AF-540FGZ head a bit loose?

MEtoK110D · 06-01-2019, 06:50 AM

Silly question maybe, but I've never been any good with flash, so I thought I'd play with some Rogue FlashBenders as a simple step. However, even though they don't weigh much, all but the smallest just tips the head of my flash down

Taking flashes apart isn't generally a good idea, but can I just tighten up the ratchet somehow? Any ideas? Or obvious ways round it that just haven't occurred to me?

pschlute · 06-01-2019, 07:24 AM

Originally posted by MEtoK110D

Taking flashes apart isn't generally a good idea

Correct, not least because there can be residual charge in the unit which can give a very nasty shock. Cannot answer your actual question I am afraid.

**kaseki** · 06-01-2019, 08:46 AM

You might trawl YouTube to see if anyone has a video on repairing these particular flashes. If so, it may become apparent whether there is a means of tightening.

tuggie76 · 06-03-2019, 08:58 AM

I asked this question a few years back, the answer I got is that that is the way it is, there is no adjustment. It's annoying I know, even the lightest diffuser weighs the head down so only 90degrees is usable.

**kaseki** · 06-03-2019, 10:28 AM

OK, if we must design something I suggest the following:

First, note that there is a flat surface under the Pentax Corporation sticker on the levered front part (flash head part)
Second, whittle a piece of wood or plastic that is an appropriate length for the angle desired to wedge between this flat surface and the top edge of the lower assembly
Third obtain a few rubber bands (elastics in the UK) that are thick but fairly small in circumference. US 3.5-inch size would be about the upper circumference limit. Use these to keep the wood/plastic block in place.

Alternatively, for a quick stab at a solution, a built-up multilayer gaffer tape or masking tape wad on the tubular section the flash head rotates around might also hold if the weight of the diffuser is not too great.

I notice on my recently obtained used unit that the push button at the hinge point doesn't seem to affect the rotation. Perhaps the mere act of forcing the head without pushing the button -- a button missing on earlier units and perhaps ignored by owners -- breaks something that would otherwise resist diffuser droop.©

06-01-2019, 06:50 AM	#1
MEtoK110D New Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Hitchin UK Posts: 23	AF-540FGZ head a bit loose? Silly question maybe, but I've never been any good with flash, so I thought I'd play with some Rogue FlashBenders as a simple step. However, even though they don't weigh much, all but the smallest just tips the head of my flash down Taking flashes apart isn't generally a good idea, but can I just tighten up the ratchet somehow? Any ideas? Or obvious ways round it that just haven't occurred to me?

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06-01-2019, 07:24 AM	#2
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,216	Originally posted by MEtoK110D Taking flashes apart isn't generally a good idea Correct, not least because there can be residual charge in the unit which can give a very nasty shock. Cannot answer your actual question I am afraid.

06-01-2019, 08:46 AM	#3
kaseki Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2017 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,138	You might trawl YouTube to see if anyone has a video on repairing these particular flashes. If so, it may become apparent whether there is a means of tightening.

06-03-2019, 08:58 AM	#4
tuggie76 Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,216	I asked this question a few years back, the answer I got is that that is the way it is, there is no adjustment. It's annoying I know, even the lightest diffuser weighs the head down so only 90degrees is usable.

06-03-2019, 10:28 AM	#5
kaseki Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2017 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,138	OK, if we must design something I suggest the following: First, note that there is a flat surface under the Pentax Corporation sticker on the levered front part (flash head part) Second, whittle a piece of wood or plastic that is an appropriate length for the angle desired to wedge between this flat surface and the top edge of the lower assembly Third obtain a few rubber bands (elastics in the UK) that are thick but fairly small in circumference. US 3.5-inch size would be about the upper circumference limit. Use these to keep the wood/plastic block in place. Alternatively, for a quick stab at a solution, a built-up multilayer gaffer tape or masking tape wad on the tubular section the flash head rotates around might also hold if the weight of the diffuser is not too great. I notice on my recently obtained used unit that the push button at the hinge point doesn't seem to affect the rotation. Perhaps the mere act of forcing the head without pushing the button -- a button missing on earlier units and perhaps ignored by owners -- breaks something that would otherwise resist diffuser droop.©