I just performed the repair with success! I partly opened my SB-600 yesterday without spotting anything obvious. Your video points out the exact spot of the problem, so today I repaired my flash. Excellent!
Many thanks for this post! My flash had the same broken solder joint, but I cannot recall dropping it! I'm amazed why anybody would bother to give a thumbs down for this incredibly useful advice. 5 stars!
Just wanted to say a BIG thanks for sharing... This excellent video provided me with the confidence to 'have a go' at fixing my 'dead' SB-600 after dropping it. After opening the unit, I identified the F100 inductor - yup, it had taken a hit - bits of the shattered shielding rattling around. Sourced a new F100 - Ebay (£3 inc P&P) and set about swopping them after watching a few 'surface mount soldering' vids on UA-cam. Put the unit back together - powered it up and it's working again!
Thanks! I got a used SB-600 when I bought my camera and it worked intermittently. I opened it up with the help of this video and re-soldered that exact component, now it works like a champ!
I didn't even think about fixing it myself!! I was googling where to send it for repair when I found this video. Mine fell off a bed and onto the floor a few YEARS ago, and I've been too frustrated and stingy to send it off. I was boggled that such a short fall to the floor would render it completely dead. I will try this tomorrow! Thank you so much for posting this.
Great video. Saved me 100 Euro. I took my SB600 apart, didn't find any unmounted / loose parts. Anyway i re-soldered the mentioned component on the circuit board and after re-mounting i was happy to see my flash working again :-). Thanks a lot.
Thanks, I solved my problems with this flash following this video. Some comments: it is sufficient to remove only two screws near the head of the flash (see at 1:31); it is not needed to remove the gray cable connector (2:40). A BIG remark: the hard part of this work is not shown... remount everything! So be careful.
I've watched and re-watched your video is awesome! Thank you for making it and sharing. Now I just need to have the guts to start unscrewing the first screw...
Well done! You have a lot of guts opening that thing. I just dug out my old Sunpack 622 and found out it's dead. Thinking it's the capacitor that's gone bad after about a decade of sitting around
I have not experienced your issue but in my research to fix mine, the two top problem/fix for SB600 was 1) the broken solder joint shown in this vid, and 2) the flash turns on but won't flash, and the actual flash needs replacement in the flash head. I can't guarantee that is your only broken part.
Hello dial2fast, Because I'm not to technical I gave the SB600 to my frend Jan who to a look at it and gave it back to me the next day. He found the second problem and fixed it for me so its working fine now! He found that the SMD-diode whas broken and replaced this with an alternative one. Thanks to you and my frend Jan I own I fine working SB600 flash again and I'm very greatfull for your help and this great video you put online. I hope by adding this extra information more people will be able to avoid a lot of cost for a new flash. Thanks a lot guys and greetings from the Netherlands. Jurgen.
Hello dial2fast. I have SB600 that doesn't fire when rotated to the right. In upper position, left and back it works jus fine. You think the wires in there might be interrupted (only in certain position of the flash head?). Thank you! Great video!
Thanks for this video. Had the same exact problem and this fixed it right up. Was a little nervous since I had never soldered before but as of right now everything is working.
Since I didn't open up the head part, I can't say for certain what might be causing it. There is a motor in there too which zooms in / out depending how the head is tilted. Not sure if you want to take it apart and have a look. You may or may not find the problem.
Thanks, with the encouragement of this video I fixed my SB-600 which got dropped today. Three surface mount components had come off, the inductor (no surprise) but also above it D303 and R360. Without D303 the speedlight powered up but wouldn't charge up the flash (for anyone else with the same problem to save time tracing the circuit diagram, with the writing on the board the right way up, the line on the diode needs to be on the left side).
