Sb 900 died already? Zoom err....

mh photography

mh photography

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Matthew
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Hi all,

My Nikon Sb 900 started giving me problems a week ago, as it happens just when I needed it! Good job I had a back up! Its giving me a zoom 'err' code on the lcd and when you turn it on it makes a not so encouraging whirring sound, during this starting process you can see the flash head moving back and forth before it comes to a stand still at what seems it widest setting at which point the 'err' message appears. its only 18 months old (so out of warranty) and not had much use really :( Ive checked the diffuser cup sensor buttons are not stuck or anything.

Anyone had a similar problem or have any ideas?
 
mh photography said:
Hi all,

My Nikon Sb 900 started giving me problems a week ago, as it happens just when I needed it! Good job I had a back up! Its giving me a zoom 'err' code on the lcd and when you turn it on it makes a not so encouraging whirring sound, during this starting process you can see the flash head moving back and forth before it comes to a stand still at what seems it widest setting at which point the 'err' message appears. its only 18 months old (so out of warranty) and not had much use really :( Ive checked the diffuser cup sensor buttons are not stuck or anything.

Anyone had a similar problem or have any ideas?
Click to expand...

I had the same problem with an SB-600, i opened the head up and there was a small piece of plastic (couldn't see where it had come from) blocking the path of the zoom. 2 minutes work removed the obstruction and it was fine...
 
mh photography said:
Well fingers crossed it maybe something similar! I best try find a tutorial before taking it apart! Thanks!
Click to expand...


You don't need to do anything more advanced than remove a few screws, some are under the rubber covers on the pivot, but taking the wee rubber covers off is about as difficult as it gets....
 
Took the head apart this morning, could see nothing blocking the zoom path or anything out of place, and the problem hasn't gone away, looks like its taking a trip to Nikon tomorrow :(
 
That's not very good quality from Nikon there. I'd expect one to last longer than 18 months. I'd probably try a completely new set of batteries after cleaning and checking the battery contacts in case there is some electrical gremlin.

If you have to take it to them to be repaired I'd push for them to at least pay a good chunk of it if not won't repair it FOC.
 
Agreed, I am supprised its only lasted this long too, but I guess these things can happen. I've tried everything, batteries, resets, you name it! I'll give them a call in the morning!
 
As a follow up, I ended up sending my flash to nikon for repair, turns out the zoom mechanism had a fair bit of grit/sand damage :shrug: I've put the camera down on grass etc sometimes but cant think how it got full of sand!

Tbh I would have expected some sort of weather seal in the head if only to stop dust and grit getting in. I took the head cover off before I sent it and was surprised to find it as no seals of any kind! I think they should have really, considering it's Nikons top of the line flash and is designed for use with D700/D3/24-70/70-200 all of which are weather sealed.

Anyways, lesson learned...after a £100 repair bill! :eek:
 
How does anything get into the head? there aren't many places it can get through, maybe if it was placed in a sandpit maybe. Did you see any grit/sand when you took it apart?
 
I just had this heart stopping moment of a issue happen to me too. Fortunately for me it turned out to be the batteries that were on the way out. However I have used this flash on the beach for photo shoots and I am concerned by the lack of weather sealing! I'll have o take care of it next time.
 
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