Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

I have an Einstein with only 3392 flashes on it and have always treated it very gently and it's just a year old (if I presume that it's a new one that was provided with my swap from v1 to v2). The flash bulb seems to have expired last night while doing some test shots in my office.

I see that it's rated for 200,000 flashes, but I was nowhere close to that number. What are the other factors that play a role in the life of the flash tube?

Age? How many years could be expected with only a couple hundred flashes a year?
Physical care? Would the small vibrations of riding around in car result in a reduced life?
Temperature? What about being stored or used in freezing or very hot conditions?
Chance? Are some just destined to go at only a few thousand?

The 200,000 is a median life span. Some will go out sooner, some later. If you use the flash at a higher rate than designed for, a misinstalled flash tube, impact, and other abnormalities can cause premature failure. However, a flash which does not fire does not immediately indicate a bad tube.

Thank you for the reply. Based on the FAQ it sounds like a blown bulb, the LCD and modeling lamp work fine, just no flash. I also tried replacing the fuse.

The unit has never been pushed hard as I rarely use it near full power and never more than 5 frames in a 10 second period. The tube hasn't been changed from the factory installation or impact of any kind. I must just be one of the unlucky ones. I understand these things happen.

Is there anything I might check to confirm it's the tube? I visual inpection turned up nothing, though I'm not aware of what subtle indications may be present.

If you have multiple E640's you can swap the tube. Otherwise, you may want to give us a call for further trouble shooting, as there are other causes that mimic a bad tube.

Well, I already ordered a new tube, doesn't hurt to have an extra if in fact my current one is okay. I'll call in and see if we can troubleshoot though.