External Flash Problem Help Needed Please

[Resa]

When I attach my external flash to my camera it flickers and flashes pretty much constantly. It does not do this if it is turned on and off the camera, or if it is on the camera and the camera is turned off. If it is on the camera and the camera is on is when it does it. I have tried troubleshooting and searching for causes to no avail. I am hoping someone here will have a clue.



Edited for update: Thanks for all of the help guys. I was finally able to take it in and get it checked out. It ended up being the flash itself and not the camera so I bought a new Nikon SB 400 and problem is solved.

[tc95]

It would help...what camera and what flash...

[Resa]

Sorry, it is a Nikon D40 and a Bower SFD 35N.

[Ricks Canvas]

Just a possible... Check the electrical contacts.. Clean? Try a dry pencil eraser to clean the contacts. Contacts tight ? Not loose on camera? Other than that I have no advise for that brand. Other than a Google search for people with the same problem.

[picman]

Did this combination work before?
Also, under the rail that holds the flash on the camera there is a micro switch - make sure there is nothing jamming it. It's purpose is to tell the camera there is an external flash attached and keeps the internal flash from firing. Don't know, however, that if it isn't working what effect it would have on an external flash.

[Resa]

@ Rick - I have tried cleaning it with a pencil eraser and that did not work.

@ picman - I have used this flash with my camera for 4 years with no problems. It is an off brand flash made for Nikon cameras. I will look under the rail for the switch.

Thank you both for your help. I really appreciate it.

[tc95]

Teresa....It might just be that the flash is going out...or something has happened to it...take the batteries out...let it sit for a about 1 hour then put them in...let the flash cycle a few times off the camera...take the batteries out....again...for about 10 to 15 mins....this will not discharge the cap...but will give the electronics a reset...then put batteries in....put on camera and try...if this does not work...you may just have to get a new flash...but I would try another flash just in case before you purchase...it could also be the hot-shoe....

Was told to do this with a Sigma DG 500 Super once that had the same issue...there was something messed-up in the programing....fixed and worked till I melted it... :)

[Resa]

@ tc95 - Thank you. I will try that today and see if it works for me.

[Ricks Canvas]

I found Bower's home page, but could not find any support page or manuals. It is made in Singapore... so I am guessing it is a throw away and buy new when it goes bad. I would try another flash as Tony suggested before you buy a new flash. Bower's website is..... Bower their contact info might help you.... S. Bower Inc. 46-24 28th. st., 3rd. floor, Long Island City, New York 11101 Ph: 800 446-7244 or 718 707-9990 718 707-9991

[Resa]

I tried what Tony suggested and it did not work. I will go to a local camera store and see if they will let me try a flash to see if it is the flash or the camera as soon as I get a chance.

Thanks for all the help guys. I really appreciate it.

[tc95]

Well let us know the outcome....sorry it did not work...

[mgphotos]

I had a simular problem with my D300. Sent it in to Nikon. Ended up being an internal contact with the hot shoe. $$$

Mark

[Resa]

Thanks Mark, that is actually what I am thinking. If you don't mind my asking how much did the repair cost?

[DougC]

Find someone with a Nikon flash and try it on your camera and see if it malfunctions. If not, that would point toward the flash as being the culprit.

[JohnnyFive]

I don't know if this happens on the Nikons, but when you press the DOF button the flash fires. Maybe it's stuck?