Random firing the SB-600 i'm using in my D70s is behaving extremely strangely in that everything is registering completely normal on the flash and in the camera but the flash is only actually firing every 3-10 shots and it's completly random, sometimes it pops and sometimes it doesn't....any suggestiongs? i'm so incredibly frusterated at this point, i've tried different cameras, new batteries, everything.

Yes the batterys do get hot use better batterys that helps

test flashing is done,problem is with the camera,try to clean the contact points.

Sounds like a short in the hot shoe. If it fires randomly, but especially when turned on its side then yes its a short.

If it was just dirty contact then the flash wouldn't fire at all so I dont think it is a connection problem. Make sure he camera is compatible with those flahses, but most Nikon cameras back to the FG should work fine with those.

It maybe because it overheated he flash tube, nikon flash guns use a thermal cutout, to prevent overheating, usually after approximately 30 / 40 shots, in quick succession.  It should start working again after it cools down.
If not you may need to get it checked at Nikon Service Centre. Cheers Ian

Definately a settings problem. The camera will only syncronize on one specific speed. Youe best bet is to use auto. For manual, you'll have to set the shutter speed at the sync speed.

Flash Sync Speed

up to 1/250 X-Sync Speed

up to 1/8000 FP High Speed Sync

Red-eye reduction
Red-eye reduction with slow sync
Rear-curtain sync
Slow sync
Front-curtain sync (normal) Flash Sync Modes

1) i-TTL: TTL flash control by 1,005-pixel RGB sensor, built-in flash, SB-800, SB-600, SB-400: i-TTL balanced fill-flash and standard i-TTL flash
2) AA (Auto Aperture-type) flash: Available with SB-800 used with CPU lens
3) Non-TTL Auto: Available with Speedlights such as SB-800, 28, 27, and 22S
4) Range-priority manual flash; available with SB-800 Flash Control

The only thing I could think of is that when you use the red-eye on the camera or flash it will flash several times before taking a shot.

Series of images is the KEY. If the Power you set the SB-600 is HIGH it will take a LONGER time to recycle than the SB-800. If you try to take a photo before the SB-600 is ready you will get a dark image. The randomness you get is due to the time between shots. In general try to run remote flashes at a lower power so they recycle faster.

I like the SB-800 because it can take 5 cells. 5 cells can really make a difference in the recycle time (faster) The SB-600 only takes 4 cells so it is slower.

sb-600/800 make a distinct motor-spinning noise when zooming, this is normal. Any grinding/clicking noises are not normal.

I have sent my SB-600 to Nikon twice in the past 6 months to resolve this problem. They have fixed it both times, but never told me what the problem was. I've had it back for exactly 1 day now, and it's started back up again already. If I receive a solution (or replacement), I'll let you know!

My SB 600 is doing the exact same thing. I used Nikon's online support service and this is the response I got: "I would try doing the 2 button reset on the flash and then see if that helps. Also disconnect any battery packs you may have connected especially if its a third party battery pack. If none of the above work then please service the speedlight" Sounds like they don't know what it is, either. I tried the reset to no avail. I'm not sure I want to send it in to have it fixed, since it does seem to be working. But you're right, it's annoying.