found them to be very helpful.
Confuscia 14 years ago
I just got a call back. The rep has heard that Canon may use "weak" parts or resistors in the 580EX iis. He suggested that my using HSS it has put a strain on the flash(s) and the parts failed (odd that they both died within 1.5 hours). He has heard that in some forums on the web that this issue is being discussed, but they haven't been able to reproduce it. So it's Cannon's fault... His suggestion was to rent a 550s and send my 580s to Cannon for repair.

Does anyone know what the tiny circuit board is between your flash and the TT5 when using the sock? Is it a straight through connector or is there some "stuff" on the circuit board?

I'm starting to think the TT5s weren't worth the investment. Sigh....
Confuscia 14 years ago
Will the scok help any without the connector between the flash and TT5?
acmesnaps.com 14 years ago
great, in as much as it is good to know that PW is trying to recreate the issue.

The issue with RF is that is it both emitted and transmitted. The flash emits RF that is constrained by the sock. In addition, the flash transmits RF through the metal hot shoe to the Flex. The shoe that somes with the AC5, and the built-in shoe in the AC7, is designed to stop the transmission [I am sure there is a better technical term. Ed.] of RF noise to the Flex via the direct hotshoe connection.

Make sense?
Confuscia 14 years ago
Yes. Did your RF Sock help without the isolator between the 580 and the TT5? Could it be the isolator grounding out that is causing the problem frying the 580s? I am very interested in figuring out what the root of the problem is. Off to buy 2 more 580ex IIs. :(
dsmPhotoCompany-Brian 14 years ago
More likely is that the pins/foot is already weak in the 580ex II's and adding an extra "foot" in the mix is causing the ettl signals not to make it. Adjusting the hot shoe foot and then making sure everything is tight each time you set this up might be all that is needed.

So far I've been able to cause my 580ex II to fail and then fix it using shims... call me a geek but I wanted to see if I could before I took my 580 apart. My 580ex I doesn't ever have an issue so if it was the PW shoe it should cause my older model to possibly have an issue. Additionally other people are having this issue that don't even use pocket wizards.

So my next step when I get a little bit of free time is to open up the 580ex II (making sure to follow proper guidelines when working with something that can stop your heart), tighten down the foot assembly and retry. That should fix the issue... should the issue right again though then I'll likely test the same scenario and if it fixes it again then there will be some loctite involved in the second fix or a sale of the 580ex II
Confuscia 14 years ago
Thanks GenX. Was you flash still dead connecting it directly to the camera as well? I'll have a go at tightening up the foot. I'll make sure I'm sitting in a puddle and use a kitchen knife to discharge the capacitors. :O Joking....
Confuscia 14 years ago
Gave Shims a shot, and still no better. Once you remove the four outer screws you can access the four screws holding the foot without removing the locking mechanism. May be we have different issues?
warl0rd 14 years ago
I have seen the Problem with the "TTL" mode only and the loose connection. My issue comes from after only a few "shoots" (~100-300 fires each shoot) the flash fires at a 1/1 power at all times. I am curious about the idea of the AC5 sleeve/foot causing some sort of RF buildup.
If the noise is tremendously bad and it has nowhere to bleed except back into its circuitry maybe that is causing some feedback loop/cascade effect.

My flash still communicates fine with the camera, knowing the zoom, fstop, etc but once the command to fire is sent the firing mechanism ignores the logic board of the flash(on and off any shoe) and sends a full power pulse.
acmesnaps.com 14 years ago
confuscia, before you buy more flash, check to see that you are not sliding the AC5 shoe too far on to the flash. there is a known issue that the "stop" on the AC5 will allow the flash to slide too far in to the hotshoe of the AC5 shoe.
Confuscia 14 years ago
My issue seems to be on par with EggRollBoy and warl0rd. My flashes are hosed. Either on the TT5 or on my camera they are dumping 1/1. I ordered two new ones and will send the other two to Canon next week. I am hoping that the two new ones make it through the wedding on Sunday. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and keeping one flash far, far away from my TT5s.
George Natis 14 years ago
@aznewt
Where is this issue being discussed on? I would like to read more on this.

