Speedlight lifespan

[nfariz8]

hello, don't know if there is related thread about this but i was just wondering about the lifespan of a speedlight.. as for the camera, manufacturer state the approx shutter lifespan (eg.100k,300k etc) and we can check shutter count as a rough guide to our shutter life.. but what about speedlight? there is no flash count to begin with and i suppose the lifespan of the bulb may vary depending on how strong you light up the bulb and how frequent you use it.. same goes to the charge capacitor..so how do we actually know how "used" is it and another question would be, how do we know if we are near the end of its life.. maybe this can also be a guide on purchasing a second hand speedlight as how we purchase a second hand body which is to look at the age of item, physical condition, shutter count etc..

[ShaolinTiger]

Speedlight is different, it's about what power it was fired and how close together.

If it was fired at 1/1 very often in short succession it will be more likely to wear out.

I always advise to buy flash new.

[leslie]

i have used a SB24 before long time ago, fired at maximum power until it blew up :D.

So u never know how the actual owner uses it, especially if the person is a major events shooter, like wedding etc..