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Richard
Richard, Camera Repair
Category: Digital Cameras
Satisfied Customers: 79646
Experience:  Camera Repairman
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Nikon SB-400 not firing. I have new batteries, the ready

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Nikon SB-400 not firing. I have new batteries, the ready light comes on but no flash when taking a picture.
JA: What Nikon product do you have?
Customer: D-90
JA: What have you tried so far with your SB-400?
Customer: Although I haven't used the flash for a while it worked previously. I changed the AA batteries in the unit so it should be OK (as indicated by the ready light)
JA: Anything else you want the Electronics Expert to know before I connect you?
Customer: I don't think so.
Richard

Hi there and welcome to Just Answer, my name is ***** ***** I look forward to helping you.

I’m sorry to hear you're having trouble with your camera. I know that can be frustrating. Hopefully, we can get this resolved quickly.

Can you remove the battery please then hold the shutter button down for 60 seconds then release.
Wait 5 minutes, put the battery back in and turn it on.
Tell me please if it now operates correctly
Thank you

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Customer: replied 2 years ago.
Remove the battery from the camera or the flash unit?

Camera please as we want to deal with this area first.

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Customer: replied 2 years ago.
Flash still not firing (built-in flash is OK)

Can you remove the flash and clean the contacts on both the flash and the camera with an eraser.

Tell me if it then works please

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Customer: replied 2 years ago.
Didn't help!

I want you to reset the camera please

To do this, hold the [+/- Exposure Compensation] button and the [AF Mode] button down together, until the control panel turns off briefly while the camera resets itself to the factory default settings.

Once done, tell me how it now functions please.

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Customer: replied 2 years ago.
No difference :(

Make sure the face is flashing straight ahead, not tilted, does it then work?

Also does it work when you test the flash by itself?

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Customer: replied 2 years ago.
Position of flash makes no difference. How do I test the flash by itself?

Via another camera, do you have one there?

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Customer: replied 2 years ago.
I do have one but not immediately to hand. I also need to go out so I'll get back to you when I return and have tested the other camera. Thanks.

Thank you

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Customer: replied 2 years ago.
Hi Richard. Well, I put the flash on my spare D90 body and it fired off a few times. However, even when it did fire, it didn't seem to illuminate the subject. I compared to the built in flash and the difference was literally night and day! It doesn't make much sense - perhaps the flash unit needs a repair?

Can you try putting new batteries in it please? How does it then work?

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Customer: replied 2 years ago.
OK. The flash is back on my regular camera with new batteries and the flash fired a couple of times - again without really shedding any light on the subject!

Is the ready light coming on on the flash?

And how old is it?

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Customer: replied 2 years ago.
The ready light is coming on. The unit is quite old - I think Nikon stopped making it a few years ago.

Ok, it can be the unit that sends the power to the flash that is faulting, it can wear out over time.

But for the costs of these, a repair is not really feasible sorry, it would cost more than 100 and you can get a replacement one here.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-Speedlight-SB-400-External-Flash/dp/B000KKPN5C

I would recommend getting a replacement instead of a repair.

If you really want to repair though, please tell me where you are located.

Thank you

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Customer: replied 2 years ago.
I am based in central London but a replacement might be the best option...

Yes, especially being in Londen else you can contact Sendean Cameras Soho on(###) ###-####8418

To get a pricing for this.

Richard and other Digital Cameras Specialists are ready to help you
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Customer: replied 2 years ago.
Great - thanks for your help!

My pleasure!

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