FAILED! My Godox TT685II died - is it still worth buying? | Dealing with camera gear failures

I have been using the Godox TT685II flash for a little over a year and did a video recommending it. Recently it failed with multiple error codes and occasionally began working again?! In this video I talk about camera gear failures and this flash in particular - would I still recommend it?
👉 Flashes shown in this video:
Godox TT685II: amzn.to/485a2pM
Canon EL1 flash: amzn.to/3w3TYHo
My original review of this flash: • On or off camera flash...
👉 NEW! One-on-one photography coaching. Learn more at this link: www.haywardgaudephotography.c...
Topics in this video:
0:00 - What happened
0:55 - My history with this flash
2:38 - The BEST strategy to deal with camera gear failures
4:15 - Creating a strategy for YOUR photography
👉 The gear I most often use:
Sekonic LiteMaster Pro L-478D-U Light Meter: amzn.to/3AqPSat
Flashpoint eVOLV 200 Flash with Barndoor Kit: adorama.rfvk.net/YgY7ER
R2 Trigger: adorama.rfvk.net/RyoKb7
My Go-To Godox flash modifier: amzn.to/32ahT9l
#Canon EOS-R: amzn.to/3e5D0w3
EF lens adaptor: amzn.to/3GSwNzZ
Here is the current version of the tripod I use:
amzn.to/3siINGI
And this is the newest version of the grip head I use:
amzn.to/3p7YXke
Manfrotto combi-stand: amzn.to/3FFT84x

[@CoffeeandPhotographyTalk]

Equipment failure is a fact of photographic life. In this video I talk about some strategies to deal with it, how do you?

[@petermcginty3636]

Thanks Hayward, great video. I bought one of these units, the full kit, from Amazon - perfectly fair price. After I worked through a few problems (I.e., read the camera manual, stupid), I got there!!! What a great little unit! I watched your video on the basic idea of using on-camera flash - hey presto, I can now do flash photography😊😊😊. Thank you❤❤❤.

[@CoffeeandPhotographyTalk]

Awesome!!!

[@Alpha-qh5ys]

I have 2 Godox TT685F and one is dead (never done a photo shoot, less than 100 triggers ...). The other one is working perfectly. Seriously it is impossible to rely on this brand ... Fortunately, it was anticipated and I have 2 of them but it's not a pro gear

[@IAmR1ch]

I have a little different attitude. I have substitutes that would be inconvenient but workable. At the price the tt685ii is disposable compared to an OEM flash. I have been gambling with Godox for years now and I am very luck that considering some of my strobes and speedlights have hit the ground. I have no had a failure like you had. So I think this one is a good deal on a budget. 72 watt seconds GN60 is pretty good for a flash under 130usd

[@neildarlow]

I learned after buying my TT685ii N off eBay that, here in the UK, Lencarta are official agents for Godox. They also have service and repair facilities. I will make my future Godox purchases from them.

[@davidmckenzie7190]

You made a good point, and you are right. thats only $10.75 Per month if it last you a year. $129 Divided by 12 Months. Great Video. Love your channel.

[@CoffeeandPhotographyTalk]

Thanks for watching!

[@TimChuma]

I got my camera serviced two times and it is still working. Would not have done that with a cheaper one.

As an amateur, retired on a fixed income, a Godox flash that fails or gets dropped would be a lot less heartbreaking than if it was an OEM flash that would cost more than a new Godox just to have the service depot look at it. Personally though, I would not try to save a few bucks by getting it from a 3rd party seller on Amazon.

[@CoffeeandPhotographyTalk]

That’s a good point. Thanks for watching!

[@TimChuma]

Cheap enough to get a new one, was at least $100 less than the official camera brand name flash