Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

I arrived at my studio today, and found out that my Einstein was more or less dead. The modelling light works, but not the flash.

I have tried to trig it like I usually do, and also tested with the test button. No flash.

The Einstein has had 4300+ flashes, but I see on your website that the tube works to 200.000+ flashes.

Any suggestions what could be wrong? Will it help at all to try and update the firmware? Could it be that the software is messing it up? Or am I better off buying a new flashtube right away?

It could be a flash tube. If you have another, you can try to swap them. You can also try to re-seat the one you have installed. Look at the tube that is in there to see if there are any cracks or breaks in the wire wrap or a broken leg.

Alternatively, it could be an internal issue. If the tube visually looks OK, then it is more likely an internal issue, though a very small (i.e. invisible) crack can cause the gas to escape and render the tube unusable.

You can buy a new tube and see if that works. If not, the light will need to be sent in for repair (it doesn't hurt to have the extra tube in case one does break).

Alternatively, you can send the light in for a check up, and we can replace the tube if needed or fix anything else that is wrong. Charges will vary depending on warranty status.

Unfortunately, without the light in hand, we cannot diagnose the problem precisely.

Hi!

I finally got the time to check the flash today. Tried to switch the flashtube (the ring, right?) with another Einstein, but that didn`t do the trick.

The flash still beeps when recharged, but there are still no flash.

I live in Norway, so sending the flash to you is a bit expensive I`m afraid.

Is there any reset I can do or anything else I can try? Is the flash likely to just stop working after standing still in the studio and maybe been "flashed" about 500 times?

If a flashtube swap did not fix the problem, there is an internal fault. This would require the light to come in for service.

I see...

I rent a studio with some other photographers and I have left this flash in the studio. Not sure if there are many who has used it, but I guess it just won`t break like this if it just stands still? Or have you had flashes break for no reason?

Any idea what it would cost in repair? I know you can`t give an exact answer, but it would be great if you could estimate for me.

Every component of every device ever made will fail eventually. Sometimes that does happen before it is expected, even if left to sit or with moderate use (being left to sit is worse in many cases than normal use).

Einsteins are covered by a 2-year warranty, so if the light is under the 2 year mark, the repair itself would be no charge.

Transportation charges would apply. Customer service would be better suited to estimate shipping charges from us to you. They can be reached at info@paulcbuff.com. Any governmental charges (taxes/VAT, duties, etc) would also apply, though we cannot predict those.

Not quite sure when I bought them, but I believe it was summer 2012.

Possible for you to check? My nick is my name. :)

Dag Frogner

I see three under your account. The one with s/n ending in 48 was purchased in 7/2012. The two with s/n ending in 45 and 46 were purchased in 2/2013. So they are all three under warranty until at least June of this year.