Problems with external flash

[Kara]

I'm hoping some of you photogs might be able to shed some "light" on my problem, so to speak.

I have an SB-400 that I've used for about 2 years on my Nikon D40. Now, it's no longer working, and I've tried numerous batteries that I'm sure are fully charged. Has anyone had trouble with an external flash failing?

I'm not sure whether it's the flash or a problem with the hot shoe -- my dad has the exact same setup so I could try his flash on my camera and vice versa to isolate the problem, but it'll be a few weeks before I get down there. I know I could also take it to a camera store and have them look it over, but that's a fairly daunting task with three little ones in tow ...

Any ideas?

[sprauncey1]

I would try to see if your Dad's works on your camera. At least then you know if it is the flash or the hot shoe on the camera. Both can go bad I hate to say. The hot shoe can get dirty and not conduct like it should (and yes I never cover up my hot shoe with the thingie like I should either) and the flash well it is like any piece of electronic equipment and can call it quits one day when you least expect it.

Can you get the flash to test flash off the camera? I'm not sure if yours has that option or not. At least to see if it CAN actually flash.

[AmyM]

What Sprauncey said. Best bet is to test it with someone else's camera so you can find out if it's the flash not talking to the camera right, or vice versa. Hope it's just something simple!