Flash door DIY repair (AF-540FGZ) using Legos

Flash door DIY repair (AF-540FGZ) using Legos · **16 Likes**

I have owned 3 of these v.1 AF-540FGZ flashes and figured eventually the flimsy battery door was bound to break. The design includes three tiny plastic nubs molded onto the flash housing side, that eventually wear down or snap off. One of my nubs has worn off, causing the door not to stay closed and i have been using rubber wirst bands, tape, even a bulky C-clamp to keep the door closed, but finally found a working solution that does not block the viewing screen nor any of the buttons.

I used 2-part epoxy to affix three lego pieces strategically on the door and surrounding the door. then simply close the door and lock a single large lego piece or individual crossbar pieces to lock it shut. It is working just fine now and i can even attach little Lego men if i want for some whimsy.

Check it out and good luck if you are having trouble getting replacement parts:

mikeSF · 05-28-2015, 10:50 PM

Originally posted by Kerrowdown

Didn't realise Lego came in Black bricks... has a quick paint job happened here too.

they come in all colors. plenty of black ones for the job but my daughter has pink ones, so the next flash repair gets those.

**Kerrowdown** · 05-29-2015, 12:57 PM

Originally posted by mikeSF

they come in all colors. plenty of black ones

Changed days... when I was young they only came in mainly red with a few white ones.

mikeSF · 05-29-2015, 02:59 PM

Originally posted by Kerrowdown

Changed days... when I was young they only came in mainly red with a few white ones.

my childhood recollection was of just a few primary colors. but these days, they have clear, da-glo, military drabs, etc...

**Kerrowdown** · 05-30-2015, 10:42 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by mikeSF

hey have clear, da-glo, military drabs, etc...

The kids of today are just ruined.

Nass · 09-13-2016, 03:50 PM

ingenious!

stevebrot · 09-13-2016, 03:58 PM

Originally posted by Nass

ingenious!

Agreed. I am going to take a hard look at both my AF280T and Sigma AF 610 DG Super, both of which have wimpy doors, to see if Legos might work with them too.

Steve

**photogem** · 12-11-2021, 01:18 AM - **1 Like**

I know its an old thread but now my AF-360FGZ (MKI Version)has the same problem.
I'll either try this Lego method (simple, logic)
or maybe invest into this method:
Pentax AF-540FGZ Flash battery door repair - PentaxForums.com
The door of the 360 is the same as with the AF-540FGZ.

mikeSF · 12-13-2021, 03:18 PM

Originally posted by photogem

I know its an old thread but now my AF-360FGZ (MKI Version)has the same problem.
I'll either try this Lego method (simple, logic)
or maybe invest into this method:
Pentax AF-540FGZ Flash battery door repair - PentaxForums.com
The door of the 360 is the same as with the AF-540FGZ.

that's why we keep old threads around, to help future problems, lol.

Good luck and let me know if I may answer any specific questions. I literally have that very flash on my desk at this moment.

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05-28-2015, 10:50 PM	#16
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,622 Original Poster	Originally posted by Kerrowdown Didn't realise Lego came in Black bricks... has a quick paint job happened here too. they come in all colors. plenty of black ones for the job but my daughter has pink ones, so the next flash repair gets those.

05-29-2015, 12:57 PM	#17
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,860	Originally posted by mikeSF they come in all colors. plenty of black ones Changed days... when I was young they only came in mainly red with a few white ones.

05-29-2015, 02:59 PM	#18
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,622 Original Poster	Originally posted by Kerrowdown Changed days... when I was young they only came in mainly red with a few white ones. my childhood recollection was of just a few primary colors. but these days, they have clear, da-glo, military drabs, etc...

05-30-2015, 10:42 AM - 1 Like	#19
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,860	Originally posted by mikeSF hey have clear, da-glo, military drabs, etc... The kids of today are just ruined.

09-13-2016, 03:50 PM	#20
Nass Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The British Isles Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,402	ingenious!

09-13-2016, 03:58 PM	#21
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Nass ingenious! Agreed. I am going to take a hard look at both my AF280T and Sigma AF 610 DG Super, both of which have wimpy doors, to see if Legos might work with them too. Steve

12-11-2021, 01:18 AM - 1 Like	#22
photogem Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 3,522	I know its an old thread but now my AF-360FGZ (MKI Version)has the same problem. I'll either try this Lego method (simple, logic) or maybe invest into this method: Pentax AF-540FGZ Flash battery door repair - PentaxForums.com The door of the 360 is the same as with the AF-540FGZ.

12-13-2021, 03:18 PM	#23
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,622 Original Poster	Originally posted by photogem I know its an old thread but now my AF-360FGZ (MKI Version)has the same problem. I'll either try this Lego method (simple, logic) or maybe invest into this method: Pentax AF-540FGZ Flash battery door repair - PentaxForums.com The door of the 360 is the same as with the AF-540FGZ. that's why we keep old threads around, to help future problems, lol. Good luck and let me know if I may answer any specific questions. I literally have that very flash on my desk at this moment.