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**Ash** · 10-11-2014, 06:57 PM

G'day all. I'm reporting an unfortunate personal experience with a well cared for AF540FGZ flash unit. On a field job, I had the flash unit mounted on a holder for a wireless set up, when as I turned the flash on the holder's axis the edge of the hot shoe chipped off. Obviously now, it is impossible to safely mount the Flash. I am contemplating repairing it myself using Super glue and wondering whether it will last.

Anyone else had such an experience and able to salvage the unit?

**Ash** · 10-11-2014, 07:03 PM

This was the end result of the minor manipulation to the flash on the job:

calsan · 10-11-2014, 07:08 PM

Super glue is strong in the short term, but always eventually cracks.

I would go to a modelling shop and ask which specialist plastic glue they have that would be appropriate. They have a plastic glue for every type of plastic, including styrofoam, PVC, etc...

**jatrax** · 10-11-2014, 07:12 PM

Super glue is not particularly strong, not recommended for this. Try a good quality two part epoxy but you will also need some way to clamp the edges tightly. Spring clamp, rubber bands, something to hold it firmly in place. You want a complete but thin glue line. Too much glue in the joint will allow movement over time and eventual joint failure.

I would not be confident of any repair on such a part subject to the stress the hot shoe will receive. Might work temporarily but I would be sourcing a replacement part at the same time.

Brooke Meyer · 10-11-2014, 07:34 PM

Deja vu all over again.

Re: Pentax 540 snaps at hotshoe base: Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

boydbowlin · 10-11-2014, 09:15 PM

Hi Ash ,
I would not risk repairing it . You may drop the whole flash if it breaks on a hard surface and really do some damage . I replaced mine with an original flash base section from CR Kennedy and it cost around $50.00 delivered to me . You just unscrew the four screws visible in your photo and unplug the cable inside the flash base . Replug the cable and screw back together . Takes about 30 minutes and is very easy . The whole flash base is the part that you will get and need to repair it . They do not just sell the hotshoe part .
Regards Anthony .

markl62 · 10-12-2014, 02:41 AM

Originally posted by boydbowlin

Hi Ash ,
I would not risk repairing it . You may drop the whole flash if it breaks on a hard surface and really do some damage . I replaced mine with an original flash base section from CR Kennedy and it cost around $50.00 delivered to me . You just unscrew the four screws visible in your photo and unplug the cable inside the flash base . Replug the cable and screw back together . Takes about 30 minutes and is very easy . The whole flash base is the part that you will get and need to repair it . They do not just sell the hotshoe part .
Regards Anthony .

Agree - I had to do the same with my Sigma flash. Replace the base and all will be good.

manntax · 10-12-2014, 03:59 AM

Good quality epoxy will fix it and it might be tougher than before ! My manfrotto tripod came with plate to which you mount your heads cracked half. I did some research and bought clear 2 part epoxy called Araldite ( or similar ). It came out as good as new ! Even thou I bought another new piece ( just ordered it before came to epoxy idea ) - I never bothered to change - it is as good (or better ) as new ! And I am mounting something fairly heavy ( 3,5kg + ) along with heavy grip style heads. Never failed me !

**ivanvernon** · 10-12-2014, 04:44 AM

Same thing happened on my 360FGZ. I patched it back together with superglue, and so far it has held okay so that the flash is useable. However, the tightening lever is fixed in place, unlocked, so the flash is used unlocked on the camera, but still feels plenty secure.

COMMENT: I have never had this happen to any other brand of flash, and I am wondering if Pentax flash units have an inherent weakness in their bases. Sure you can buy another base, but for around $90 you can buy a solidly build Yongnuo and be done with this sort of problem. My Yongnuo Speedlite YN560-II is built like a rock. You lose automatic functionality, but I am learning to like manual flash anyway.

**Ash** · 10-12-2014, 05:50 AM

Thanks for all the comments. The epoxy glue sounds like a good interim measure but I will also take your advice, Anthony, and source out a replacement hotshoe from CR Kennedy. It's such a workhorse of a unit it would be a shame to have to dispose when it still works perfectly.

**ivanvernon** · 10-12-2014, 06:45 AM

Originally posted by manntax

Good quality epoxy will fix it and it might be tougher than before ! My manfrotto tripod came with plate to which you mount your heads cracked half. I did some research and bought clear 2 part epoxy called Araldite ( or similar ). It came out as good as new ! Even thou I bought another new piece ( just ordered it before came to epoxy idea ) - I never bothered to change - it is as good (or better ) as new ! And I am mounting something fairly heavy ( 3,5kg + ) along with heavy grip style heads. Never failed me !

