Canon 580 EX II hotshoe problem

[SillyMike]

I found my flash would not communicate with the camera when tilted to the left, but would start communicating again when tilted to the right.  My flash is now back for a second time at one of their repair facilities.  The first time they did not believe anything was wrong with it and this time around I included detailed photos and an explanation along with the camera body. 

Just thought I might report this common problem.  There are a few instances on the internet about the loose hotshoe

www.sillymikephoto.com

[bopie]

I don't want to offend, but you are aware of the locking mechanism right?

If you don't properly lock it down it could be loose on the contacts.

Other than that you're probably better off asking around on camera tech boards, rather than a rumor speculation site.

[fotografiasi]

It happened to me also, and when tilted to the back. It would just not fire. I tried different modes on the camera and it did not work. I had to put it in the "normal" position and after a few miss-fired ones the flash started to work