This is really a bummer. Until further notice I will stay away from the AC5 and live with the short range. Hope PW sorts out the culprit even if its not the AC5 causing it.
acmesnaps.com 14 years ago
@george, if you grub around in this forum, you will find several posts about 580EXII not working after use with the AC5. I know that the PW lab is really good about trying to recreate conditions that are reported to them and I've not seen anything confirming that the AC5 can 'kill' a 580EXII.
EddieGarcia 14 years ago
I purchased the FlexTT5 the other day and today my 580EX II does not work. I have the same issue as above, pre-flash pops, but exposures are nearly all black. It doesn't matter what settings I have...darkness. What's up PW?! There are too many cases out there now for this to be a coincidence.
JohnLo Photography 13 years ago
my buddy and I had a wedding shoot this weekend. we had two flashes w/ the AC5 sock and later the flash stopped working. it was only doing pre-flash. at the same time i have one flash w/o the sock and it was fine throughtout the evening. so do be careful using the AC5. i'm sure my buddy will be posting in about it sometime this week..... will advise more later.
BillyBuffBill 13 years ago
^ that would be me that was being referred to..

Both of my 580EXII are NOT working properly anymore. My associate photog was a witness to this.

I was shooting at a wedding reception and had two of my 580EXIIs on light stands attached to the FlexTT5 via AC5 Soft Shield. The other 580EXII was standing freely on the FlexTT5 via Speedlite foot-stand with NO AC5.

All PocketWizards are using the latest beta firmware. All settings were o Default with exception of Second Curtain Sync set to 1/100 Second.

The flashes were firing perfectly at long distances (75 feet or more) for at least 15 to 20 mins. Then later on my shots were suddenly dark. I can see the Speedlites firing but everything ended up being underexposed.

I turned off the 580EXIIs (attached to AC5) and placed it on my Canon 5D MKII camera (via MiniTT1) and tried firing off a few shots. It flashed but still underexposed. Turned everything off and then took the MiniTT1 off. the 580EXII still didn't work. Same thing happened to my previous post. ETTL only preflashed....and at Manual setting at 1/128 power, flash popped off extremely bright.

The other 580EXII without the AC5 still works.

I guess I'll stay away from the 580EXII and use my 430EXIIs instead or forgo the use of the AC5 Soft Shields..
dsmPhotoCompany-Brian 13 years ago
Has anyone tried talking to PW about this lately?
Kino86 Posted 13 years ago. Edited by Kino86 (member) 13 years ago
Eggrollboy... sorry to hear that.
Do you know if PW has issue any news about this issue? I reported my troubles with PW but I have no news from PW. Canon keeps fixing my unit but my warranty is running out after that I don't know if I have the grapes to keep using that 580 not only the cost of fixing them but what about if it fails in the middle of an important moment. However, the 430EXII had no issues but then I don't use the AC5 with them. I know you have the AC7. Is the AC7 plagued with the same issues that the AC5 has?

I used the AC5 last week on 2 out 5 sessions I had. However, I started using the 580EXII on top of TT1 for 3 session because I was afraid of the AC5 shorting my 580EXII. Its funny the reason why I didn't go with the Radio Poppers was the weight that I could avoid on top of the camera and now I have all on top of the camera. I don't know how long the hot shoe of the TT1 will last with the 580EXII on top. This units are the worst mistake I have done when it comes to camera equipment :o)
I wish PW will give me back 85% of my investment and I will never buy any NEW products form them. The PlusII are excellent but the TT5 & TT5 are just garbage!
BillyBuffBill 13 years ago
Already working with PW on this issue. They have been trying to reproduce this with the same equipment but are not getting the same results.
Tayzlor 13 years ago
Its the Sock. It has to be the sock. I fried 3 580 ex II's using it. No joke.
acmesnaps.com Posted 13 years ago. Edited by acmesnaps.com (member) 13 years ago
@tayzlor,

how old are your 580exii? Did you buy all 3 at the same time?

All the sock does is contain RF emissions. RF containment devices are used all over the place. You can even buy one for your cell phone if you like.

As eggrollboy indicates above, PW has tried to recreate this failure and can't. I can tell you that PW always tries to recreate conditions that are reported. This one included.
Tayzlor 13 years ago
Trust me dude.
Its something going on. A flash can't be compared to a cellphone. I'm not sure if its the sock or the shoe filter,
One happened to me in New York last October,
Then I got the circuit board fixed and it fried again within a week of it being used, then I bought a brand new one and it fried within a day of testing it. Never had a problem with my flashes before the sock and now I'm too scared to use it.

I love Pocketwizard but they have a problem like PC's - too many parts working on separate things then trying to get them to talk together. Probably why this year, after 20 years, I finally got a Mac and am loving it, and eating my words of always paying out Apple. It. Just. Works.