Having an extra plate would be great for me. I would leave the plate attached to my 645 (film), which I only use on the Manfrotto tripod. Too bad I did not know of the epoxy approach when my flash hot shoe base broke.

aoeu · 10-12-2014, 08:51 AM

My guess is that the plastic is ABS and there is a special glue that works more like welding. I used it as an auto mechanic. Plumbers also use it.

wombat2go · 10-12-2014, 09:22 AM

Originally posted by ivanvernon

I am wondering if Pentax flash units have an inherent weakness in their bases.

Broken flash bases seem to be fairly frequently mentioned on PF.
I think it is a standard design across the brands.

The relatively weak plastic flange along with the stainless steel claw on the camera side has been around for a long time and the flange might have been the intended fracture point.

The availability of replacements might also indicate that it is an intended point of failure.

**Ash** · 10-12-2014, 01:52 PM

One would hope for a sturdier base, such as that on the O-GPS1. It almost seems an oxymoron to feature a metal reinforced flange on a tiny, nearly weightless gadget yet keep a more brittle flange on a bulky and weighty accessory.

boydbowlin · 10-12-2014, 04:13 PM

When using the pentax flash i would not be surprised that it is made of plastic so the foot breaks rather than the hot shoe on the camera . 4 weeks ago i had borrowed my friends K5IIS and had a Yougnou flash [ Metal plate ] plus Betta beamer attached to the camera . When i opened my car door after driving on some rough tracks the camera fell out . I broke the fall with my foot but the flash set up was very top heavy with the beamer attached that it tore the hot shoe mount off the camera . You cannot glue that back on and you cannot just buy the hot shoe for the camera . The whole top assembly of the camera [ On board flash , dials , shutter and all electrical components ] had to be replaced . $175.00 repair and all is good now . Had i had the pentax flash on maybe the flash hot shoe plate would have broken because it is plastic and the repair bill would have been $50.00 .
Regards Anthony .

10-11-2014, 06:57 PM	#1
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	AF540FGZ hotshoe breakage G'day all. I'm reporting an unfortunate personal experience with a well cared for AF540FGZ flash unit. On a field job, I had the flash unit mounted on a holder for a wireless set up, when as I turned the flash on the holder's axis the edge of the hot shoe chipped off. Obviously now, it is impossible to safely mount the Flash. I am contemplating repairing it myself using Super glue and wondering whether it will last. Anyone else had such an experience and able to salvage the unit?

10-11-2014, 09:15 PM	#6
boydbowlin Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: northern nsw Photos: Albums Posts: 41	540 flash foot Hi Ash , I would not risk repairing it . You may drop the whole flash if it breaks on a hard surface and really do some damage . I replaced mine with an original flash base section from CR Kennedy and it cost around $50.00 delivered to me . You just unscrew the four screws visible in your photo and unplug the cable inside the flash base . Replug the cable and screw back together . Takes about 30 minutes and is very easy . The whole flash base is the part that you will get and need to repair it . They do not just sell the hotshoe part . Regards Anthony .

10-12-2014, 04:44 AM	#9
ivanvernon Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Medina, OH Photos: Albums Posts: 7,224	Hot shoe on AF-360FGZ Same thing happened on my 360FGZ. I patched it back together with superglue, and so far it has held okay so that the flash is useable. However, the tightening lever is fixed in place, unlocked, so the flash is used unlocked on the camera, but still feels plenty secure. COMMENT: I have never had this happen to any other brand of flash, and I am wondering if Pentax flash units have an inherent weakness in their bases. Sure you can buy another base, but for around $90 you can buy a solidly build Yongnuo and be done with this sort of problem. My Yongnuo Speedlite YN560-II is built like a rock. You lose automatic functionality, but I am learning to like manual flash anyway.

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10-11-2014, 07:03 PM	#2
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920 Original Poster	This was the end result of the minor manipulation to the flash on the job:

10-11-2014, 07:08 PM	#3
calsan Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Perth, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,549	Super glue is strong in the short term, but always eventually cracks. I would go to a modelling shop and ask which specialist plastic glue they have that would be appropriate. They have a plastic glue for every type of plastic, including styrofoam, PVC, etc...

10-11-2014, 07:12 PM	#4
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Super glue is not particularly strong, not recommended for this. Try a good quality two part epoxy but you will also need some way to clamp the edges tightly. Spring clamp, rubber bands, something to hold it firmly in place. You want a complete but thin glue line. Too much glue in the joint will allow movement over time and eventual joint failure. I would not be confident of any repair on such a part subject to the stress the hot shoe will receive. Might work temporarily but I would be sourcing a replacement part at the same time.

