Tutorial How to replace the diffuser panel on a 580 EX II

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How to replace the diffuser panel on a 580 EX II - How to replace the diffuser panel on a 580 EX II

Hello all,

I checked to see if this had been covered before, however I couldn't see anything of relevance. This may be of use to anyone who needs to repair a 580 and wants to save a few ££'s.

Just a little bit of background information - whilst the 580 EX II is a durable electronic device, the bulb and diffuser are, understandably, prone to failure when dropped or knocked. Whilst this guide concentrates on the diffuser panel, the information is equally applicable to bulb repair. Although I'd...

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With the underside of the Flash Head removed you can now remove the Main Panel and the Fresnal Panel just behind it, simply by lifting these items out of the locating slots.

To gain access to the Diffuser Panel assembly, the Flash Hood needs to be loosened from its mountings - At each side of the Flash Hood towards the Panel there is a securing screw.

With the Flash Hood loose, you can now work your way around the four screws that hold the Diffuser Assembly to the Flash Head. The two screws towards the Flash panel are the easiest to remove. NB: Avoid touching the Flash tube itself when moving the Flash Hood.

The two rearward screws are awkward to say the least. This is where a thin screwdriver is essential allowing you to slide the screwdriver between the Flash Hood electronics, wiring and the Flash Hood itself - I would also advise wrapping the screwdriver (with the exception of the bit) in insulation tape which avoids any short circuiting by accidently touching the circuit board with the screwdriver - However I didn't :nono:

With the four screws removed the Diffuser Panel should now drop away from the Flash Head

Marvel at your destruction...

Then pull the remains of the diffuser panel away from it's mounting - this is just clipped in. Then place the new diffuser panel in it's place.

 

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Next, replace the Bounce Card if it has fallen out or if you're replacing it with a new one. The orientation is printed on to the inside of the Diffuser Panel assembly so no worries about getting it the wrong way round there.

Place the Bounce Card and Diffuser Assembly on top of the Flash Head and then turn the Flash over so that the diffuser is lined up underneath. Screw the Diffuser Panel back up to the Flash Head. Then screw the Flash Hood to the Flash Head.

Give the Main Panel and Fresnel Panel a quick wipe and blow with a blower.

...Then slot them in. The Fresnel Panel first, this panel has a groove located at one edge. This edge needs to be facing outwards and towards the Diffuser Assembly. See Below. This is also a good opportunity to check the new Diffuser Panel is behaving itself and working correctly.

Replace the Main Panel and be sure to locate this correctly too. The shorter edges of the panel have a thin rubber protrusion that is slightly offset. So when replacing the Panel you need to check that these protrusions are located properly at either side. If not then try a different orientation. until it sits in correctly.

Replace the underside half of the Flash Head, ensuring all wires are tucked inside and not trapped.

Press the underside half firmly until it is seated correctly then secure it in place with the 8 screws - 2 on the underside and 3 either side underneath the rubbers.

 

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Replace the rubbers starting at the thin end, pushing firmly and working your way down to the Flash Head Pivot.

And you're done. Test the Speedlite ensuring that it:
Flashes
Zooms (and that the corresponding zoom focal length matches)
Tilts and Swivels
The Diffuser Assembly extends and pulls down (and that the zoom focal length goes to 14 mm)

Hope that helps! I've probably made numerous spelling and grammatical errors as it's late and I'm tired but I will check it properly tomorrow morning.

Any questions please ask, and if you have something to add to the guide then please let me know and I'll amend!

cheers!

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[mmcp42]

well I hope I never need it
but that is a very complete and excellent description!

 

[adsayer]

Thanks Mike Likewise, I hope no one ever needs it - but hopefully it'll save someone a week's turnaround and a big repair bill... unless they screw it up even more lol

 

[Chriswallace1]

Great post, I dropped mine, and exactly the same thing happened, at least it's repairable.

 

[sHo0sH]

I assume this is the same for the 430ex?