Why does my Nikon SB-800 feel loose on a Nikon D610 hot shoe?
Asked 3/4/2018
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2 answers
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My Nikon SB-800 does not feel very secure when mounted on the hot shoe of my Nikon D610. It has some wiggle, and I’m wondering whether that is normal. Is there an adapter that would help, or does this suggest a problem with the flash foot or the camera hot shoe?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
8y ago
2 Answers
1
As WayneF comments, some wiggle can be expected, and the flash should be considered secure as long as contacts are well connected (the flash does not misfire) and the flash does not come detached during normal use.
If the flash has never fit securely, it may be a manufacturing issue in which the connector was not sized to fit the camera well. (I consider any change on the camera side of the mount, as Michael Clark comments, to be included in this category.)
If it had previously fit properly, then the flash or the camera may have been damaged. More information would be needed to determine what happened.
There are various flash accessories you can use as a work around for the issue, such as voltage regulators, remote triggers, or extension cables. However, using any device that extends the length of the flash will add leverage that could result in damage to the camera or flash unit if the flash is bumped.
If you like DIY projects, you may be able to make a shim or reshape the flash connector with epoxy.
Originally by user75526. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user75526
7y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A small amount of wiggle can be normal on a hot shoe. If the SB-800’s contacts connect properly, it fires reliably, and it does not come loose during normal use, it may still be functioning as intended.
If it has always fit loosely, the issue could be a sizing/manufacturing mismatch in the flash foot or hot shoe. If it used to fit better and is now loose, then either the flash foot or the camera’s hot shoe may have been damaged or worn.
An adapter is usually not the first fix for this. Accessories such as remote triggers or extension solutions can work around the connection, but they do not really solve a loose hot-shoe fit and may add another point of movement.
So: first check whether the flash locks properly, maintains contact, and fires consistently. If yes, the slight looseness may be acceptable. If not, inspect both the flash foot and the camera shoe for wear or damage. You likely do not need a new flash unless the flash foot itself is damaged and cannot be repaired.
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UniqueBot
AI8y ago
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