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| What are the factors in flash tube / bulb life? https://paulcbuff-techforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=3408 |
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| Author: | brett maxwell [ Sat Feb 18, 2012 4:40 pm ] |
| Post subject: | What are the factors in flash tube / bulb life? |
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? |
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| Author: | Technical Support [ Sat Feb 18, 2012 5:53 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: What are the factors in flash tube / bulb life? |
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. |
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| Author: | brett maxwell [ Sat Feb 18, 2012 11:58 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: What are the factors in flash tube / bulb life? |
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. |
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| Author: | Technical Support [ Mon Feb 20, 2012 11:10 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: What are the factors in flash tube / bulb life? |
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. |
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| Author: | brett maxwell [ Tue Feb 21, 2012 12:11 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: What are the factors in flash tube / bulb life? |
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. |
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