I remember dropping my sb-600 in the case. And now it turns on but won't fire. You think it may be the same part? I remember turning it on and I heard it trying to charge up the flash but weak. Then it wouldn't do it anymore and when I took out the battery I smelled a little bit of burn
Great Video, but it seems mine is a different problem, when me n my friend was on the bike riding,he accidentally dropped my SB 800. now it wont fire,but i can turn it on and cycle through menus. my dad would freak out on me if he finds out. Do you think i should send it to service ? or What do you think ? THANKS
I want a DIY repair for my sb700. Only halted disassembly on circuit board. I can't figure out how the lever and switches at the back seem to be holding the circuit board intact even when screws removed. It had leaked battery but service says no hope resurrecting it just by looking at the chip. Regardless I'll just do it on my own by cleaning the leaked a battery acid. Any help disassembling the board?
how did you discharged the capacitor? I got a slight zap but i don't know if that caused further damage or if i still need to discharge it. It's been for more than a week without batteries.
Great video... but I have a different problem with my SB600. If I tilt the flash head at certain angle it won't fire. Any idea why this happen? thanks :)
hey. good video. you seem to know you're stuff!!. i have a question for you. i bought a YN 560-II speedlight a few weeks ago and after about 200 photo's of use it just stopped and would not turn back on. i took the batteries out and they where scalding hot! i tried replacing them but it still wont turn on. do you think this is fixable? thanks
Every electronics is designed so differently. But if you say your batteries are super hot, then I can only assume there is some kind of short circuit inside to drain that battery quickly. Can't tell exactly what it may be. Sorry.
ATG suggests to mix barking soda with water. Then apply on the those contacts. The same thing can be do to vehicles' battery leads. After drying, use a pencil ink easier to clean the leads, again.
Try an oil based penetrant or silicone lubricant (like CRC, WD-40, INOX, etc.), and and hit it with something abrasive (like sandpaper, emery cloth, wire brush, steel wool, etc.); I like to use a Dremel with a nylon and/or steel wire brush cups and/or wheels.
I did not discharge the capacitors and stayed away from that area for the repair I needed to do. Usually cap discharge is done either by letting it sit for a long time or shorting the two leads.
Actually it is really easy to touch somy place on board with voltage. Ideally you should use 1KoM 1W resistor and touch connector with black and red wire. Or just wait till voltage will go down. But them you need multimeter to track voltage.
Hello, Thanks for the video. I have a dumb question, I have never sold anything before, I bought a solder and try to sold the same component and it just wont stick, the sold just melt and vanish but it wont stick and glue the things up, What in the world am I doing wrong? is some kind of specific solder ??
Okay so the built in wide angle diffuser broke on my Sony flash. Now it is stuck on wide and I cannot zoom at all. Do you know any fix? It is the Sony HVL F43AM. Thanks!!!
OK, I have a silly question. How in the world did you get the top screws out? Mine are tightened on so tight that I have completely stripped one. Neither me nor my husband can get those suckers to budge.
Christy Wadge It's been awhile since I did the repair, but with small screws, you really need to make sure you use the right size of screwdriver. But I don't remember having any problems taking them out.
dial2fast Thanks for the fast reply. Yeah, we have the right size screw driver. My flash was getting super hot (it exploded 4 batteries at the same time), so I am wondering now if some of the plastic melted on the inside and fused my screws in there. :P I was cracking it open to see if I could figure out what the problem was.
Hello, I had the same problem that it would not power on and after watching your great video I fixed it! the power is back on but it wont flash. and It dosn't give the ready light. Do you have any idee what could be wrong?
I am not sure what other problem it may be, but if the ready light don't light up, then it might be something with the capacitors or the charging part of the circuit. Did you check for any other bad solder joints.
Excellent tutorial, well done. As others have stated, it would be a good idea to show how to discharge the firing circuit, or.. the caps. Chances are you won't be harmed but there's enough juice stored that could put your heart in de-fib. The caps in these flashes store huge current and can be lethal if not respected.
hi dila2fast i have a sb600 diferent problem, after shoot (x) times in the display said BAT if i remove the battery's and instal the same batterys works nice for ( x ) time any idea why this hapen
We had a Nikon SB 700 that would not turn on even with brand new batteries. We pushed down hard on the batteries and spun them to help knock the dirt loose in the springs that connect to the batteries and then it worked fine.
