Canon 199A Speedlight Service Manual/Repair

[BySumbergsStache]

I suspect that the electrolyte capacitor in my flash has become weak with age, and I'd like to replace it. However, I'm not exactly sure how to disassemble the 199A properly. Does anyone have a service manual or instructions on how to do so?

 

[AgX]

Even me as cheapskate would by another sample of that flash. Much more economic.

For proper function you need a special capacitor. And that also needs to fit into that space.

 

[benjiboy]

Don't attempt it you could get a fatal shock, buy another one that works they are only cheap these days.

 

[BySumbergsStache]

I appreciate the concern, but I work in a power electronics lab where we regularly deal with voltages orders of magnitude higher. I am well aware of the proper safety protocol when dealing with these sorts of things.

 

[Arvee]

I appreciate the concern, but I work in a power electronics lab where we regularly deal with voltages orders of magnitude higher. I am well aware of the proper safety protocol when dealing with these sorts of things.

It has been my experience that electrolytic capacitors suffer from non-use and need to be reformed by being exercised. Fresh batteries and 25 or so cycles will put you on the road to full power. Also, battery contacts, which may appear fine to the eye, may have a hard chemical coating that functions as a resistor in series with battery power causing the cap to not fully charge. Burnishing with a pencil eraser will restore a good connection. I have had several flashes, including the 199, not function at all due to this high resistance coating. A pencil eraser brought all of them back to life.

Good luck....

 

[Chan Tran]

It has been my experience that electrolytic capacitors suffer from non-use and need to be reformed by being exercised. Fresh batteries and 25 or so cycles will put you on the road to full power. Also, battery contacts, which may appear fine to the eye, may have a hard chemical coating that functions as a resistor in series with battery power causing the cap to not fully charge. Burnishing with a pencil eraser will restore a good connection. I have had several flashes, including the 199, not function at all due to this high resistance coating. A pencil eraser brought all of them back to life.

Good luck....

If it still work then I would do a reform like Fred said. How would the OP know that the capacitor is weak? Weak means it has some leakage? or means that it doesn't hold as much charge as it's supposed to?

 

[BySumbergsStache]

The flash is not charging to full power, indicating that the capacity of the capacitor has decreased.

 

[AgX]

As others had pointed out, capacitators (can) lose their capacity by long storage and "forming" can retrive that.
This only can be validated by light-metering.

If not charging to full power is based on the neon bulb not glowing, that would be a tricky test.

 

[MartinCrabtree]

I have a PDF parts blow up if that'll help.

 

[Phillip Storey]

It has been my experience that electrolytic capacitors suffer from non-use and need to be reformed by being exercised. Fresh batteries and 25 or so cycles will put you on the road to full power. Also, battery contacts, which may appear fine to the eye, may have a hard chemical coating that functions as a resistor in series with battery power causing the cap to not fully charge. Burnishing with a pencil eraser will restore a good connection. I have had several flashes, including the 199, not function at all due to this high resistance coating. A pencil eraser brought all of them back to life.

Good luck....

 

[Phillip Storey]

Thank you for the tip. After looking at a dead Canon 199a for a year it is now back and working correctly.

 

[AgX]

Looking at a dead flash for a year did revive it?
But likely most of us cannot spend that much time and rather try a different approach...