what can be done with a flash that stayed too long with batteries

[Catalina]

I left my flash in my closet with the batteries inside. Now it does not work.
Is it possible to recuperate it?

Cordially,

Catalina

[Saorsa]

It is likely to be filled with corrosion and will need repair to work again. The corrosion eats away the contacts and leads. If it hasn't been too long, you can use cloths to try cleaning it with clear white vinegar followed by a rinse with some baking soda dissolved in water followed by a clean alcohol rinse. Don't soak it, just swab with the vinegar and neutralizer.

Try to avoid getting any of that into the actual flash and let it dry very, very thoroughly before trying again.

[RustBeltRaw]

Are the batteries damaged? Any signs of white reside inside the battery compartment? If not, then the flash may work after simply replacing the batteries.

[rpcrowe]

I hve =had good luck using a corrosion removal spray like this:

http://www.zorotools.com/g/00053420/k-G2789017?utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=cpc &utm_campaign=Google_Shopping_Feed&kw={keyword}&gc lid=CKmztNC3sbwCFcQ9QgodOSAARA

Do a YouTube search with these search parameters "cleaning camera flash battery corrosion" and you will find quite a few videos on the subject..

[Catalina]

Thanks a lot for the kind advise.
Lex:Yes the batteries are damaged.
Richard: I will try to get fixed within Colombia, most of the things that you import are stolen in the mail, so I order few thinng so I buy a few things on the net.
I am going to take the flash to the store where they fix cameras, perhaphaps I am still on time to fix it.
Sincerely, many thanks to you all.
Catalina

[Catalina]

Thanks a lot for the kind advise.
Lex:Yes the batteries are damaged.
Richard: I will try to get fixed within Colombia, most of the things that you import are stolen in the mail, so I order few thinng so I buy a few things on the net.
I am going to take the flash to the store where they fix cameras, perhaphaps I am still on time to fix it.
Sincerely, many thanks to you all.
Catalina

[shreds]

Catalina,

First off, be careful with any liquids, flash units include a capacitor that can give a very serious electric shock if shorted. Inside they are dangerous!

Most batteries used for flashes will utilise alkaline batteries, hence swabbing with vinegar or any other very mild acid may resolve the issue by neutralising the alkali.

It happened to one of my Nikon flashes a few years back (duff batteries, not too long in the closet, though) and the only way it could be easily repaired was by sending it to Nikon who replaced the whole battery compartment, which cost around ⅓ of the cost of a new unit when you took postage etc into account, but since it has given me another six years of solid service, it was worthwhile. A good camera shop should have the resources to do the same, although without the Nikon guarantee.

Now I take all batteries out the same day, just in case. It is a good habit to get into!