My sb600 works and flashes then after a few pictures the lcd just glows, the text on the lcd goes away and it doesnt shut off unless I take out the batteries. Any ideas on what it could be?
I dropped my SB600 from just a couple of feet and I think that will fix it. I am not as good with my hands when I was younger. No doubt Nikon would charge too much and would not be worth it. May I send the flash you for repair? Thank you
Hi,I have flash sb700 and I drop it to water is ''working'' I could turn it on..but after few seconds is "warning'' and after that I can't do anything.Any suggestions why??please help...thank you
Hi, mine F100 inductor seems pretty damaged (the black shilding is boken into multiple parts. Is it possible to replace that, if so, do anybody know where you can buy such one?
+Armando Morales Glad to help. I picked up two of these flashes for good price and one had something loose in side. It was a piece of the inductor. Still works great, but I'm ready when it go'es.
hi, i have the same speed light flash an SB-600, with a problem : it flashes a few times then it skip others.. (means when i took a photos, some comes normal lighted but others comes without flash). is there any one who has this problem?
Good video. But .....SAFTEY WARNING!!! ...are you not supposed to discharge the capacitor before working on anything inside? I understand there are some 300V across it ....
A few things: 1.You can't charge a capacitor with an open (i.e. broken, or incomplete) circuit. 2. Capacitors discharge themselves. Without intervention, it'll take about 5-10 minutes for the potential difference across these caps to drop to 0v. 3. The shock you'll receive from discharging the full capacity of one of these across your finger (not pleasant) isn't really a health hazard.
I just performed the repair with success! I partly opened my SB-600 yesterday without spotting anything obvious. Your video points out the exact spot of the problem, so today I repaired my flash. Excellent!
trakthor Very good to hear!
Many thanks for this post! My flash had the same broken solder joint, but I cannot recall dropping it!
I'm amazed why anybody would bother to give a thumbs down for this incredibly useful advice. 5 stars!
Just wanted to say a BIG thanks for sharing...
This excellent video provided me with the confidence to 'have a go' at fixing my 'dead' SB-600 after dropping it.
After opening the unit, I identified the F100 inductor - yup, it had taken a hit - bits of the shattered shielding rattling around.
Sourced a new F100 - Ebay (£3 inc P&P) and set about swopping them after watching a few 'surface mount soldering' vids on UA-cam.
Put the unit back together - powered it up and it's working again!
Thanks! I got a used SB-600 when I bought my camera and it worked intermittently. I opened it up with the help of this video and re-soldered that exact component, now it works like a champ!
Thanks for your feedback.
I didn't even think about fixing it myself!! I was googling where to send it for repair when I found this video. Mine fell off a bed and onto the floor a few YEARS ago, and I've been too frustrated and stingy to send it off. I was boggled that such a short fall to the floor would render it completely dead. I will try this tomorrow! Thank you so much for posting this.
Hope you can fix it. Good luck.
Great video. Saved me 100 Euro. I took my SB600 apart, didn't find any unmounted / loose parts. Anyway i re-soldered the mentioned component on the circuit board and after re-mounting i was happy to see my flash working again :-). Thanks a lot.
Thanks, I solved my problems with this flash following this video.
Some comments: it is sufficient to remove only two screws near the head of the flash (see at 1:31); it is not needed to remove the gray cable connector (2:40). A BIG remark: the hard part of this work is not shown... remount everything! So be careful.
Great to hear another successful story. Good work!
That's wonderful news. Thanks for sharing. Glad my video helped.
Great ! I have bought one out of ordrer in second hand shop for 3 Euros. Now it works perfectly. Thanks
Awesome deal!!
