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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Flash sync - Canon
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04/19/2008 07:13:49 PM · #1
Hi,

I've looking for the a good / cheap option of adding another flash, so that I can have a couple firing either side of a softbox.

I currently have a Metz 45 CL4 that I can fire either with a sync cord or a Mecalux 11 remote trigger.

Would a cheapo speedlite be a good option that a could use the sync cord with....

and advice was be appreciated

cheers
Keith

Message edited by author 2008-04-19 19:14:07.
04/19/2008 08:11:35 PM · #2
There are a lot of choices. The older Nikon SB24 is very popular as well as the older Vivtar flashes. Basically any flash with a sync cord input should work. Even ones that don't have sync cord inputs can be used in conjunction with a PC Sync cord to Hotshoe adaptor.

I also recommend checking out Strobist.com, lots of great information about using off camera flash using either sync cords or wireless triggers.
04/19/2008 08:25:24 PM · #3
Vivitar are a cheap yet very powerful flash unit.

Matt
04/19/2008 09:29:20 PM · #4
Another option to check out
Sunpak 383

I chose it over the Vivitar because the Sunpak head swivels both ways, offering a little more versatility.
04/20/2008 05:02:10 AM · #5
thanks for the comments.

Do I need to worry about other makes of flashes and their voltages.... I read somewhere that anything over 6v is too large.

I like the idea of the cheap ebay wireless triggers that are on offer, any real problems that people have encountered with these.

Strobist site looks great, loads of great setup examples that I'll work through on there.

cheers Keith
04/20/2008 01:23:33 PM · #6
Originally posted by KHolt:

I like the idea of the cheap ebay wireless triggers that are on offer, any real problems that people have encountered with these.


They are prone to misfires, you will just be standing there setting up and the flash will suddenly go off. It startled me the first couple of times but now I hardly notice. It does make it a little harder if you are dealing with models as opposed to still life, because you have to wait for the flash to recharge. I will eventually upgrade to PocketWizards but in the meantime can use the $450 savings on other lighting equipment.
04/20/2008 01:35:27 PM · #7
Originally posted by KHolt:



I like the idea of the cheap ebay wireless triggers that are on offer, any real problems that people have encountered with these.


None, except for the fact that they sometimes fire when they shouldn't en remain silent when they should fire. :P

I stopped using mine as it was really unreliable, went back to chord.
04/20/2008 03:45:21 PM · #8
If you debate between Sunpak and Vivitar, do some research on Vivitar's recent withdrawal of support for one of their popular models. A quick search in the strobist.com group on flickr should yield information.
If you're mainly shooting in a studio, PC cables might be an alternative to wireless triggers. They keep the budget low, but you can't move the flashes around with as much versatility.
04/20/2008 03:59:08 PM · #9
I found the ebay triggers to be great.

You have to watch the battery compartment door on some of them, as closing it tight actually nudges the battery away from its contact. Check for this if you get any "Non Firing" recievers.

As for additional misfires - play around with the channel switches. Try and stay away from other electronics that emit RF noise, such as washing machines and other white goods etc while using them. Some times mine mis-fire a lot, though the other day I used them and I dont think they mis-fired once!
For what little you pay for them, they are deffinately worth a try.
I bought a couple of old nikon flashes (one SB-24 and one SB-25) on ebay to use with them.
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