off camera flash
im trying really hard to get into the controlled/supplemented lighting world.
i have a 430exII, and a 530ex.. i invested in the pw tt1 and tt5 (only one tt5)
not only was i able to trigger the tt5 via tt1, thus firing my 530 in master, which fired my 430 in slave pre firmware upgrade. but it actually did it after (after much frustration and fiddling around because it WASNT firing the 530 in master) a few times. then it just stopped.
itll fire the 530 only when i have it set on "off" or normal as many call it. once i put it in master i can press test on the tt5 and itll fire, but any signal the tt1 sends just gets me some red led flashes from the tt5, no strobe.
whats more, if the 530 is on the tt1 OR tt5, ON the camera, itll fire in master just fine.
so, on other boards im told my only option is to get another tt5, at murphys, im told my only option is to get another tt5. yes, id like another tt5 some day, but right now this would suffice and that $220 would be better spent elsewhere.
i just dont understand why a) it worked before, b) it works on the pw, on the camera, etc.
i even tried using a different tt1 (at murphys), same thing.
the # i found for pw is disconnected.
at this point id be willing to return these blasted things and go with something else. but for the money, i would like reliability. not to mention the whole hot shoe mount (not having to fool with cords/modding flashes/etc.) + ttl is pretty appealing.
any ideas/suggestions/ etc.?
thanks!
i have a 430exII, and a 530ex.. i invested in the pw tt1 and tt5 (only one tt5)
not only was i able to trigger the tt5 via tt1, thus firing my 530 in master, which fired my 430 in slave pre firmware upgrade. but it actually did it after (after much frustration and fiddling around because it WASNT firing the 530 in master) a few times. then it just stopped.
itll fire the 530 only when i have it set on "off" or normal as many call it. once i put it in master i can press test on the tt5 and itll fire, but any signal the tt1 sends just gets me some red led flashes from the tt5, no strobe.
whats more, if the 530 is on the tt1 OR tt5, ON the camera, itll fire in master just fine.
so, on other boards im told my only option is to get another tt5, at murphys, im told my only option is to get another tt5. yes, id like another tt5 some day, but right now this would suffice and that $220 would be better spent elsewhere.
i just dont understand why a) it worked before, b) it works on the pw, on the camera, etc.
i even tried using a different tt1 (at murphys), same thing.
the # i found for pw is disconnected.
at this point id be willing to return these blasted things and go with something else. but for the money, i would like reliability. not to mention the whole hot shoe mount (not having to fool with cords/modding flashes/etc.) + ttl is pretty appealing.
any ideas/suggestions/ etc.?
thanks!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Ryan Armbrust on -
My suggestion, buy some cyber syncs!
The transmitter is $59 and is TINY!!!!!!
The receivers are $69 each. Buy a receiver for each flash. Sell your PW!
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Permalink Reply by jes on -
youre not the first person to say that (or something similar) so im seriously considering it.
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Permalink Reply by Jonathan Brown on -
Jes - I have the tt1 and tt5 and I tried to get this to work but could not. I never use this feature so I am at a bit of a loss. Have you tried putting the unit into forced master mode? I have never done this as I do not use them in this manner but I can see where this would be very useful so I will try it in the future. I found the owners manual on line www.pocketwizard.com/upload/photos/475MiniTT1_FlexTT5_Canon_Owners_..." target="_blank">here. On page 21 it tells you how to use forced master mode. This may do the trick for you. I have a session in a few minutes so I can not try it right now but let us know how it works.
hope this helps,
Jonathan
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Permalink Reply by Sara Petty on -
Jes
I have a 580EX flash and I have a pocket wizard transmitter/receiver velcro'd to it. To connect the two devices, I have a Paramount (brandname) miniphone hot-shoe to female sync cord. (CAT# PW-MHSF1)
I have another PW attached to my camera body. Works like a freaking charm! It is also simple, easy, streamlined, and lightweight. And the results are MAGIFICENT!
When you use this set-up, you can ONLY use the flash in manual mode. The other modes will NOT work. I usually set mine for about 1/2 power or below and back it away from my subject 10 to 12 feet.
To see some images that I have recently done using this method, go look at my page.
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Permalink Reply by Jacob Zimmer on -
I'm with Sara. I rig up pocket wizards to speed lights all the time with whatever adapters and cables make it work. I have a whole tackle box of accessories. Yeah, the speed light has to be on manual, but I usually keep everything on manual anyway.
The only slight downside is that the speed light will "fall asleep" when not used for a while. Sending it a signal (firing it) will wake up but then you need a hit the shutter again. I usually use the test button to wake it up so when I am ready to take the shot, its ready.
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Permalink Reply by Jason Holzworth on -
part of the problem may be because the master/slave of the 580ex and 430ex is infared and there has to be a line of sight between the two bodies.
when you are trying this, did you have them in the line of sight? i use a 580ex II as a master and 430ex II as a slave during special shots at weddings and it seems to work pretty good as long as there is a line of sight.
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Permalink Reply by jes on
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line of sight isnt the issue (yes, ive set them up close, indoors, etc.) the 580 wont even fire in master mode.
its something with the new firmware, but pocket wizard wont admit it. supposedly there was some sort of debate between canon and pw. i think its just pw trying to insure their wallets continue to grow.
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Permalink Reply by Jacob Zimmer on
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This is what I do:
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Permalink Reply by jes on
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Jacob Zimmer said:This is what I do:
this still requires a pw per strobe, no?
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Permalink Reply by Jacob Zimmer on
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Permalink Reply by Jacob Zimmer on
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Every time I have extra cash in my pocket, I go to Chuck's and rummage through that milk crate on the floor. I find all kinds of cables and adapters and he usually just throws them in the bag if I am buying a big ticket item. I have a tackle box full of stuff and lots of sync/mini male/female cables, adapters, slaves and so on. So I can make one pocket wizard fire multiple strobes.
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Permalink Reply by Sarah Hester on -
have you updated the software on the mini and the tt5 from pocketwizard. i did it and now mine work like a dream!
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