I guess the Nikoners that can wait will get one with all the bugs ironed out. No problem with the 480exIIs tho. Bloody Canon RF. Its like outta the frying pan (low distance usage) and into the fire (Fried flash)
acmesnaps.com 13 years ago
Welcome to the world of MAC. Be sure to use virus protection.

Do you have the fried board or are you able to provide contact information for the place that fixed your fried board?

It is not just Canon the new Paul C Buff Einstein is having the same issue.
EddieGarcia 13 years ago
I got my flash back from Canon last week. Turns out they had to replace the battery assembly and a bunch of electronics inside. This is definitely a PW issue....too many people having the same problems not to be.
flawless territory [deleted] 13 years ago
It's the socks... I am happy with the 10 to15 feet operation I get with the 580EX2 with the PW FlexTTL. If I need more distance, then I'll use the 430EX2. Safe yourself the pain DON'T use the sock with the 580EX2. The Canon service manager, is already suspicious with the few repairs he had with the same problems.. 2 from me.
BillyBuffBill 13 years ago
My newly purchased 580EXII also stopped working. I actually didn't need the AC5 Soft Shield since I was getting at least 50+ feet in range but I added the "sock" since I was shooting a wedding and didn't want any RF issues.

I wonder if this is just a rare isolated 580EXII and AC5 issue?
acmesnaps.com 13 years ago
eggrollboy. Please, please contact PW directly today. I think you are connected with them, but just in case. Part of the problem that we have in this forum is not considering PW to be our partner. If yours has failed, and you used the AC5, I'm guessing that PW would like to have a look. Just a guess, but please give them a chance to tell you that they don't.

thanks.
Kino86 13 years ago
I used a friend's 580EXII (3 weeks ago) and it got fried! Canon had to replace the battery assembly plus other stuff. He had this flash for 8 months with no issues until I used it with the AC5. I don't believe PW when they say they can reproduce this issue. I whish PW would send me a few of their own 580EXII so I can fried them and see if they tell me its a Canon issue. I'm very frustrated with PW, however, one thing I have to say when the TT1/TT5 works they are just awesome! but not knowing when it will fry the 580RXII is way too much for me.
BillyBuffBill 13 years ago
@ aznewt - Been in contact with PW ever since I was a beta tester. For some reason they haven't been able to reproduce the same problems while using the same equipment. As far as abusing equipment, Zachary does this very well but he hasn't been able to pinpoint the exactly where this is happening.
Kino86 13 years ago
After some soul searching I decided to keep the PocketWizard and I sold my 580EXII's. The truth is that I have not experienced any issues when I use PW on combination with the 430EXII. I hope this continues the same way. I search for RadioPoppers but I didn't saw any new videos on YOUTUBE which I found extrange and when I google RadioPoppers all remaks were a year old... so I decided to keep PW that I know it works with the 430EXII and I know how to handle them. Plus the RP site is not as robust as PW and the number 1 reason:

RADIO POPPERS DON'T HAVE ZACH or PATRICK WORKING THERE!!!!!

Now I don't need the AC5 or AC7 but I'm looking forward to the AC3.
acmesnaps.com 13 years ago
@kino,

I agree, the PW crew ROCKS!

I agree, I've never doubted keeping my 6 Flex and am going to buy a second Mini.

I agree, can't wait for the AC3.
dsmPhotoCompany-Brian 13 years ago
Kino,

Are you at all thrown off by the 430EXII not supporting battery packs? On the fence there myself.
MarkW Photo 13 years ago
I can't speak for Kino but I can say I've shot several events with the 430EXII's on TT5's and I have never had to change the batteries. Most recently was a wedding where I took over 300 shots at the reception with two 430EXII's on stands. Before that I used them for a graduation which I shot about 200 shots. I also used them for an award ceremony which I did more than 400 shots.
1600 Squirrels 13 years ago
If the reason you want a battery pack is faster recycle times, consider the new PowerGenix NiZn batteries. Cut my 430EXII recycle time in half. I haven't noted any adverse effects from the higher voltage yet, but then I'm not a pro and don't use flash much. You can read more about them on Rob Galbraith's site:

The small, bright 430EX II
Kino86 13 years ago
@GenX,
I know for a fact that a 430EXII with brand new Energizer® Ultimate Lithium Battery it will give me +/- 500 to 650 @ $8 for a pack of 4. I buy them from Amazon ( www.amazon.com/Energizer-Ultimate-Lithium-Battery-Count/d... ) 9 packs of 4 for 69.99. Once I hit the 500 actuation I start changing the batteries. When I use the rechargeable Energizers they give me 400 to 450 its not that bad. On a wedding I might go though 24 batteries ($48) but what I do the most is on location photography and I spent 1.5 hrs so an average I will take 150 shots so the batteries last me for 3 to 4 sessions. I know that having the battery pack for the 580 was wonderful but not having it is not as bad either.

