Modding a YongNuo YN-460

[Hyster]

I've had a couple of YN-460 flashguns for week or two and as I use my Canon Speedlights with an ST-E2, I quickly discovered that although the optical triggers on these work well, they have a design flaw.

The flaw as many of you know is that the optical trigger is in the head of the flashgun and not where you would expect, behind the red cover on the front of the flash. I found I could not use a snoot as it would have to be pointed directly at the camera to trigger the flashgun.

I decided that I would have a look and see what would be involved in moving the trigger to its rightful home.

First I removed the foot, four screws and its off.

The two halfs of the main body of the flashgun are held by the foot and a couple of clips (one covered by a sticker), turn the flash head 90degrees and you see them. The stickers marking the orientation of the batteries need to be lifted and then the two halfs come apart Care needs to be taken with the little plastic clips, they would be easy to break.

Next is the flash head, two screw removed,

...and next its the circular covers where the flash head pivots,
Under here are two metal clips per side, held with what looks like silicone sealant.

These prised off, the dog can see the rabbit.

 

[Hyster]

The first gun I modded, I de-soldered the switch and had a nightmare trying to solder the new wires on, I took a different approach this time, snipping the wires to the trigger. I left enough to solder to, this was easier than soldering straight to the board.

Next I remove the metal ring to make it easier to run the new wires through the head, removing the ring lets it open slightly.

I ran the wires through a convenient hole in the board and soldered on the left over wires from the cut optical trigger.

Inside the flash head casing, near the optical trigger, is a silver sticker. Obviously to direct as much light as possible at the trigger. I remove this and placed it under the spot where the trigger is going to be relocated.

I ran the new wiring from the head down the side of the gun and tucked it in out of the way.

Optical switch in its new home and soldered in place, nearly there.

One last thing, remember to fit the battery cover, I had it all built up and realized it needs to be fitted as the two halfs of the case to together.

If I had a 3.5mm mono socket handy I would have fitted that too, another day.

 

[Hyster]

This is one of the gun triggered by my ST-E2, the snoot would have prevented this before.

I am not encouraging anyone to take their flash apart let alone have a go at this mod, a set of triggers from Flashinthepan would be a much smarter move.

Unless you are very comfortable with a soldering bolt and willing to take a chance on trashing your flashgun, its probably not worth the bother.

I just had a bit of time on my hands and was frustrated by the design. Hope someone finds this interesting.

 

[Andy]

Well done, you deserve a clap.

Interesting to read, wonder if someone else will do this.

 

[Flash In The Pan]

Rather you than me


You'll be glad to know that the new YN-460-II model has, amongst other improvements, now got the sensor in the body as shown above, where it should have been in the first place :bang:

 

[B3R]

nice i've just got mine for christmas so didnt realise that it wasnt where one would expect, if i end up using the built in optical slave i will probably move it, thanks for the heads up.

 

[david1701]

in the head is pretty good when I've used it, but not tried any restrictive mods yet