Dead CLE Flash

[PaulDalex]

I bought a CLE flash.
The seller forgot the batteries inside, and they leaked.
So the flash arrived dead (I got a full refund, BTW).
Cosmetically it is in great condition. And it is a much nicer product than I had expected.
So I tried to disassemble in the hope that the repair could be easy.
I removed two visible screws, then the rear panel, which hides a third bigger screw.
But the the cover does not open yet, and I can't figure out why.
I searched for help on the net without results.
BTW I am aware of danger of electric shock involved and I know how to avoid it.
Any suggestion?
Cheers
paul

 

[Palaeoboy]

Have you tried turning it on while its actually on the camera? If its a genuine Minolta flash there is a tiny black switch on the shoe near the flash contacts that is used as a safety cut out. The flash will only start charging when this little switch is depressed. You can also try holding it down with your fingernail to get the flash to charge.

 

[PaulDalex]

Paleoboy,
you are a genius. And I feel so stupid.
How could I miss it?
Shame on me, and a thousand thanks to you!
Although the test button has not yet a sure contact it works! At least it fires. I have still to try it on the camera.
Sometimes I hear a loose part inside, but I dared to put the batteries inside and turn it on.
Let's hope the lose part is plastic!
I cannot find the manual on the net. It should be TTL controlled and it seems that there is no way to set a compensation.
It looks like the asa cursor is just to see the reach of the flash.
Thus it should be not so convenient as a fill flash. Correct?
If these guesses are right for fill flash I should rather use a small Metz that I have.
Have you tried to shoot with the CLE flash?
Cheers
paul

 

[Palaeoboy]

Hi Paul glad to be of help, its one of those little things about Minolta flashes you dont realize is there till its pointed out. What Minolta flash did you get? Is it the original compact auto CLE flash or one of the PX Flashes?

 

[PaulDalex]

Hi,
It is the original CLE. It is really cute.
Today I mounted it on my CLE and took a couple of pictures inside my home (for inventory purposes).
The flash fired regularly.
I can't wait to finish the roll and see the result.
Tomorrow I cannot get out because here in Rome the Mayor blocked the cars to curb pollution.
So i have to wait the next week-end. Weather permitting.
Cheers and thank you again.
Paul

 

[John Rountree]

Just out of curiosity, what will you do with the "full refund"?

 

[PaulDalex]

That's what I will do.
I will send a mail to the seller (BTW it is not Ebay it is an internet seller) telling the story that developed here.
And I will let the seller decide.
Whatever he decides, I will abide.
Keep in mind though, that the flash arrived with a lot of leak in the battery chamber. It was an unpleasant cleaning. The test button is hard to fire and I still don't know if the flash works properly.
But, if the flash works and the seller want the whole price, I will keep the flash and pay the whole price again.
I will let you know the epilogue.
Cheers
Paul

 

[Palaeoboy]

The original CLE flash is a great little unit. I think one of the major reasons M users are opposed to flash photos is that the flash units are usually huge and chunky in comparison to the cameras themselves. But the small flash designed specifically for the CLE its so compact you can take anywhere and is very well balanced in weight and shaped to fit neatly on the camera so as not to get in the way while shooting. Its not that powerful but since its TTL any aperture will work. So for inside and party snaps it does the trick quite nicely.

Does the diffuser open and close properly and spring back by itself? Often its this part that you hear rattling inside. Either part of the defuser where it clips open or the spring itself has broken.

 

[PaulDalex]

Palaeoboy,
The diffuser works great. It is another nice touch of design. No comparison with Metz 32's flimsy rotating diffuser.
And on the back the two led tell wether the diffuser is extended or not. This testifies again a really thoughtful design!
I completely concur with your comments.
Ahem, may be that Stephen should rethink his assessment of this flash.
Minolta team had great inspiration days back them in designing the unequaled CLE and even the accessories.
I also grabbed the remote on Ebay. Once again it is an outstanding design. I have yet to try it though. Hopefully next sunday.
Cheers
Paul

 

[John Rountree]

I'm Sorry

I'm Sorry

Pistach, I feel that I owe you an apology for my snarky comment earlier in this thread. I really didn't mean to sound so rude. I do apologize.
John

 

[alfcnka]

I used a Nikon SB23 flash. It's a small and compact and has TTL.

It works perfectly with the CLE in TTL mode and has a faster re-charge rate as it uses 4x AA batteries.

Hope it helps.

 

[PaulDalex]

Dear John,
No apologiy at all. I didn't see any rudeness. Only nice chatting.
The photos came back from the lab and are ok.
Anyway the dealer wrote to me saying that he did not want any money, although the flash functioned well.
And I sent to him the whole price urging him to accept. He accepted.
Cheers
paul