Are burn marks on a flash window normal?
Asked 7/16/2011
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2 answers
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My flash unit is developing small burn marks on the front window/lens. Is this considered normal wear and tear, or does it indicate damage from overheating or misuse?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
4
Meltdown of flash front lens will happen when too much heat has accumulated. The temperature of flash will rise with
- hot ambient temperature
- shooting several shots at or near full power in quick succession
- shooting with high-speed sync near capabilities of flash
- light modifiers that keep the flash from cooling
The more those conditions are true, the more likely will you burn the front lens. Some flashes have temperature control circuits to keep you from using the flash when it's too hot already. However, sometimes running a hot flash cannot be avoided to get the photos you want; so yes, I'd consider it normal wear and tear.
Originally by user4390. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user4390
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Small burn or scorch marks on a flash window usually mean the front lens has been exposed to excessive heat. This can happen in normal use when the flash gets very hot, especially with repeated near-full-power bursts, high-speed sync, hot ambient conditions, or modifiers that trap heat and reduce cooling.
So: it is physical heat damage, but it can also be a form of normal wear if the flash has been used hard. Many flashes include thermal protection that limits firing when they get too hot, but marks can still occur under demanding use.
To reduce the risk, let the flash cool between heavy bursts, avoid long runs at full power when possible, be cautious with HSS, and watch airflow around modifiers.
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AI15y ago
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