Disassembling Nikon SB-400 Flash

ID: 169165

Description: The lock on my Nikon SB-400 was not working, it...

Steps:

  1. Always remove hazardous energy from the things on which you are doing work.
  2. Remove the SB-400 flash from the camera if able.
  3. Remember in my case that the flash is unable to be removed from the camera, so remove batteries from both.
  4. The SB-400 uses two AA batteries.
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  5. Remove the two screws from the bottom of the flash.
  6. Remove the two screws from under the battery cover.
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  7. Use a spudger around the split near the battery cover to remove the top cover.
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  8. WARNING: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK FROM ENERGY STORED IN CAPACITORS.
  9. If you are not confortable discharging a capacitor, it is recommend to bring the unit to a professional for repair.
  10. As you can see, a flash capacitor is very large and the risk of shock must be addressed. I discharged it using a screw driver with a plastic handle.
  11. The capacitor may be 330V.
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  12. Lift the plastic clips on the connectors and pull the ribbon wires out.
  13. The ribbons are delicate. Take care not to tear them.
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  14. Remove the two screws holding down the PCB.
  15. Move the PCB out of the way to expose the battery case. The wires should remain attached.
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  16. Remove the battery case by sliding out the middle spacer and set it aside.
  17. Leverage the battery case up and forward to remove.
  18. Move the battery case out of the way, the wires should remain attached.
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  19. Remove the small silver screw holding the ribbon wires in place.
  20. The ribbons are delicate. Take care not to tear them.
  21. Remove the four screws that hold the lock plate in place.
  22. There are two small springs and several small plastic pieces that must be placed in specific orientation to ensure proper locking operation. It is recommended to take photos as you remove the plate.
  23. With the four screws removed, the hot shoe (metal plate in contact with the camera) will drop off the flash.
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  24. The reassembly is the reverse of the disassembly.
  25. Ensure these two fastener holes are clear when the top cover in installed to avoid damaging wires.
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