Trouble with Nikon SB-800 not firing everytime

[georgekushstanza]

I have a Nikon SB-800 hooked up via a sync cord to the shutter of my lenses. Fresh batteries and I turned off the standby mode in the flash's menu but sometimes when I release the shutter the flash does not fire, wasting film. I cannot find a pattern to it working/ not working but the flash works on a DSLR properly in every mode so I don't believe it's the flash that's defective in anyway. I don't have this problem with other strobes but they're so heavy I strongly dislike bringing them around in my backpack.

Thanks,

George K.

[ic-racer]

Testing the flash synch and checking the contacts should be part of a CLA for a large format shutter.

[Mal Paso]

Do you use the same cord with the other flashes? I have had cords, broken inside, that connect intermittently.

[John Olsen]

Very frustrating, I'm sure. Is the cord attaching firmly to the shutter on your camera? On one of my cameras the socket is a little sloppy and I have to use masking tape to hold it down more firmly.

Also Mal Paso's suggestion is good. Been down that road too.

[brian mcweeney]

All great suggestions so far.

Does this problem exist on just one lens or all lenses? If only one lens is a problem then the sync port might be bad/loose on that lens.

Does the problem still exist when you change out the sync cord? If it works with a different cord then it's the cord. Throw it away and get a new cord.

Step by step elimination to figure out where the problem is. Good luck!