I looked at RadioPoppers but knowing that I must have a 580 on top plus a 70-200 or 24-70 or 85 F1.2 and a Pro-M bracket is a killer! RP are more expensive and not that good (based on reviews) when it comes to high speed sync which I use a lot plus battery life issues.

One thing I have to say that Zach and Patrick provide an excellent service by answering questions all the time. Now with PW TV Zach has becomes PW version of the Verizon guy "Can you hear me now?"

I hope I made the right decision....
BillyBuffBill 13 years ago
Prior to my PocketWizards, I had compared them with the RadioPoppers and CyberSyncs. My research was based on usability plus form factor & ETTL.

I picked the PocketWizards due to personal preferences.

PocketWizards - Nicely designed to be on top of camera's hotshoe
Radio Poppers - Must have Speedlite on camera
CyberSync - Still sticks out a bit on top

To be honest, I never had and range issues with my MiniTT1 & FlexTT5 units. On the very first day I had unpacked my units, I tested them right out of the box. I placed a FlexTT5 unit with 580EXII in the front room of the house, closed the door then I went out to the back and took a shot. My wife (although annoyed at the flashes) confirmed to me that the flash went off many of times

.
dsmPhotoCompany-Brian 13 years ago
Good to know. Yes recycle time is one thing for me but I use mostly rechargeables now so I get pretty fast recycling without a pack. My concern is more changing batteries because at most my events I'm one of two photographers both firing shots from time to time so fast recycling and long life is an issue but it looks like the 430EXII is getting pretty good life without the pack. I'll have to see if I can borrow a 430EXII though and test it because I know eTTL can suffer when battery life gets low too so I want to eliminate all issues but on the other hand it can't be much worse than my 580EXII and I can always go back to my 580EX when I need a battery pack.
JJPL_NZ 13 years ago
We have had two 580exII flashes 'die' over the last 12 months. The problem seems to be exactly the same as what others are describing.

In E-TTL mode, the flash fires at full power for the preflash, so there is nothing left for the actual flash, which ends up looking like the flash didn't go off at all.

In manual mode, the flash fires at full power no matter whether the flash is set to 1/1 or 1/128, or anywhere in between.

Once the flash is in this state, it doesn't matter if you have the flash connected to the TT5 or the camera, it is 'dead'.

Canon here in New Zealand quoted us NZ$600 (about US$425) for the repair (replace battery assy and pcb) It's only $689 for a brand new one, so both times I have just replaced it - both out of warranty (ouch!).

NOTE: We don't have the AC5. Just connected directly to the TT5 (CE Version).

I'm hoping it is not a TT5 problem, as I can't live without them and am busting for the AC3 to come out to complete the setup!

Just sharing my experience as a major Canon seller here in NZ say that this problem is unusual, so would like to not have to buy a new flash every year if this can be solved somehow.
eminent rabbit [deleted] 13 years ago
Well... in my attempts to learn to use the TT5 and TT1 I have fried a 580ex2 with all the symptoms stated above.

Kinda fishy.
JohnLo Photography Posted 13 years ago. Edited by JohnLo Photography (member) 13 years ago
we all know there's a problem w/ the 580EX2 and AC5. just sad that the ppl from PW cannot reproduce any of these issue we have been running into. i wont be surprise if Canon starts to make a huge issue w/ PW with all these repairs they have to do (even if they are under warranty) After reading all the issues.. and after watching Eggrollboy's two 580EX2 get fired at a job we both were working on... I (and him as well) has decided not using the AC5 is the right choice... and we both end up picking up 2 430EX2. 580EX2 is so freakin experience these days.

Continue posting these issues and your setup... and even if you dont have the issue, we like to know that too.. and your setup as well.

good day all!
johnlo
Mergner 13 years ago
I have three 580ex2's and 4 TT5's. One of my 580ex2's broke with one of those symptoms, all max preflash bla bla. It was my second oldest 580exii and broke after 3 months. The first one I've used for 5 months with the TT5, but is quite old. I have the AC5's on them. I typically just use them at fast shutter speeds, that is hypersync mode, which they work awesome for 90% of the time (enough to buy 3 580exiis).
One thing is to be careful and have the soft shield installed before turning them on. I've been rushed and messed that step up before. Having the Tx and Rx's too close makes them tweak out. Other than that, I can't seem to point to an event.

