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  1. #1
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    Jul 2002
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    Speedlight SB-600 Problem

    Having a problem with my SB-600 speedlight. When I shoot several photos in succession, the light output gets progressively less and less. Is there a solution to this without upgrading my equipment? Or is upgrading equipment even a solution to this problem? I am using the best AA batteries I can buy, but the problem still exists. The obvious solution, of course, is to NOT fire off flash photos in rapid succession. There are times, however, that I need to do this. Comments?

  2. #2
    Woe is me! wfooshee's Avatar
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    Re: Speedlight SB-600 Problem

    I think the flash WILL fire before the ready light indicates, but will have reduced charge, of course. I've noticed this myself if I try to get 3 or 4 rapid shots, and I know the flash doesn't need full capacity, but the last one or the last two will be darker.

    The unit is capable of firing rapidly as long as it doesn't need more than a fraction of its output. Otherwise, the flash simply HAS to have time to recycle to get the output needed.

    I don't think there is a shutter inhibit for the flash not being ready or insufficient, but that might be useful.

  3. #3
    Senior Member OldClicker's Avatar
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    Re: Speedlight SB-600 Problem

    I would say that it is firing before the capacitor is fully recharged. The only things to do are to give it more power (like an external battery pack) or use less power (like setting it to a lower flash power).
    -----------------
    I am no better than you. I critique to teach myself to see.
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    Sony/Minolta - way more gear than talent.

  4. #4
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    Re: Speedlight SB-600 Problem

    Thanks for the input. As usual, more patience and discipline is going to be required on my part (I need to slow down).

  5. #5
    Member PWhite214's Avatar
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    Re: Speedlight SB-600 Problem

    I have to learn that patience also. The trouble is the grandchildren seem to do real cute things just after I took a pic. An external battery pack has helped with that problem, but I don't think that your flash has a plug for one.

    Phil
    Sony A77 and A700, Lots of old Minolta lenses, some Sigma lenses.

  6. #6
    Senior Member freygr's Avatar
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    Portland, OR, USA
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    Re: Speedlight SB-600 Problem

    Going to Rechargeable would help the reduce the cycle time also as the internal resistance of the Ni batteries is less than the standard non-rechargeable battery.
    GRF

    Panorama Madness:

    Nikon D800, 50mm F1.4D AF, 16-35mm, 28-200mm & 70-300mm

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