Toronto Photography Meetup Group

I bought ab800 and ab 1600 in October of this year.

I used ab800 inside and took it out for location shoot and it works great. - I love it

This evening, my church asked me to take head shot of some members for the church index picture so I took my brand new ab1600 for the first time along with 800.

I set up my ab 800 and 1600 and plug into my Vagabond mini.
Did some test shot to adjust right ratio for the lights.

While doing it, 1600 had too much power so I dumped the light to lose some charged power.

However, after the dumping, it no longer produce light anymore. Also, Dump red light is on 24/7 and I cant get rid of it. When I press test button to dump it, it makes tick sound and very small amount of light comes out. But I dont know if I want to call it a light.


I hope this wasnt my fault that some how I broke ab1600.
One thing I noticed is that on my ab1600 the light bulb (not the modeling light, but actual round light bulb) the top is black as if it was fused out.

I wonder if that the problem. But than I just checked my ab800 and it also have that as well. - Will my ab800 go out as well?

Anyone run into this problem?

I will call Paul C. Buff tomorrow to see what they will do.
I dont want to pay any duti tax again nor the high shipment fees .
sigh......

There is a location in mississauga that sells ab parts so a new bulb is no biggie if that is all that it is

If you bought it in october then the warranty should cover it. Either the repair facility in Mississauga will take care of it or they'll ship you a replacement from factory.

Bought a PLM in the summer that was defective and had a replacement within days of contacting them. Paid nothing to the UPS man. Box had 'warranty replacement' label and other paperwork to make sure of it

Does the ab800 use the same bulb as the ab1600? If so, just swap the bulbs and see if that's your issue or not.

Thanks guys. I will call alien bees today and see what they have to sAy

So long stroy short,

no dice!

If I sent it back to Alien bees, it will coast me about extra $200+ for tax and other fees.....

Looks likes I have to go to KHB (Canada replair center) for now...

Kind a disappointed with this case....Its a new ab 1600 and I guess I got the bad product.
Customer service was good but they said they is no way around for them to sent the replacement to me with out costing me $200+.

FYI Canadian Alien bee customers:

It actually worked out better.

http://www.khbphotografix.com/

KHB workshop is much closer and faster than service in Alien Bee for the customers in Canada.
Worker name Kevin deal with my ab1600 and inform me it will be about 3-5days.

Great customer service as it was with Alien Bee.

They also carries all the replacement parts like light bulbs [modeling light and also ab light] and etc.
Customers from toronto or Ontario can just drive and pick it up.

Good to know it's being looked after.

Sounds like one of the flash capicitors is blown which is causing the ticking sound. Let us know how it goes.

Hope it can help for those who need the part from Alien Bees.
No more extra tax for the parts! lol



I will update you guys soon as I receive a call from KHB