Replacing a PCB listed in the repairs could mean under-rated components in the 580ex.
Chris Herrera 13 years ago
I purchased a miniTT1, FlexTT5, and a 580EX II in March of 2010. After about two shoots I got the same problem everyone else is describing 100% power on pre-flash then nothing left for the actual exposure. On manual mode it shoots 1/1 regardless of what I enter. It was useless both on and off the pocket wizard. I thought I had somehow damaged my flash so I sent it to canon and they fixed it free of charge. When I got it back it got fried once again on my first shoot. I thought Canon did a poor job of fixing it. It wasn't until I read all these comments that I started questioning my TT5. When my 580EX II was out on repair, I used my older 430 EX and I've never had an issue. I always used the TT5 with the AC5. Now I'm questioning using my 430EX on the Flex.
frame_photos 13 years ago
Add me to the list of people burned by this seemingly horrible combination.

Setup:
Workhorse Canon 20d wearing a Mini TT1
Flex TT5 topped by a 580ex II Wearing AC5 Soft Shield

During set-up shots I got about 20 correctly exposed images. Flash stopped firing main flash. Now exhibits same symptoms as everyone above; pre-flash only in TTL and 100% power in all other modes regardless of setting. Guess I'm gonna send it in and hope they repair for free like you other lucky blokes (warranty expired). First time using the sock today as I wanted some extended range. Only took 5 minutes for it to fry.
JohnLo Photography 13 years ago
Frame_Photos - sorry to hear your lost. you should email PW and let them know this problem.

....and i do think everyone that has the problem should email to PW.. becuase right now they think there is no problem since they cant come up w/ their testing
frame_photos 13 years ago
Definitely fired off a blunt but polite email to PW about it. Have yet to hear back. Wonder if I will...
gfdv Posted 13 years ago. Edited by gfdv (member) 13 years ago
Of those in this group, has anyone had this issue when not using the AC5 (besides the gentleman from N. Zealand)? I could work with shoter distances, but not with dead flashes.
alleng 13 years ago
I posted this about this on another forum a few days ago, but here is what has happened to me.

I have 3 Canon 580EXII flashes and over the past 6 months all three have had the broken in the same way.

The problem is that the flash stops syncing with the camera (at any shutter speed) in eTTL mode. It will still sync in manual mode.

Yesterday the one flash broke the same way again while I was testing the new firmware for the Pocketwizards (TTL ones)!

Then today I the same thing happens to the 2nd flash!

So that makes 3 flashs that have all had the same problem 5 times in since January!

I am sending the last 2 in to canon for repair, but am wondering if anyone else has had the same problem?

Canon repair says the following "The I pcb ***'y , battery ***'y and reflector ***'y were replaced" on another it was the power board they say.

I talked to someone at pocketwizard and he said that yes he had heard of this happening with only the 580exII. Seems to think it may be something in that model flash.

With the problem the flash will fire and sync in manual fine. Then in E-TTL the flash will fire, but the image will not have any flash visible in it, no half shutter, just black (except what is avaibale light). This happens at all shutter speeds including normal and high speed sync. I may only be fireing the preflash, but I cannot tell. This is with the flash on the camera using a 1Dm4 and 5Dm2.

I am most of the time using a Pocketwizard MiniTT1 on the camera and a Flex TT5 on the remote flash. I am not sure it is the pocketwizard, but I use these flashes mostly with them. I know for sure that at least 2 failures happend while the flash on on a flex tt5 in a hard shield. the lights 4 out of the 5 times they have failed I was at events (Weddings), so I am unable to remember what exactly happened, except below.

Example: 2 days ago, I just loaded the new firmware for the Pockwizards and was doing some testing to make sure everything was set ok. I had a mini tt1 on 1dm4 and a 580ex2 on the in the Pocketwizard AC7 hardshield on a Flex TT5. I fired the first shot (which is the PW calibration shot), then a shot at 60th/s that was ok, then I tested high speed sync with a 400th and the shot was fine, then I fired again a second later at 400th again and the problem occurred. Any shot after that would not sync ttl. All this was with the light sitting on my desk not being touched and the 4 shots were in about 1 min time frame. I have no idea what power was being used, but that flash was 3 feet from the subject at f4 so it would not be much, but the flash will sync at all powers on manual.


