New SB-600 does not fire

<p>About a month ago I purchased a Nikon SB-600 from my local camera store. I read the manual, tested it, and shot a few pictures using a D80 and D300. I then ordered the Nikon SC-28T remote cord, tested it, everything fine. This evening after a few weeks not touching the flash I attached my camera to the remote cord, verified settings, pressed the shutter, no flash. I disconnected the flash from the remote cord, and it still does not flash. I read the manual again, the LCD displays information and red light glows "Ready", but nothing happens when I press the Flash button in any mode to test it. I've also tried reset, nothing. I am using Ni-HM rechargeable batteries, aside from that I have no idea why it doesn't fire. <br>

Any insiight appreciated before having to go back to the store. </p>

<p>Basic self check procedure:</p>

<ul>

<li>Put in a set of brand new, fresh AA batteries</li>

<li>Clean the electronic contacts in the hot shoe area, on both the camera, the flash, and the cord.</li>

</ul>

<p>Thanks Shun. I cleaned the contacts, placed new batteries in the unit, attached it to a D80 and D300 and the LCD work read normally, red light is Ready, but no flash. After taking the photo without the flash firing, there is the re-charging behavior, I can see the light flashing then turing into the steady "Ready" mode. </p>

<p>My SB-600 will for some reason not fire with NiHM batteries either, I switched to alkaline batteries and it works perfectly.</p>

<p>Just tried with Energizer Alkalines, still no-go. Everything works except of course the flash! I feel a trip to my store is in order...</p>

<p>One more thing just in case. Check the orientation of the batteries. See the attached image.</p>

<P>

BTW, those happened to be NiMH inside.

</P><div></div>

<p>Shun: Thanks for your response and photo. Yes, I checked battery position everytime I switched batteries. I'm a gadget freak so I pay close attention to battery orientation. The unit powers up, ready light illuminates, but no flash. At this juncture, I think for some unknown reason the flash bulb simply doesn't fire (or somehow did it short out??). I did not drop this unit or even carry it out of my home (for the last 30 days its been sitting attached to a tripod in the corner); the contacts are immaculate on all my cameras, I just don't understand. I will go to to the store where I purchased the unit and see what they figure out. <br>

Thanks again </p>

<p>First reset the flash with the two finger procedure. Read your flash manual how to do it.<br>

Even if flash buttons are locked, your camera shoud fire the flash, but you say you are testing it only with the test button ? If flash keyes were locked, no point in pressing any test button of the flash.</p>

<p>I believe Nikon has a 24 hour tech support line, I would call them and explain the problem you are having with your flash.<br>

Also, it may still be under warranty<br>

I just found their support phone number; it is 1-800 nikon ux<br>

Good luck, and I hope you can find out what the problem is.</p>

<p>Thanks everyone for your help. I did perform the reset, doesn't flash in test mode or attached to the camera. I will take the unit and my camera to Looking Glass photo in Berkeley; they are very helpful and I know they'll figure it out or send it in or replace the unit. </p>

<p>OK, I went to the dealer and they concurred its dead, so they gave me a new one and sent this one back to Nikon. Good service!</p>

<p>NEED HELP: Recently purchased used Nikon SB-600 and it doesn't fire at all. Tried changing numerous batteries but the LCD display turns on and functions works on LCD (zoom/reset etc.) but the Ready light doesn't come on and I don't hear a sound of charging flash. I resent the flash several times, its not on remote etc.<br>

Any suggestions will be highly appreciated... This is my first flash I ever bought and I am absolutely new to this.</p>