SP-350 flash problem

[Wisnu]

Hi all
After experienced very small flooding (not sure leakage or just excesive moisture condensation) my sp-350 (upgraded firm ware) need approx. 1 minute to be ready for the next shot if the internal flash is used. The yellow lamp near the viewfinder keep blinking. No problem at all if flash is switched off. Unfortunately, i use external strobe w/ fiber optic cable; so i need the internal flash to trigger the strobe. And 1 minute underwater for next shot is unacceptable.
Even worst 2 eneloop battery can only survive for approx. 20 shots only.
Any suggestion or anybody having same experience?
Is it worth to bring to Olympus service center for repair (warranty expired)? or just buy the new one - I found clearance sale at local shop for approx. 250 bucks.

Thanks for any suggestion

Regards

 

[CheddarChick]

It does sound electrical..."yikes" . Did you try new batteries? Maybe the batteries are not strong enough to hold the flash???? IMHO for $250..i would buy a brand new one. Then if you get a wild hair when you are back in the states you could send it in for a check..

 

[Wisnu]

Thank CheddarChic, I tried new Li battery but still same; almost no improvement, 50 seconds to be ready for next shot , still not acceptable.

 

[CheddarChick]

are you shooting in raw??? I know it seems like it takes forever to get to the next shot...

 

[RTW]

There are several factory reconditioned SP-350 + warranty directly from Olympus on eBay right now.
$215.00 + $4.95 S&H buy it now and a couple of them taking bids.

 

[Wisnu]

CheddarChick
Doesn't matter RAW or Jpeg, as long as flash is activated it will take approx. 1 minute to be ready for next shots.
Without flash; less than 10 seconds for RAW.

RTW
Thanks for advise; I am still trying to fix this first. If no choice; prefer to buy in local shop for 250 bucks; incl. tax.

 

[CheddarChick]

Shoot.....I wonder if LarryC can help. He is the resident SP350 expert.....

 

[gert7to3]

I had an issue with a SP-350 last summer. Oly service cost $140.00 for the repair.

 

[Wisnu]

Gert
Thanks for advise - unfortunately no oly service centre in Brunei. I shall send to Singapore or Malaysia for nearest service centre. I need to make sure if this serviceable with reasonable cost. I don't want after spending money to send the camera to them and they charge me for more than the currently camera cost.

 

[gert7to3]

Before they repair your camera they will provide an estimate of the repair cost. You will be able to approve or refuse the repair before being obligated for the cost.