I a had a few replys from a few other forum members,

"My buddy who is a full time wedding photographer has lost three 580 EX II's in the last month the same way - with the Pocket Wizard Flex TT5. Same exact issue - electronics fried each time. His 580's have been with Canon more than they've been with him. "

"I had this exact problem in June on both of my 580 ex II's. Sent 2 of them back to Canon CPS and they repaired them. Upon their return, I again had a failure on the only unit used in conjunction with a TT5 and isolator shoe. The common thread for me was the use of the isolator shoes/socks that PW sent to TT5 owners. I had a lengthy conversation with one of PW's customer service repair people and he confirmed that there was an issue but his contention was that PW could not define an absolute cause because failures have occurred in multiple configurations... (With the isolator shoes and without them, even without any PW units connected. In the final example, he said they could duplicate a non PW-induced failure with HS sync activated and a shutter speed of 1/8000th) He also confirmed that the failure was 580 ex II specific and that they did identify a part change that Canon had made in the affected module of the flash. He did not deny that the failure could be more prevalent on units using the PW TT5 but he clearly felt the issue was deeper than that. I thought he was quite forthcoming in general and he did not stonewall. I do think that Canon has some parts problems with the 580 ex II. Having said that, I did not experience the sync issue before version 5 of the TT5 firmware and before the use of the isolator shoes. Draw your own conclusions but I am gun shy about using the 580 ex II's in any configuration with the PW's. "
Simon Calcano 13 years ago
My 580 just got "fried" grrr. I was having good, solid results with the "sock" on. But all of the sudden the 580EX II stopped working properly. All the exact symptoms mentioned above. I'll send it for repair and then sell it for the price of a 430 EX II. I won't dare use it on the TT5's anymore.
servispg 13 years ago
When using the 580EX II and TT5 and mini it has shorted out my flash and now I cannot use in in ETTL mode at all. PW needs to fix this ASAP poor people are spending good money to fix their flashes that never should have broken. Also I have had my 580EX II for a couple of years with no issue until I tried to do heavy testing with the PW and sock. Now I had to purchase a new 580EX II at full price so I will have it for a wedding next week and then send my other off got repair. I sure could have used this money on other photography product.

POCKET WIZARD FIX THIS ISSUE ASAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OR WORK WITH CANON TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE.

I have a 40D and 580EX II SN 297426

Sure glad I found other users having this issue or I would have not found that this was happening to many PW TT5 and mini users.
George Natis 13 years ago
This seems still ongoing and shocks me quite a bit. Recently at a wedding I used the 580 EXII with a TT5 for a couple of shots. But as I am reading this, slowly I am anxious using this rig any further as I do not want shell money out for the flash fixing.

I hope we will have a solution provided in the near future.

Any CE flaws in this context related to this issue? Would like to sort out if this is an issue specific to the TT5 US frequencies or TT5 US architecture in general.
imarker 13 years ago
I have not used the AC5 and I would advise no one else too unless they are extremely careful. I suspect the reason why people are frying their flashes is that they are accidentally shorting out the pins on the hot shoe.

My understanding of the AC5 is that it is in effect a screen, designed to reduce the RF noise from the 580EX II. To do this it must be grounded, I assume the grounding is on the base plate of the hot shoe. Given that the AC5 must be made of metal to work as a screen and given the earth must be metal, any accidental touching of the pins when installing the AC5 may result in grounding the trigger voltage pin.

I have a lot of assumptions here and if someone knows better let me know, but being a former radio technician this would be my guess.
gfdv 13 years ago
That sounds like the best logical explanation. Anyone get fried and wasn't using the AC5?
gfdv says:
That sounds like the best logical explanation. Anyone get fried and wasn't using the AC5?


I would be interested in the answer to this as well.
Jon Osborne 13 years ago
George Natis I believe the AC5 is only supplied in the US, so the rest of us with CE versions (like me in the UK) don't have an AC5 to help fry our 580EX IIs. I do like the AC7s that are available in the UK because of their horizontal mounting, but haven't invested in one for fear that it includes the same circuitry as the AC5 that seems to be a common factor in the issues some have experienced.
Eli2@beth 13 years ago
Whereas I wish all of you with broken 580ExIIs a swift repair I cant help but think that this thread is a good example of why PW choose not to post here anymore. Quite shameful really
George Natis Posted 13 years ago. Edited by George Natis (member) 13 years ago
@jon
The AC5s are not US specific. CE Versions are affected by high RF too and if one wishes to have one, then a short call to the local distribution in Germany (in my case) will be a way to go. I, for instance, got the AC5s but leave them in the bag for now. Recently I had to cope with the short range as one 580 only stood behind a stony pillar which resulted in no firing at all. Distance to me was just approx 5 meters. I ended up going the risky way and used the AC5 to get the desired range. I dont feel well using the ACs. Above all I dont feel well using the TT5 at all with my 580s as people experienced the full flash malfunctions without using the Ac5 as far as I can tell. see Brad Ross or JJPL_NZ above.

