AF540FGZ II Died this morning

wstruth · 09-19-2017, 08:37 AM

My AF540FGZ II died this morning. It made a popping/fizzle sort of sound and flash of light, sort of like a light bulb popping. It was being used on my K-1 as on camera bounced flash. I had already taken a few shot in the morning when the incident occurred. I switched to my metz flash and had no problems. I changed the batteries to no avail - nothing showed up on the rear screen. It's a paperweight now.

I've had it since May, so does anyone have any suggestions before I send it off for warranty repair?

LensBeginner · 09-19-2017, 08:58 AM

Originally posted by wstruth

My AF540FGZ II died this morning. It made a popping/fizzle sort of sound and flash of light, sort of like a light bulb popping. It was being used on my K-1 as on camera bounced flash. I had already taken a few shot in the morning when the incident occurred. I switched to my metz flash and had no problems. I changed the batteries to no avail - nothing showed up on the rear screen. It's a paperweight now.

I've had it since May, so does anyone have any suggestions before I send it off for warranty repair?

I'm no expert, but the sound you describe isn't encouraging.
If it's under warranty, why worry? I know it's a hassle to send it and wait, but it really looks like it's fried...

wstruth · 09-19-2017, 09:40 AM

Originally posted by LensBeginner

I'm no expert, but the sound you describe isn't encouraging.
If it's under warranty, why worry? I know it's a hassle to send it and wait, but it really looks like it's fried...

True

I figured it was worth a shot to ask before I finished the repair form for Precision Camera

**Alex645** · 09-19-2017, 10:38 AM

Sounds like either the flash tube failed or the thyristor/capacitor shorted. Either way, that's pretty terminal and the warranty will probably result in a new flash, not a repair. I would make note of your serial number to see if they fixed it or replaced it. I would also remove the batteries before shipping.

Out of curiosity what was the power source used when it died? I've gone thru more flash units and flash unit repairs then I'd like to remember. Vivitars, Sunpaks, and even Speedlites. Knock on wood, but the Metz units have been the least problematic.

09-19-2017, 08:37 AM	#1
wstruth Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: at my kitchen table Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,294	AF540FGZ II Died this morning My AF540FGZ II died this morning. It made a popping/fizzle sort of sound and flash of light, sort of like a light bulb popping. It was being used on my K-1 as on camera bounced flash. I had already taken a few shot in the morning when the incident occurred. I switched to my metz flash and had no problems. I changed the batteries to no avail - nothing showed up on the rear screen. It's a paperweight now. I've had it since May, so does anyone have any suggestions before I send it off for warranty repair?

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09-19-2017, 08:58 AM	#2
LensBeginner Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Photos: Albums Posts: 4,696	Originally posted by wstruth My AF540FGZ II died this morning. It made a popping/fizzle sort of sound and flash of light, sort of like a light bulb popping. It was being used on my K-1 as on camera bounced flash. I had already taken a few shot in the morning when the incident occurred. I switched to my metz flash and had no problems. I changed the batteries to no avail - nothing showed up on the rear screen. It's a paperweight now. I've had it since May, so does anyone have any suggestions before I send it off for warranty repair? I'm no expert, but the sound you describe isn't encouraging. If it's under warranty, why worry? I know it's a hassle to send it and wait, but it really looks like it's fried...

09-19-2017, 09:40 AM	#3
wstruth Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: at my kitchen table Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,294 Original Poster	Originally posted by LensBeginner I'm no expert, but the sound you describe isn't encouraging. If it's under warranty, why worry? I know it's a hassle to send it and wait, but it really looks like it's fried... True I figured it was worth a shot to ask before I finished the repair form for Precision Camera

09-19-2017, 10:38 AM	#4
Alex645 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Kaneohe, HI Photos: Albums Posts: 3,526	Sounds like either the flash tube failed or the thyristor/capacitor shorted. Either way, that's pretty terminal and the warranty will probably result in a new flash, not a repair. I would make note of your serial number to see if they fixed it or replaced it. I would also remove the batteries before shipping. Out of curiosity what was the power source used when it died? I've gone thru more flash units and flash unit repairs then I'd like to remember. Vivitars, Sunpaks, and even Speedlites. Knock on wood, but the Metz units have been the least problematic.