I've watched and re-watched your video is awesome! Thank you for making it and sharing. Now I just need to have the guts to start unscrewing the first screw...
Thank you. I was definitely happy to have been able to fix it (Lucky!).
Thanks for providing your experience!!
Well done! You have a lot of guts opening that thing. I just dug out my old Sunpack 622 and found out it's dead. Thinking it's the capacitor that's gone bad after about a decade of sitting around
I never comment, but had to for this one. Fixed it based on your awesome video. thanks
I have not experienced your issue but in my research to fix mine, the two top problem/fix for SB600 was 1) the broken solder joint shown in this vid, and 2) the flash turns on but won't flash, and the actual flash needs replacement in the flash head. I can't guarantee that is your only broken part.
Hello dial2fast, Because I'm not to technical I gave the SB600 to my frend Jan who to a look at it and gave it back to me the next day.
He found the second problem and fixed it for me so its working fine now! He found that the SMD-diode whas broken and replaced this with an alternative one.
Thanks to you and my frend Jan I own I fine working SB600 flash again and I'm very greatfull for your help and this great video you put online. I hope by adding this extra information more people will be able to avoid a lot of cost for a new flash.
Thanks a lot guys and greetings from the Netherlands.
Jurgen.
Thanks for your feedback!
You are amazing!!! I was afraid that I will not be able to put it back! Thank you for the video!!!
you're a genuis man! just did what you showed and it worked. Tks in 2022
Glad to hear this video is still helping others. Cheers!
Hello dial2fast. I have SB600 that doesn't fire when rotated to the right. In upper position, left and back it works jus fine. You think the wires in there might be interrupted (only in certain position of the flash head?). Thank you! Great video!
100% fixed the problem! Thank you so much! You were right though, a bit of a rubix cube putting it all back together!
Two components knocked off on my one... Now working again:) Thanks for sharing!
Thanks very much, same SB600, same problem. Fixed mine today. Great video
Excellent, very good to hear!
SO happy to have found this! Thank you! Took it apart and it is working again!!! :)
+ntbormann2 Cool, thanks for sharing!
Thanks for this video. Had the same exact problem and this fixed it right up. Was a little nervous since I had never soldered before but as of right now everything is working.
+Cory Hayes Very good to hear you got yours fixed. Cheers!!
Since I didn't open up the head part, I can't say for certain what might be causing it. There is a motor in there too which zooms in / out depending how the head is tilted. Not sure if you want to take it apart and have a look. You may or may not find the problem.
Great video. My SB-700 has similar problem..no power. Thank you and will tear down and have a look.
Thanks, with the encouragement of this video I fixed my SB-600 which got dropped today. Three surface mount components had come off, the inductor (no surprise) but also above it D303 and R360. Without D303 the speedlight powered up but wouldn't charge up the flash (for anyone else with the same problem to save time tracing the circuit diagram, with the writing on the board the right way up, the line on the diode needs to be on the left side).
well, I took it apart, didnt do anything...now it works. thanks, great video...
Good to hear!
Thanks, I had a different problem, cleaning up battery leakage and your video showed how to open it.
Thank you very much for the reply. I will probably take it to nikon service.
I remember dropping my sb-600 in the case. And now it turns on but won't fire. You think it may be the same part? I remember turning it on and I heard it trying to charge up the flash but weak. Then it wouldn't do it anymore and when I took out the battery I smelled a little bit of burn
Good Job bro.....I like it and will try to fix mine.
Muy bueno tu vídeo, te felicito. Muchas gracias.
nice...technic point..sir..very helpfull..thks
Great Video, but it seems mine is a different problem,
when me n my friend was on the bike riding,he accidentally dropped my SB 800.
now it wont fire,but i can turn it on and cycle through menus.
my dad would freak out on me if he finds out.
Do you think i should send it to service ?
or
What do you think ?
THANKS
How do you get the cover back on. The wires are routed how because no matter what I do they are always in the way and the cover won’t seat properly.