10-11-2014, 07:34 PM	#5
Brooke Meyer Guest	Deja vu all over again. Re: Pentax 540 snaps at hotshoe base: Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

10-12-2014, 02:41 AM	#7
markl62 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Brisbane Qld Aust Posts: 220	Originally posted by boydbowlin Hi Ash , I would not risk repairing it . You may drop the whole flash if it breaks on a hard surface and really do some damage . I replaced mine with an original flash base section from CR Kennedy and it cost around $50.00 delivered to me . You just unscrew the four screws visible in your photo and unplug the cable inside the flash base . Replug the cable and screw back together . Takes about 30 minutes and is very easy . The whole flash base is the part that you will get and need to repair it . They do not just sell the hotshoe part . Regards Anthony . Agree - I had to do the same with my Sigma flash. Replace the base and all will be good.

10-12-2014, 03:59 AM	#8
manntax Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,972	Good quality epoxy will fix it and it might be tougher than before ! My manfrotto tripod came with plate to which you mount your heads cracked half. I did some research and bought clear 2 part epoxy called Araldite ( or similar ). It came out as good as new ! Even thou I bought another new piece ( just ordered it before came to epoxy idea ) - I never bothered to change - it is as good (or better ) as new ! And I am mounting something fairly heavy ( 3,5kg + ) along with heavy grip style heads. Never failed me !

10-12-2014, 05:50 AM	#10
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920 Original Poster	Thanks for all the comments. The epoxy glue sounds like a good interim measure but I will also take your advice, Anthony, and source out a replacement hotshoe from CR Kennedy. It's such a workhorse of a unit it would be a shame to have to dispose when it still works perfectly.

10-12-2014, 06:45 AM	#11
ivanvernon Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Medina, OH Photos: Albums Posts: 7,224	Originally posted by manntax Good quality epoxy will fix it and it might be tougher than before ! My manfrotto tripod came with plate to which you mount your heads cracked half. I did some research and bought clear 2 part epoxy called Araldite ( or similar ). It came out as good as new ! Even thou I bought another new piece ( just ordered it before came to epoxy idea ) - I never bothered to change - it is as good (or better ) as new ! And I am mounting something fairly heavy ( 3,5kg + ) along with heavy grip style heads. Never failed me ! Having an extra plate would be great for me. I would leave the plate attached to my 645 (film), which I only use on the Manfrotto tripod. Too bad I did not know of the epoxy approach when my flash hot shoe base broke.

10-12-2014, 08:51 AM	#12
aoeu Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 496	My guess is that the plastic is ABS and there is a special glue that works more like welding. I used it as an auto mechanic. Plumbers also use it.

10-12-2014, 09:22 AM	#13
wombat2go Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Michigan Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,207	Originally posted by ivanvernon I am wondering if Pentax flash units have an inherent weakness in their bases. Broken flash bases seem to be fairly frequently mentioned on PF. I think it is a standard design across the brands. The relatively weak plastic flange along with the stainless steel claw on the camera side has been around for a long time and the flange might have been the intended fracture point. The availability of replacements might also indicate that it is an intended point of failure.

10-12-2014, 01:52 PM	#14
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920 Original Poster	One would hope for a sturdier base, such as that on the O-GPS1. It almost seems an oxymoron to feature a metal reinforced flange on a tiny, nearly weightless gadget yet keep a more brittle flange on a bulky and weighty accessory.

10-12-2014, 04:13 PM	#15
boydbowlin Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: northern nsw Photos: Albums Posts: 41	When using the pentax flash i would not be surprised that it is made of plastic so the foot breaks rather than the hot shoe on the camera . 4 weeks ago i had borrowed my friends K5IIS and had a Yougnou flash [ Metal plate ] plus Betta beamer attached to the camera . When i opened my car door after driving on some rough tracks the camera fell out . I broke the fall with my foot but the flash set up was very top heavy with the beamer attached that it tore the hot shoe mount off the camera . You cannot glue that back on and you cannot just buy the hot shoe for the camera . The whole top assembly of the camera [ On board flash , dials , shutter and all electrical components ] had to be replaced . $175.00 repair and all is good now . Had i had the pentax flash on maybe the flash hot shoe plate would have broken because it is plastic and the repair bill would have been $50.00 . Regards Anthony .

AF540FGZ hotshoe breakage

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