Nikon SB900 Overheating

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jayeshpp

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I've been shooting at a couple of events/parties/engagements recently and whats been really annoying me is that the SB900 shuts down after a handful of shots! I first thought the problem was with the rubbish Duracell batteries I was using, so I purchased a set of Uniross rechargables and the same problem. I wait a bit for it to cool down, but it takes so long then I have to start shooting again and then the same problem occurs.

I did a bit of googling around and read that the SB900 (probably older models too) have overheating protection on the flash tube. I also read that it's possible turn this off but that could lead to problems.

I'm using the flash on Manual 1/1 power bouncing the flash in most cases, and TTL for some fill light. I have also have the SD-9 battery pack to increase the lifespan of the flash without having to change batteries.

I wanted to ask if any of you have turned this protection off on any of your speedlights and how the flash is coping? Or if there are any things you can to do help prevent or make the flash last longer...
 
I have two 900s, one cuts out, the other doesn't, despite being on the same settings and using the same batteries. I don't think that there is actually a problem with the flashes overheating, but more that the overheat sensor is a bit too sensitive on some of them. A firmware update would probably cure it...
 
I definitely agree that the sensor is very sensitive!! I was just testing it out today and after taking about 10 shots on full power with a few seconds between each shot, the flash already decided to take a break.

I believe i'm on the latest firmware at the moment on the flash as well.

I'll see how it performs next time I use it, I guess with the addition of the SD-9, it'll get hotter much quicker.. At least it has a bit more time to relax with just the 4 batteries.
 
I used my SB900 continual use over a 5 hour period recently but didn't have any problems I was aware of in it shutting down (except that I didn't know how to use it and need more practice of course). Was using 'Energizer' Ultimate batteries which seemed to last forever?

Paul
 
If FITP says Nikon have a bit of an overheating problem on some models, then that is well worth looking into.

But if you are shooting rapidly on full power, cranking the thing hard with a battery pack too, then you are obviously pushing it and all flashguns will eventually overheat if you do that, sooner or later. I'm surprised that a top end Nikon is doing it so readily though.

Are you using high-speed/focal-plane mode? That rogers them double-quick. If not, and until you find the answer, turning down the power and upping the ISO/aperture will keep it going longer.
 
As I said, I don't think the flashes actually are overheating, but rather that the thermal cut-off in some of them is set a bit too low which is causing the problem.
 
Hammerhead64 said:
I used my SB900 continual use over a 5 hour period recently but didn't have any problems I was aware of in it shutting down (except that I didn't know how to use it and need more practice of course). Was using 'Energizer' Ultimate batteries which seemed to last forever?

Paul
Click to expand...

It's not the batteries that is the problem, it's Nikons 'Thermal Cut-out' setting which as FITP it's so sensitive and as a result cuts out after 10-15 shots. But having read a little bit I found out that you can disable this setting and use the flash for longer.

HoppyUK said:
If FITP says Nikon have a bit of an overheating problem on some models, then that is well worth looking into.

But if you are shooting rapidly on full power, cranking the thing hard with a battery pack too, then you are obviously pushing it and all flashguns will eventually overheat if you do that, sooner or later. I'm surprised that a top end Nikon is doing it so readily though.

Are you using high-speed/focal-plane mode? That rogers them double-quick. If not, and until you find the answer, turning down the power and upping the ISO/aperture will keep it going longer.
Click to expand...

I was only shooting a few frames per minute, no high speed shooting involved at all. I was shooting an event at a club.

In the manual it says:

Manual Flash Mode (1/1, 1/2)
Max Number of continuous firings (at 6fps) = 15 or less

15 shots at 6fps? Thats less than 3 seconds shooting, I did 15 frames in a few minutes...
 
The SB900 does have a reputation for cutting out under load, them seem to overheat very rapidly (or at least the sensor thinks so). Yet 30 years ago the metz 60 would shoot all day at full power, we have come a long way with technoligy.
 
:thinking: Don't remember saying it was a battery problem ...... I was just stating the batteries I used lasted a long time. :shrug:
Was initially thinking that your unit might have a problem and if you were only shooting 15 frames in a few minutes it may be worth getting it checked?

Paul
 
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