Did someone fry his 430EXII using an AC5. That would be quite interesting as well. Although it doesnt make sense to have it on for the 430 but just out of curiosity.
jwlphotography 13 years ago
Happened again, brand new 580ex2, flex tt5, and sock. After only firing off about 2-3 shots : (
Does this ever happen with a 580 EXII if you don't use the sock? Also, are you guys using the sock and the extra hotshoe mount that comes with the TT5?
imarker 13 years ago
Not sure about the 580EXII but my 430EXII has the same problem and never been near a AC5.

The symptoms are,
1. Flash will not sync with camera in ETTL
2. Flash manual power adjustment has no impact

End result, flash only operates in manual mode and at full power.
This flash is brand new and has only ever been used on a FlexTT5.
lewismayfield 13 years ago
Well you can add me to the burn ward.
I found this thread while searching for a cause of the same issue for me. has this been happening without the AC5 as well? I just purchased 3 Off camera shoe cords in order to move the Flex's away from the strobes in an effort to have a decent range without the use of the sock.

This whole thing has been the single most disappointing purchase I have made in years. I read quite a lot about the range issues before I made my purchase, so I had expected to have to live with some kind of workaround.
I shoot with a bracket and the plan was to use a camera mounted flex and zone controller to trigger zone 1 to the bracket mounted flex and 580exII, another 580exII on a stand in zone 2 and depending on location either a third 580exII or an Elinchrom on a stand in zone 3. now it seems as even this wont be possible as even if you try to live with the socks and other workarounds the flash mounted on the bracket responds erratically at best as the Tx/Rx are too close to each other.

I have been using Radiopoppers for the past year and although they had no issues with range or function they essentially limit you to the canon system of control. This has drawbacks of it's own, especially if you would like 3 zones of control. Zone c in canon is not as intuitive to control as zones 1 and 2. Zone 3 also cannot be controlled by an ST2 if you go that route. I had hoped that the Radiopopper Jrx would fit the bill and offer 3 zones of quick intuitive control, but alas no ETTL.

I'm really frustrated by this entire process. I have also invested heavily in the Quantum system which does give 3 zones of control, ETTL (QTTL in their nomenclature) and radio range. It also has limitations in that you are forced to carry bulky battery packs and you are limited to a 1/250th sync speed.

I am a wedding photographer, fast paced and active.

list of wants...
1-Detachable local flash. Either on camera or bracket.

2-Two additional zones of control without line of site or accessing several menus to get there.

3- ETTL complete with HSS.

Please let me know if these seem like unrealistic expectations or if I have missed something in the capabilities of these systems. I wish canon and nikon would adopt radio in favor of infrared. that would probably solve most if not all of this at the source. Clearly many consumers would be willing to pay up to an extra 200 dollars per unit to have this feature.
lewismayfield 13 years ago
It happened again!!
This weekend the second 580exII died. Same symptoms. Full output on preflash and nothing in the exposure. Am I the only one who thinks that Pocket Wizard should be picking up the tab on this?
I have returned the Pocket Wizards and ordered more Radiopoppers. This has cos me hundreds of dollars and countless hours just to TRY this solution. I am so frustrated! I intend to call and complain and I expect to hear how this is somehow my fault.
Hargreaves Photography 13 years ago
I've just joined the fried 580 club this evening.

As well as being fairly annoyed (wedding on Saturday plus I just worked out that the unit is 2weeks out of warranty!), I've become curious.

I'm not sure it's related to shield or sock, since I don't have either. I've been playing quite happily for the last 12months with no issues - what's changed? I upgraded to 5.15 this evening (so I could use my new AC3).

I wonder if anyone had an issue with frying 580s before they updated to v5?

As far as I can recall, one of the key changes of v5 was the addition of pre-flash boost. I wonder if there might be a link between a ETTL pre-flash fault and the pre-flash boost?

I've disabled pre-flash boost on all of my PWs with a view to preserving my remaining 580s.

