Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

Today I unpacked one of my Einstein units and set it up as normal, mains power connected. When I switched the unit on the modelling light came on as usual, and everything on-screen seemed fine. I pressed the Test button and the flash fired once then a puff of smoke came from the direction of the flash tube.

The modelling light stayed on. A subsequent press of the test button then failed to fire the flash. First thoughts were to check the flash tube, so I swapped it with another one from a second Einstein unit. This also failed to fire. I also tested the original flash tube in the second Einstein (the unit which didn't produce the puff of smoke) and the flash fired as normal.

So it would appear something within the Einstein has fried itself. The unit has had very little use so this is very frustrating and unexpected. The timing is also terrible as I'm in Ireland, and the European distributor has just recently ceased trading, meaning I may have to send the unit to the States and back for repair at my own expense.

Are there any suggestions before we go down that route?

Any chance of a response, PCB?

First, sorry for the delayed response. I have been out for a week, and our week was somewhat abbreviated due to weather last week, so the "back up" moderator has not been able to fully address everything on the forum as normal (He apparently had an email sent but got stuck in his outbox).

However, anytime there is a puff of smoke, we recommend discontinuing use of the light and having it sent in for repair.

A flash tube would only show a wisp of smoke if there was oil on the tube, or maybe puff if the tube arcs (which would likely require a repair anyway).

Ultimately, the light will need to come to us for repair.

You can visit this page for repair information http://www.paulcbuff.com/repair.php, and/or you may contact Customer Service at info@paulcbuff.com for more information.