Diana F+ new

[Shinnen]

Hi all,
I just bought a Diana F+ Metropolis (used). It's a nice looking camera; but the 'fire away' doesn't make it flash. I've tried putting the battery in both ways; but it doesn't whine (which I understand it should) when I switch it to 'on'; nor does the white LED indicator light up. (The battery is fully charged).
I'm considering taking it (the flash) apart, but do not know how; and wanted to check with the experts to see if I'm missing something. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks,
.... john

 

[David Lyga]

If this is an electronic flash don't take it apart or even think of doing that. There is extreme danger of electrocution as the capacitor accumulates the power and discharges it all at once. Even if you discharge it first, IT WILL NOT BE SAFE. DIRE WARNING. - David Lyga

 

[Shinnen]

Hi David,
Thanks for the warning; but I took it apart a long time ago. Now it's completely useless. However, the camera still works.
..... john

 

[REAndy]

Clean all the battery contacts with a pencil eraser. Use lithium batteries. I have had flash units I haven't cycled in a year, and they take forever to charge up the capacitor. Leave it on for a while, check it. Even if you don't get the "ready" light illuminated, try the "test" button in the hopes that you have enough of a charge for the flash to light. If you can get it to do this a few times, you should notice that it charges faster and faster. Hopefully back to normal.

I had one flash unit that I had stored for a couple of years. Clean contacts and new lithium batteries wouldn't get it to flash, even after waiting an hour. Luckily I had the AC wall adapter for that flash unit. Connecting it up to that power and it finally (after about 5 minutes) I got the "ready" light, and it flashed. I was patient, and did this several more times. and the capacitor started to accept a charge faster and faster. I was able to "revive" it and it works on batteries now. After this experience I cycle all my flash units every few months if they have not been used.

Good luck.

 

[4season]

For what it's worth, I had a brand-new Lomo Instant Automat with faulty flash, A look inside revealed nothing obvious: Soldering looked pretty good, and nothing looked obviously amiss. Lomography sent me a replacement unit which worked fine. Either way, I didn't hear any noises as it charged, the way I do with older flash units.

 

[REAndy]

I didn't hear any noises as it charged, the way I do with older flash units.

I just want to clarify... 4season: are you saying that with the good/replacement flash you don't hear any "charging noises" on that new one?
I used to be able to hear this easily (younger ears). Now that my ears are old and tired, I can't hear the high-pitched sound of a flash charging any longer. Or maybe the "newer" flash units don't have this sound like 4season says?

 

[4season]

I just want to clarify... 4season: are you saying that with the good/replacement flash you don't hear any "charging noises" on that new one?
I used to be able to hear this easily (younger ears). Now that my ears are old and tired, I can't hear the high-pitched sound of a flash charging any longer. Or maybe the "newer" flash units don't have this sound like 4season says?

I can easily hear older flash units charging, but not my Lomo Instant Automat (working unit). It may simply be operating at a higher frequency. Instant Automat's a pretty modern design, with epoxy circuit board filled with surface mount devics.