Thanks a lot!!! My flash it works again!
I want a DIY repair for my sb700. Only halted disassembly on circuit board. I can't figure out how the lever and switches at the back seem to be holding the circuit board intact even when screws removed. It had leaked battery but service says no hope resurrecting it just by looking at the chip. Regardless I'll just do it on my own by cleaning the leaked a battery acid. Any help disassembling the board?
Do you have a video on how to replace the battery door for this flash?
Thanks, it helps me!!
Well done thanks for sharing and I fix my SB600 base on your video
how did you discharged the capacitor? I got a slight zap but i don't know if that caused further damage or if i still need to discharge it. It's been for more than a week without batteries.
I didn't discharge mine but I removed the PC boards separately and didn't need to. Capacitors can hold a charge for a long time. So becareful.
Any ideas on fixing a flash that the battery leaked in the compartment? I sanded it a little to no avail
Great video... but I have a different problem with my SB600. If I tilt the flash head at certain angle it won't fire. Any idea why this happen? thanks :)
Great video. I hope it helps be fix my SB700 with the same symptoms.
Do you think the problem would be the same with a dropped Canon 600EX?
Thank you sooo much ! You juste saved my flash :)
You are the best man!!!
Thanks for your comment!
hey. good video. you seem to know you're stuff!!.
i have a question for you.
i bought a YN 560-II speedlight a few weeks ago and after about 200 photo's of use it just stopped and would not turn back on. i took the batteries out and they where scalding hot! i tried replacing them but it still wont turn on.
do you think this is fixable?
thanks
Every electronics is designed so differently. But if you say your batteries are super hot, then I can only assume there is some kind of short circuit inside to drain that battery quickly. Can't tell exactly what it may be. Sorry.
Any pointers for a corroded battery compartment? Same model flash, won't power up after extensive cleaning.
ATG suggests to mix barking soda with water. Then apply on the those contacts.
The same thing can be do to vehicles' battery leads.
After drying, use a pencil ink easier to clean the leads, again.
Try an oil based penetrant or silicone lubricant (like CRC, WD-40, INOX, etc.), and and hit it with something abrasive (like sandpaper, emery cloth, wire brush, steel wool, etc.); I like to use a Dremel with a nylon and/or steel wire brush cups and/or wheels.
what did you use to discharge the cap?
I did not discharge the capacitors and stayed away from that area for the repair I needed to do. Usually cap discharge is done either by letting it sit for a long time or shorting the two leads.
Actually it is really easy to touch somy place on board with voltage. Ideally you should use 1KoM 1W resistor and touch connector with black and red wire. Or just wait till voltage will go down. But them you need multimeter to track voltage.
Just lick it.
Thanks helped ma alot
i had the same problem, and fixed it with this video.
Awesome.
Great vid.
Hello, Thanks for the video. I have a dumb question, I have never sold anything before, I bought a solder and try to sold the same component and it just wont stick, the sold just melt and vanish but it wont stick and glue the things up, What in the world am I doing wrong? is some kind of specific solder ??
Make sure you using the correct solder for electronics with rosin core and also best to get a solder sucker to suck up the old solder first.
Good job!!
Okay so the built in wide angle diffuser broke on my Sony flash. Now it is stuck on wide and I cannot zoom at all. Do you know any fix? It is the Sony HVL F43AM. Thanks!!!
in my case the component is still soldered, but the component itself seems broken, any idea where to get the component itself?
OK, I have a silly question. How in the world did you get the top screws out? Mine are tightened on so tight that I have completely stripped one. Neither me nor my husband can get those suckers to budge.
Christy Wadge It's been awhile since I did the repair, but with small screws, you really need to make sure you use the right size of screwdriver. But I don't remember having any problems taking them out.
dial2fast Thanks for the fast reply. Yeah, we have the right size screw driver. My flash was getting super hot (it exploded 4 batteries at the same time), so I am wondering now if some of the plastic melted on the inside and fused my screws in there. :P I was cracking it open to see if I could figure out what the problem was.
