Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

One of my E640's seems to work intermittently. (ie, it works when I set it up, and then stops working during the shoot). The model light dims, just no flash.

My first thought was that it needed a new tube, but then it started working again. I can't find any looseness in the fit, and it doesn't get moved after setup. But I set it up for a shoot and halfway through I notice that it's not firing. This has happened 2-3 times, so I guess it's not going to fix itself. Possibly heat-related, I suppose

Anything I should check besides the tube before sending for repair?

Does the model lamp stay on when it does not flash? If so, that is not a thermal shut off.

Will the light fire from its own test button? If so, it could be a remote issue.

Does there seem to be more or less success if power levels are changed?

Everything functions normally (model light dims when it should, then returns to normal brightness), except that sometimes the strobe simply doesn't fire. Same with the radio or test button. I initially suspected the tube, but then it started working again. And then it stopped. And started again.

I'll try it at different power levels, see if that has anything to do with it.

Reseat the tube, in case it is loose. Do you hear a cracking sound when it fires? Try it at different powers, starting high or low, and working in one direction 1f at a time. Also, go to the function screen and check the temperatures when it does not fire.

I'm having the same problem. If I raise the Ws it fires, but not all the time. When it does fire with the test button, only sometimes on second press. Also, changing channels seems to have an immediate effect, but then it stops working again???

I tried re-seating the flash tube...

Also, when I try to adjust the power, with the Cyber Commander, it stays at "<f1.0".

Are you using the test button, is this on the light, or on the Cyber Commander? Remove the CSXCV, and use the test button on the light. Does the unit seem to function normally? If so, it is probably a CC setting.

I tried removing the CSXCV, still doesn't work. It only seems to fire near full power???

As per my original post... yes, using test button.

Also, tried re-flashing firmware...

I am having the exact same problem. I recently purchased 3 Einsteins. I have only done 3 shoots with them and on the third shoot, one of them starts failing to fire. The symptoms are identical to those described above.

I switched flash tubes with one of my other units and the one that wasn't working before still is not working. I push the test button on the Cyber Commander and/or the light it self and I get the same result: modeling light dims, flash doesn't fire, modeling light comes back. Every now and then the flash will work but usually only at higher power levels. This is kinda silly... Got any answers Paul C. Buff?

I noticed someone else posted another thread about this but only got one reply for tech support basically saying send it in. I hope you don't expect us to pay shipping to send the unit back after having it for so little time...

Suggestions are welcome. Spend about $3000 on this kit and it is not off to a very good start...

Sorry to be such a downer but thats how I feel.

Take care,

Kyle

Since the model lamp remained on, you are not experiencing an overheat problem, so that can be ruled out. On the tube that was removed from the faulty light, was there any charring on the legs outside the glass (marks that appear as scorch marks inside the glass near the legs are normal)? If so, then the tube was arcing, which damaged the tube and the flash head. The new tube should be removed immediately to avoid damage (and inspected). If the legs look OK, then there is a different problem at play. In either case, the light will need to come in. Customer Service will be the best ones to assist you in determining warranty resolution options. They can be reached at 1-800-443-5542 M-F 9-5 Central. Or you can reach us via email at info@paulcbuff.com.