Flash stopped working

[alfbranch]

My Metz 36 AF- 4O has stopped working. It charges and the green light comes on the focus beam operates but it wont fire on camera or with the test button.

Can I get it repaired and will it be worth it?

[ianpinion]

Have you tried contacting Metz Service?

[alfbranch]

Originally Posted by ianpinion

Have you tried contacting Metz Service?

Yes I have to send it for a free quote and they charge £42.50. The flash was £75. I am not impressed with it I dont think I have changed the batteries yet.

[amk1977]

Personally, I'd save the money and put it towards the Metz 58 AF-1. SRS Microsystems have them on sale for £215. I have the same flash for the Nikon D90 and have to say, its fantastic. It came top of its class, beating OEM flashes at the time. Its now been superceded by the AF-2 version, which is just shy of £300.

[Stormsong]

@ Alfbranch - I have had the same problem; my flash (Metz Mecablitz 36 AF-4) is 16 months old and I contacted the seller (in this case, a reputalbe online photographic shop) first, writing to their customer services department and asking what I must do to send the flash back for repairs.
I quoted the Sale of Goods Act in my letter, stating that the lifespan of the flashgun was clearly well below the expected lifespan of such an item. I got an immediate reply from the seller saying that I should fill in a returns form and that under their terms and conditions, the flash would be repaired free of charge.

However, the Sale of Goods Act is relevant only if you are in the UK. It is the SELLER's responsibility not the manufacturer's to fix something (as they are acting as agents for the manufacturers); what I would do is write/email the customer services department of the store where you bought your flash, explain that you have taken due care of the flash as per the manufacturer's advice and that you are not happy that the flash and can they advise you how to send the flash back for repairs.
In most cases, if the flash is older than 24 months, you will probably have to pay a nominal fee to have it fixed. Because my flash is less than 24 months old, it is being done free of charge. All it is costing me is the recorded delivery charge to send it back to the seller.
Know your rights as a customer: if you are indeed in the UK, and a polite letter/email to the seller does not result in a response, email them again, and if there still is no response, you could contact the Citizens Advice Bureau regarding your options of taking the seller to the small claims court.

I hope this helps. Have a look at this link for further advice:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governme...ghts/DG_182935 or this one about the seller's responsibilities http://whatconsumer.co.uk/shops-responsibility/

Regards,
Denise

[alfbranch]

stormsong
Thanks for that I will try it. I am in the UK as is the retailer.

AMK1977
I think I would buy a Niisin flash next time as I can get one to work wireless with my Olympus E-620

[alfbranch]

This all the leading retailer had to say

Thank you for your recent email. As the item is outside of its 1 year
warranty you would need to speak to the manufacturers themselves but it
may be that any repair is chargeable.

[OldBoy]

Originally Posted by alfbranch

This all the leading retailer had to say

Thank you for your recent email. As the item is outside of its 1 year
warranty you would need to speak to the manufacturers themselves but it
may be that any repair is chargeable.

Quote the Sale of Goods Act, which says that the item should be expected to last longer than a year because it isn't used every day. You are not claming it under warranty but that the item should have lasted longer than it did.

[alfbranch]

Originally Posted by OldBoy

Quote the Sale of Goods Act, which says that the item should be expected to last longer than a year because it isn't used every day. You are not claming it under warranty but that the item should have lasted longer than it did.

I did quote as advised by Stormsong and used the format suggested I will send another reply I think.

[Cathus]

Give Consumer Direct a call, this is a governmenent funded organisation which takes on Trading Standards type calls from the public.

They will advise you on your rights & tell you that the Sale of Goods Act gives you six years' protection against the trader rather than the 1-year you get from the manufacturer. They wil also log your problem & give you a reference number should you need further advise on the incident.
If an item is over a year old the seller should offer a repair or replacement, this may not be completely free though as they are entitled to factor in the value of the item & the use you have had from it in wear & tear.

I found them extremely friendly & helpful when I had a similar problem (not camera-related).