I have a Canon CP-E4 battery pack which I was absolutely loving for my flashes. Super quick recycle time, barely had to change my batteries during the wedding day.

But.

I've had 2 flashes burn out (one after just one wedding). Could the battery pack have done this? Is there any way to avoid it? Am I using it incorrectly?

I would love to hear some feedback, because I love having the convenience of super fast recycle time, and I'm hoping that its just a fluke that my 2 flashes both burned out.

Thanks!
Ksenia

I do know that some of the heavy-duty battery packs like the Quantums can burn out speedlights like the Nikons or Canons... but I have no idea if a Canon CP-E4 would do that.

If you're shooting too fast at too high of a power setting.

It's absolutely possible you've overdone it. Says right in the manual for the CP-E3 that if you use it too heavily, both pack & flash will need a rest period. I can't remember the exact stats and the manuals for both flash & pack don't appear to be online, but check yours & you'll see the warnings there, along with guidelines on when to let the batteries in both units rest.

I'll try to look these up tonight.

+1

using the flash too often will also melt the fresnel lense on the front of the flash unit.
you might be better off getting a bare-bulb unit such as a Quantum Qflash or the sunpak model (220J?).

also using NIMH batteries really heat up if pounded through the flash, and can cause heat damage.

Jonathan

I burned out a 550 one time when I took a whole class out to demo the wireless TTL and everyone was popping like crazy.

We always use Lumedyne or Dyna JackRabbits to power our flash and we have not had a problem. We do however use a high ISO, I am sure that rapid flashing using a low ISO will expend a lot of power and cause HEAT.

Use a high ISO and I don't think you should be burning up flashes.

Jerry

I believe this can happen on any of the Canon flashes, with the exception of the 580ex2. That one has a built in regulator that will shut the flash down for a rest period (10-15 minutes)?

yep.

Ive done that a buncha times. I just Love it when my flash bulb pops right next to my ear. Sounds like someone shot me. Yeah your shooting to fast