If you're still on v4.xx software and have still blown a 580, post up here - cause you'll have blown my theory too!
North Country Geezer 13 years ago
I've been reading through the Canon 580 EXII flikr group, and came across this discussion thread: www.flickr.com/groups/canonspeedlite/discuss/721576228899...

Could it be possible that this is entirely a Canon flash problem? I don't know, but it appears that 580 EXII users that aren't using radio slaves have been having some similar problems.
imarker 13 years ago
Has anyone had any issues when only using the PW TT5 to trigger in manual, no ETTL? No AC3?
lewismayfield 13 years ago
North Country,
I am having a difficult time believing that the 580exII is the source of the problem. I have had mine for a little over a year and have never had a problem. suddenly 2 of 3 self destruct in less than a week with the exact same symptoms and BOTH just happened to be slaves connected to TT5's. I have had my share of bizarre experiences with electronics but this would be hard for me to explain if I were Pocket Wizard.
North Country Geezer 13 years ago
It would be very valuable information for us all if those with fried flashes could post exactly what firmware version they were using in their tt5's : version 5.0, 5.1, 5.15, an earlier version?
kkrows 13 years ago
More valuable details!

1. Firmware version?
2. Using sock on flash?
3. Outdoors? If so, what was the temp outside?

Personally, more reports of this type of issue have come from folks shortly after the sock was introduced. I had two go at the same time. Sent to Canon and they made the exact same repairs. I think the sock shorts out parts of the electronics.
^M^ 13 years ago
Hargreaves Photography says: As far as I can recall, one of the key changes of v5 was the addition of pre-flash boost. I wonder if there might be a link between a ETTL pre-flash fault and the pre-flash boost?

You don't say ... www.flickr.com/groups/pocketwizards/discuss/7215762474921...

Many of us have had our pre-flash boost disabled for awhile now ...

I do believe it will end up being a component of the flash, but think that the pre-flash boost is agitating the problem to show it's face earlier than it would on it's own.
imarker 13 years ago
I can say with some certainty now that it has nothing to do with the AC5 or the shorting of pins.

1. version 5.15
2. No Sock (430 EX II)
3. Indoors

I'm leaning towards a firmware/preflash or Canon issue but I believe mine is the only 430EX II to have been affected.
jkoda 13 years ago
I have the exact same problem with my 580exii not working in ettl mode and in manual it only dumps full power no matter what power I have selected. I have three flextt5's and have been using the sock. I also have two 580exii's and a 430ex and will not be using the sock or the flextt5's at all. Pocketwizard dropped the ball from the start as is obvious or they wouldn't need the sock or the shield. It was a great concept and I bought into it because I thought they were the industry standard but they failed miserably on the flex and should have the backbone to admit it. All of these issues with ettl have one common theme and that is flextt5's...period! Control tl doesn't work to well when your flash can't function in ettl.
lewismayfield 13 years ago
1.version 5.xx
2.sock (580exII) x2 affected both used a slaves master was uneffected.
3.1 indoor 1 outdoor mid 60s for both.
kkrows 13 years ago
Lewis:

I blew two 580exII's at the same time using the socks. Blew a third again with the sock.

It's well documented that others have had the same experience so let your own experience, as well as others, be your guide.

I use 430EX II's for long range work. 580EXII's without socks when I can keep the lights within 20 feet. Haven't had any issues since.
^M^ 13 years ago
An interesting side thought ...

If it is well documented that the FlexTT5's is to blame, does anyone here really think that Canon would be repairing them In warranty?

Lets think this one through .... if there is a known problem with the circuit board on the 580's, and the people using the Flex''s are simply forcing the flash to do what it is supposed to do, and it is failing .. then I would think that Canon would quietly offer to repair their product.

If , on the other hand, they did not have a known issue, and the PW's were frying them up ... who thinks Canon would quietly be repairing them ????
George Natis Posted 13 years ago. Edited by George Natis (member) 13 years ago
@M
There are also people reporting that they had to pay for the repair. Canon seems to handle this issue very different from Country to Country.

Mine did not blow yet up luckily so I dont know how its going to be treated at the CPS Centre near me in Germany. Both of my 580s are out of warranty. For now I use the 550 for long range stuff and add the 580s if I need a 2nd and 3rd source.

Maybe this also has to do with the contacts from the 580 when it gets loosened so that maybe at this point some wrong information gets transmitted into the flash so that it gets that shorting of the board. Also the preflash thing might add its spice into the game. There are so many variants out there....oh my.
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