Hi everyone- thank you all for your suggestions and information.
Sadly, after working on it for a while I have concluded that the capacitor was not the problem and whatever it is, is beyond my capabilities. But as I was able to get a good replacement at a good price, I am officially declaring Mr. AF-2 Metz, to have passed over to e-waste .
He served well and fairly long, though I had ignored him for some time. At times, he was flashy and brilliant, at other times,with a little coaxing by the camera and his own circuitry, subtle and subdued. There were a few red eyes as long as he lived but mine are the only two now.
No flash in the pan, he will be remembered by all who knew him- really only me- as a hard working little fella that even if he whined every time I switched him on (had to be careful with my terminology there), he would eventually stop his whining and be ready to give his all. Until he couldn't.
R.I.P. old chum. You will be missed but were easily replaced- its a harsh world.