550ex w/o batteries? - DPChallenge Forums

02/18/2004 02:03:03 PM · #1

Anyone know of an ac-adaptor for the 550ex? I want to run the flash automatically for extended periods of time without having to check/replace the batteries every few hours. I know internal batteries are still required for the circuitry, but I'm more concerned about getting external AC power to the flash unit.

Has anyone done this? Anyone know of such a unit for sale? Anyone know the specific power requirements of the flash unit (assuming I could rig something using the external power source socket with just the proper cable)?

02/18/2004 02:27:54 PM · #2

I have never seen this before (and I also looked myself a while back, I have a 550 EX as well).

The thing is, I know of no way to introduce power other than to adapt a 6V DC adapter in the shape of the 4 AA cells required, which would require carving a slot in the cover to the battery compartment for the cord, and I am unwilling to do that.

Maybe there is an inexpensive flash out there that does take a DC adapter? I have never researched that.

Rich.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

02/18/2004 02:39:19 PM · #3

I have never heard of such a thing for flash units. I used to have a Quantum Turbo external lead acid battery that would run a Metz 45 CT5 flash unit for 400-500 exposures. If you just need to run the flash for a long time, it might be worthwhile investigating a similar option.

I'd hesitate to homebuild something unless you are very sure that what you build will meet the specific requirements for the 550EX.

Adrian Tung

Canon EOS-10D

02/18/2004 09:17:15 PM · #4

I know that the 550EX has a slot that accepts an external battery pack... if you can get the pin layout of that slot you could theoretically rig your own A/C adapter for it.

:)atwl

02/18/2004 10:26:55 PM · #5

Originally posted by Adrian Tung:

I know that the 550EX has a slot that accepts an external battery pack... if you can get the pin layout of that slot you could theoretically rig your own A/C adapter for it.

:)atwl

I have a 550EX and I don't see this slot that you are referring to - can you elaborate?

Adrian Tung

Canon EOS-10D

02/18/2004 10:54:51 PM · #6

If you look at the left side of the flash (from back), at the bottom near the shoe mount, there should be a rubber tab covering a 3-pin connector.

:)atwl

TechnoShroom

Canon EOS-30D

02/18/2004 10:56:48 PM · #7

Originally posted by richterrell:

I have a 550EX and I don't see this slot that you are referring to - can you elaborate?

It's right under the battery compartment. It's called the external power source socket.

EDIT: DOH, people always beat me to the answer.

Message edited by author 2004-02-18 22:57:10.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

02/19/2004 07:38:18 AM · #8

You know, I always assumed that was a connector for a remote or something. I am surprised that there is an external connector, and apparently all that is available to hook up to it is bigger battery packs and not a DC adapter. Nutty.

Thanks,
Rich.

EddyG

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

02/19/2004 08:22:15 AM · #9

Charging the capacitors in the flash requires a lot of current. Your typical 6V DC wall-wart adapter provides a couple hundred milliamps of current. After a full-power flash discharge, you can hear the "squeal" of the electronics as they suck juice from the AA batteries transforming a measly 6V into hundreds and hundreds of volts that is stored in the main capacitor. That is one of the reason why NiMH batteries can recharge faster than alkalines (they can supply almost 3X as much current as an alkaline battery).

If you decide to go with a rechargeable, external battery pack, you can check out the UnderDogp or Digital Camera Battery

02/19/2004 08:52:26 AM · #10

Yeah, I'm not really interested in battery packs. I have two sets of NiMH for the flash, but if I needed a portable solution for flash power I would certainly consider a battery back (Quantum also has a bunch of offerings).

It seems like the battery packs are solving a particular problem: lots of portable flash power. Portability is not an issue for me. I simply want to run the camera & flash for days/weeks on end with little or no interference from me. I can't believe it's sounding more and more like the PoS built-in flash is going to provide better functionality than the cocaine-costing canon flash. You just can't buy simplicity.

thanks for all the tips/links!

Gordon

RIM BlackBerry Curve

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

02/19/2004 08:56:12 AM · #11

Originally posted by dwoolridge:

It really sounds like what you want are studio strobes ?

//www.alienbees.com/ etc

Message edited by author 2004-02-19 08:56:25.

02/19/2004 09:09:53 AM · #12

Originally posted by EddyG:

Charging the capacitors in the flash requires a lot of current. Your typical 6V DC wall-wart adapter provides a couple hundred milliamps of current.

I don't disagree with this, but I don't see why Canon could not produce a DC adapter specifically for this purpose that pushes more amperage. It seems odd that this is not available as an option, but then again, maybe there simply is not a large enough market asking for it.

02/19/2004 09:17:44 AM · #13

Originally posted by Gordon:

It really sounds like what you want are studio strobes ?

//www.alienbees.com/ etc

Hmmm. They're just so god damned big. And heavy. Maybe too much so in both cases, but at least they have cord power. The 550ex is great, but it's getting thin on value in this department; I don't think I'm motivated enough to spend USD 250 on this particular project. Normally, I just happily switch the NiMHs in the 550ex, but my current configuration makes that a little tricker.

Oh well (laziness and apathy kicking in).

Message edited by author 2004-02-19 09:18:28.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

02/19/2004 09:26:11 AM · #14

Originally posted by dwoolridge:

Originally posted by Gordon:
It really sounds like what you want are studio strobes ?

//www.alienbees.com/ etc

Hmmm. They're just so god damned big. And heavy. Maybe too much so in both cases, but at least they have cord power. The 550ex is great, but it's getting thin on value in this department; I don't think I'm motivated enough to spend USD 250 on this particular project. Normally, I just happily switch the NiMHs in the 550ex, but my current configuration makes that a little tricker.

Oh well (laziness and apathy kicking in).

Maybe this would do what you want. These are popular for use in interior shots, since they just screw into a standard light socket, and they are CHEAP. AC Slave Flash Units

If you want something that can be triggered using the PC socket. Try this.

Master/Slave Flash

Hope this helps.

I haven't found any that have a 2 prong AC plug, but with a quick trip to the home center, these can be adapted.

Message edited by author 2004-02-19 09:33:05.

02/19/2004 09:34:09 AM · #15

Originally posted by Spazmo99:

Maybe this would do what you want. These are popular for use in interior shots, since they just screw into a standard light socket, and they are CHEAP. AC Slave Flash Units

That looks pretty cool, especially for the money. Looks like a good way to get started. Anyone have any experience with this type of slave flash?

Spork99

OM System OM-1

02/19/2004 09:43:11 AM · #16

Originally posted by richterrell:

Originally posted by Spazmo99:
Maybe this would do what you want. These are popular for use in interior shots, since they just screw into a standard light socket, and they are CHEAP. AC Slave Flash Units

That looks pretty cool, especially for the money. Looks like a good way to get started. Anyone have any experience with this type of slave flash?

Yeah, I've used similar units a couple of times for interior shoots where rather than mixing strobe, window light and who knows whatever kind of ambient lighting that is present. The assistants (of which I was one of several) run around like crazy people unscrewing light bulbs and replacing them with these things. They work as you would expect, there's no power adjustment or anything fancy. The biggest trick is getting them set up so that all the units trigger with the main flash.

02/19/2004 09:58:17 AM · #17

Originally posted by Spazmo99:

Hope this helps.

Very interesting and helpful. I'm not sure it's ideal for my current setup, but they might otherwise come in handy.

I also like the idea of the alienbees for other work; one day i'll be able to rationalize the cost.

GoldBerry

Canon EOS-5D Mark II