Oh Dilema

A PHOENIX DZBIS-112iTTL came in the package with my camera.
I dont know exactly what the problem is, but it and I are not on the same page.
Im guessing its not working the way its supposed to. But Im also sort of gathering from the limited googling Ive done about it, that its a peice of poo to begin with.
It takes about a minute to charge up. Then its only good for 1 to 2 flashes and will not charge again.
Yes, Ive changed the batteries. I thought perhaps theres something wrong with the connection, but then decided that wouldnt effect the charge. So it must be toast.

Any good ideas of either fixing it or finding another external flash w/o giving up one of my arms?

So irritating.

 

I dont know how old it is. I think I will be looking into the SB400. Im so bummed though. Everytime I turn around I have to buy something else. argh.
I try to be low maintence, but I guess I should just give that idea up.   

so true. A used $500 flash will last you longer than a new $200 flash. The trick is finding that used flash for close to $200. [grin]

Portable lighting where money is no object?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/585781-REG/Hensel_7024958_Porty_12_Lithium_1200.html#accessories

When you look at speedlights compared to that there's not much difference between $200 and $500 except how long you feel like saving your pennies. Truth is your probably going to end up wanting more than one. Plan your purchases to build a set.

The sb600 is more powerful. the sb400 was made so you could use commander mode on a d40 or d60 If money is no object get a sb800 (I think there is a sb900 that is a bit stronger.

An sb800 would be a good place to start. Then add a couple sb600's when you can. They all work off the commander mode so you can do a lot with them.

My advice is to buy the best of what you can afford, always...  Just because I have been burned in the past being cheap.  More than once I have ended up buying two of something because the first time around I was trying to save money.
I honestly don't see why you would need more than two flash heads.  I would get the nicest one you can afford right now and then add a SB600 when you get the chance.  Unless you are doing something really special two lights will get you a lot of mileage.  Basically like portrait lighting you can use one for the main and one for the fill.  In fact, I use my on camera flash for fill from the front and then move the other off camera for the main.... so there you go, 75% of the time I use one light, but having two will give you more versatility.

Sounds like the right move, although I'm on the Canon side of the fence so I don't know much about the Nikon gear.  My first flash was a Vivitar 285 which I loved.  Worked great with the camera on aperture priority.  But they really don't bounce very well.  I was at a wedding reception and I guess the flash wasn't screwed in tight enough and when I went to pull it to my face the flash went flying to the ground.  No pieces came off or anything like that but it would only flash one out of every four or so times.  I've done the same thing with a Canon 550ex and had a 430ex on a lightstand fall over and they both still work.