LOL, don't worry, it's not too bad, just take your time.
Hello, I had the same problem that it would not power on and after watching your great video I fixed it! the power is back on but it wont flash. and It dosn't give the ready light. Do you have any idee what could be wrong?
I am not sure what other problem it may be, but if the ready light don't light up, then it might be something with the capacitors or the charging part of the circuit. Did you check for any other bad solder joints.
Excellent tutorial, well done. As others have stated, it would be a good idea to show how to discharge the firing circuit, or.. the caps. Chances are you won't be harmed but there's enough juice stored that could put your heart in de-fib. The caps in these flashes store huge current and can be lethal if not respected.
You're mistaken.
thinbk you best of solution for me
I was told ATG/Nikon designed this beginner flash to have F100 disabled if ruff handling occurred. The same but in deference area for SB-910.
hi dila2fast i have a sb600 diferent problem, after shoot (x) times in the display said BAT if i remove the battery's and instal the same batterys works nice for ( x ) time any idea why this hapen
We had a Nikon SB 700 that would not turn on even with brand new batteries. We pushed down hard on the batteries and spun them to help knock the dirt loose in the springs that connect to the batteries and then it worked fine.
Hi my flash fires the first time and then doesn't for a long time, any ideas?
Awesome
My sb600 works and flashes then after a few pictures the lcd just glows, the text on the lcd goes away and it doesnt shut off unless I take out the batteries. Any ideas on what it could be?
I dropped my SB600 from just a couple of feet and I think that will fix it. I am not as good with my hands when I was younger. No doubt Nikon would charge too much and would not be worth it. May I send the flash you for repair?
Thank you
I am sorry, but currently I am extremely busy with work and family. Also the fix may be something beyond the scope of what I have shown.
My Nikon L610 camera will not turn on, set for 3 weeks , did not even drop it., tried new batteries and still nothing. Any Suggestions? Thank you.
Hi,I have flash sb700 and I drop it to water is ''working'' I could turn it on..but after few seconds is "warning'' and after that I can't do anything.Any suggestions why??please help...thank you
dropped this flash, would not power on. got down to the circuit board but all my circuits were brick solid...what else could it be???
Hi, mine F100 inductor seems pretty damaged (the black shilding is boken into multiple parts.
Is it possible to replace that, if so, do anybody know where you can buy such one?
+Christian Nyhuus www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/SD6030-100-R/513-1475-1-ND/1555624
Hi, Thanks but unfornylay i dismissed it long time ago
+zoomanmc yes ! thank you , my sb600 had this part broke into multiple pieces
+Armando Morales Glad to help. I picked up two of these flashes for good price and one had something loose in side. It was a piece of the inductor. Still works great, but I'm ready when it go'es.
👍👍👌👌
Sorry, not sure.
bravo, ma anche fortunato !
thank you. I did mine, it turned out that one of the battery contacts had corrosion on it.
Sorry, I do not know.
hi dial2fast but i have adiferent problen in the display
hi, i have the same speed light flash an SB-600, with a problem : it flashes a few times then it skip others.. (means when i took a photos, some comes normal lighted but others comes without flash).
is there any one who has this problem?
strobs 3 time
Good video. But .....SAFTEY WARNING!!! ...are you not supposed to discharge the capacitor before working on anything inside? I understand there are some 300V across it ....
Mike McCartney - agree, definitely should discharge the caps before disassembly
A few things:
1.You can't charge a capacitor with an open (i.e. broken, or incomplete) circuit.
2. Capacitors discharge themselves. Without intervention, it'll take about 5-10 minutes for the potential difference across these caps to drop to 0v.
3. The shock you'll receive from discharging the full capacity of one of these across your finger (not pleasant) isn't really a health hazard.