Camera Labs

So back in May, I decided to experiment with moving the flash off the camera body a bit. I bought the relatively expensive Canon OC-E3 off camera flash cord as I wanted something that would last a while. To give you an idea, the Canon version generally cost about 3.5x most third party cables.

I got a nice travel flash bracket that would allow me to rotate the flash when I rotated the camera. The Custom Brackets CB Digital-T Flash Rotating Bracket.

I loved using the flash in this manner and took a lot of Christmas pictures using it. This allowed me to redirect the camera lighting quickly to where I wanted it. This also encouraged me to use my flash more often.

However, at one point, I put the flash in a vertical position, like I generally do, and the holding plate that my flash was attached to came off. I watched the flash bounce off a table on its way to the carpet. Thankfully, the flash survived the tumble and is still working. Looking at the flash cable however, the plate came off with all 4 screws. A couple of wires will need some soldering work in order to re-attach it. However, I was concerned about why this cable disintegrated on me. The use I gave it in the last 7 months, since the time of purchase, has been relatively light. Using it at Christmas was the first time I really enjoyed it rather than just testing to see how well I would theoretically like it.

So I called Canon for to exercise the warranty on this product as I've had it less than a year. The Canon representative informed me that there is no warranty on accessories and there is nothing that they can do for me.

Looking online, I've found that these things are intentionally designed to come apart if there is any type of impact in order to preserve the flash. However, the flash falling off during normal use would cause more of an issue as my experience would indicate.

Paying a lot more for the Canon version would make me think that this item would be a lot better quality than other items. I've been really pleased with it up until now. However, I don't believe this thing is worth the price for only 7 months worth of use.

So now I'm debating on trying to repair it myself, or buy a third party cable hoping it has better quality than Canon.

_________________
Canon Rebel XTi, BG-E3 Grip
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II, 24-105mm f/4L, 50mm f/1.4, 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DO, 85mm f/1.8
Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX Macro
Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX, Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II
Canon 430EX II
Opteka 13mm, 21mm, and 31mm extension tubes

Anything that has the Canon name on should really come with some kind of warranty. I would imagen that their reasons for not providing a warranty is down to the type of item that it is. Cables tend to get pulled about and can break.

I expect you wish you'd wish you'd bought the third party one now.

If you bought it from a shop, I would attempt to take it back, or if it is an online retailer, call them and ask. Anything is better than nothing; and at least you can say that you've actually tried.

As for repairing the cable yourself, once the ^ above fails, you might as well have a go as you've got nothing to loose.

I have a third party off camera remote shutter release for £5, and the build quality is very good, I can't see the wire coming out any time soon. It is only a button at the end of the day though, something that can be repaired.

However if your cable is broken and the fault is the wire inside, it won't be worth even trying to repair. If the connectors have come out and you can open the cases either end, and you think it's just a quick solder job, then why not?

Good luck anyway

_________________
Canon EOS 500D
Lenses: EFS 18-55mm IS, EF 50mm F/1.8 II