How do I fix a non-firing Metz Af58-1?

Question

I have a Canon 50D and a Metz Mecablitz AF 58-1.

A few years back I used to work a lot with this combo, but it's been set aside for a few years.

I took it out, and changed the batteries of the flash to brand new ones. The flash doesn't test fire.

I put the flash in the hotshoe, powered up the camera and the flash, and I know the camera communicates with the flash because the flash knows my aperture and focal length etc.

I understand it's probably a flash bulb problem of some sort, I just wanted to know if anyone ever encountered the same problem, if I can take care of the problem myself, and what is the expected cost of repair in a shop.

The flash really works flawlessly except for, well, flashing.

Clos · Answer

Taking it in for service would be the best you can do letting the experts take care of business is the right thing to do.

mattdm · Answer

How long is "a few years"? In the manual, there's a note that you should power on the flash every few months rather than just letting it sit:

Forming the flash capacitor
  The flash capacitor built into the flash unit undergoes physical change if the unit is
  not switched on for a prolonged period. For this reason it is necessary to switch the
  unit on for approximately 10 minutes at least once every three months. The power
  supplied by the power source must be sufficient to cause the flash readiness indicator to light up no more than one minute after the flash unit is switched on.

See Are flashes really subject to a "use it or lose it" problem? for more on this (including this same quote, actually). Note that some other models need to be treated differently; for example, Sigma says "It   is recommended  that  the  flash  be  charged  and  fired  several  times  a  month,  to  maintain  proper capacitor functioning."

It sounds to me that a problem related to this has developed. I'd send it in for service.

How do I fix a non-firing Metz Af58-1?

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