Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

Hello, I'm new here, but I'm having an issue with a B800. I purchased it used off of craigslist, and when it fires, it always seems to fire at the lowest setting no matter where it is set. When I turn the light off and then back on leaving it a full power, it seems to flash at full power for a couple of flashes, then back to really low power. Does anyone have any ideas what could be the issue?

Thanx in advance. -Jim

Are you using any remotes in the telephone jack of the light?

No. I use a CowboyStudio NPT-04 as a remote trigger which uses the 3.5mm jack. But even without the remote, just using the dump button, I can tell that it's going down in intensity after turning it on with full power. I'm just trying to see if I should try to get a refund back from this guy or if it can be fixed.

Also, one other thing that's interesting, I don't have a modeling lightbulb for it, but the guy I bought it from said that he just uses regular light bulbs. I tried a regular light bulb and when I first turn on the flash, it works for about 3-4 seconds, and then just flickers. I'm guessing it's a capacitor issue. Does anyone know how much something like that might cost to fix?

Thanx. -Jim

I think this should come in for repair (or you should seek a refund). If it is in warranty, the balance warranty would transfer to you. If it is out of warranty, most repairs are $40 plus flashtubes ($35) and model lamp ($10) costs, if needed. Shipping from us to a Continental U.S. address is also included in the $40.

More info can be found here:
http://www.paulcbuff.com/repair.php

Thank you very much for your reply. How can I tell if it is still under warrantee?

-Jim

It will tell you when you submit the repair form (linked to in the link above). You can fill out the s/n and select the light then hit submit without filling everything else out. Cancel the option to print, and it will show you when the warranty expired on the web page.

Very cool. I've looked on the outside of the flash and don't see a serial number anywhere. Where can I find it?

Thanks again for the help.

Assuming it is still there, it is on the bottom of the light, on the front edge, almost under the mounting block. It is on a white sticker, and it should start with an "8".

Thanks again for the info. Checked it out last night. Warrantee has expired. Does this issue sound like it can be fixed? I mean, I got a great deal on the light, and even with an added 40 dollars to fix it, it will be worth it. But if it will cost significantly more than that, I would rather seek a refund from the seller. I know that you may not be able to give any kind of estimate, but can you speculate at all? :)

Thanks again.

Most repairs are $40, plus the cost of replacement tubes/bulbs if needed. We can re-evaluate the estimate if we open it up and find a nest of PCB-eating badgers has taken over, or something similar. Our repair department can give you a worst case scenario if you call or write them.