I noticed a used 580 exii on a sellers site that was used, but claimed to only have 1000 flashes. Any idea what the useful life of a flash unit like this is and is there a way to get a count from the unit itself to confirm the numbers. It is a local seller so i can inspect it personally. They are asking $375.
Is there a way to find out the number of flashes done by the unit? an internal counter? The count was a "my best guess" by the seller - so there is a trust factor there unless there is a counter somewhere in the system.
No counter I am aware of. I make heavy use of my flash during the times of the year I shoot at rookeries and then at Bosque. I find I am lucky to get a flash to work through two seasons. Don't know how that translates into actual flash count but it is well over 1000 flashes. I am guessing that this might be a good deal for you.
I have heard that running a flash off a battery pack that boosts recycle time and gives you more flashes per burst can be hard on the flash (overheating perhaps?). I have never had a flash break, even the one I have now (580 EXII) which has a few "better burner" melt spots on the front!