| Sign in: |
| Members log in here with your user name and password to access the your admin page and other special features. |
|
|
|
|
|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
SB900 overheating
Paul Hayes, Photographer, Photo Editor
 |
Littleton | NH | USA | Posted: 7:51 PM on 07.31.11 |
->> Over the last month, while shooting on warm to outright hot days, I've had my SB900 overheat a few times. I don't recall this happening with the SB800 much.
Has this happened to anyone else and is the SB900 more sensitive to heat than its predecessor or not? Thanks in advance for any info. |
|
Geoffrey Bolte, Photographer, Assistant
|
Thompson | CT | USA | Posted: 8:00 PM on 07.31.11 |
->> The SB-900 has a built in heat sensor that will shut down the flash till the temperature is in decent operating range. The SB-800 didn't have this feature and if over heating you could keep going, but could burn out the flash tube. In no way would it shut down. You can turn the SB-900 feature off in the menu but if you blow the flash tube its on you.
Doesn't matter the temperature outside, I have had it over heat when over shooting and have burned out a few tubes as well. |
|
Chuck Steenburgh, Photographer
|
Michael Troutman, Photographer
|
Carmel | CA | USA | Posted: 1:47 AM on 08.03.11 |
->> Let's see...risk overheating the tube but get the shots at a wedding/sports event/editorial assignment...or have the flash cut out during peak action so that it remains at a "safe" temperature. Hmmmm...
Ever wonder why SB-800s cost so much used...as much as they did new?
I'm currently using eight (8) 800s and one (1) 900...and yes, I blow a couple tubes a year ($109 repair...big deal). The 900 has never failed (and is used the least...go figure).
Your mileage may vary. That said, the zoom feature (to 200mm) on the 900 is very nice... |
|
Will Powers, Photographer
|
Denver | CO | USA | Posted: 8:23 PM on 08.03.11 |
->> At a lighting seminar I took they talked about the overheating of various flash units. The presenter said that the most common problem was using the flash on ETTL or other automatic settings, then shooting continuously.
The flash refuels to full power each time, only uses the light it needs and discharges the rest, then recharges for full power again. He suggested that you use 1/4 or 1/2 power settings. |
|
Michael Troutman, Photographer
|
Carmel | CA | USA | Posted: 8:40 PM on 08.03.11 |
->> Yeah, I hammer the flash in TTL a lot at events. Often use all the units at once for architecture...but that's a *lot* slower and more methodical.
Just blew another flash today LOL...quite seriously! Guess I jinxed it...I looked and that's four this year (so far); double prior years. Shooting more than ever, so that's surely it. Different units every time, so that's "good".
Simply cost of doing business. |
|
Michael Troutman, Photographer
|
Carmel | CA | USA | Posted: 8:42 PM on 08.03.11 |
->> I blew up one with water this year, so that doesn't count.
;0) |
|
Jann Hendry, Photographer
|
Henderson | NV | USA | Posted: 2:14 AM on 08.24.11 |
| ->> My SB 900 is shutting down after just 10 flashes. I'm in Las Vegas so naturally it's hot (100). I'm turning off the thermal sensor. Am I guaranteed to blow out the tube? I need another speedlight asap. Any suggestions? |
|
Chris Curry, Photographer
|
Houston | TX | United States | Posted: 6:35 PM on 10.01.11 |
| ->> I have both and I find the 800 so much more consistent than the 900. Perhaps it's because the 800 allows me to use five batteries rather than four. I don't know why Nikon didn't offer this for the 800. Well, I'm always searching on craigslist to buy as many 800s as I can. |
|
Travis Haughton, Photographer
|
Crystal Lake | IL | USA | Posted: 7:54 PM on 10.01.11 |
->> I recently picked up the SD-9 battery pack that allows 8 AAs in addition to the 4 in the flash. Using it with the Sanyo Eneloops, it does two things. Cuts recycle time way down and helps a lot with the overheating issue. I think this is because the heat is distributed to 12 AAs instead of 4.
If you lay on the shutter you can still overheat it, but it's definitely an improvement. The only problem is carrying the pack around all night. The pouch does have a decent belt clip solution (which I use with a TT belt) and works great for clipping it to a light stand. |
|
Chuck Steenburgh, Photographer
|
Lexington | VA | USA | Posted: 8:01 AM on 10.02.11 |
| ->> $200 add-on to a $500 flash... :( |
|
Brian Dowling, Photographer
|
Los Angeles | CA | USA | Posted: 1:59 AM on 10.03.11 |
| ->> Check out flashzebra.com - They have a generic version for around $50 if I remember correctly. |
|
Michael Troutman, Photographer
|
Kent Miller, Photographer
|
New York | NY | USA | Posted: 10:07 PM on 10.03.11 |
->> I turn off the thermal sensor as soon as I get one. I have 3-800s and 3-900s
Both are great but the ease of use for the 900 is way better. Plus the 200mm reach. I have never blown one up. I use the SD-9 pack and the Lumedyne HV. I have dropped them and had to repair all 3 but thats due to personal error. |
|
Return to --> Message Board Main Index
|