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DPChallenge Forums >> Tips, Tricks, and Q&A >> syncing remote strobes
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Canon EOS-10D
 01/10/2003 09:36:07 AM · #1
I just got a light kit and it works quite well IF I use the sync cord on the primary strobe. However, when I use my cam's onboard flash to remotely activate the strobes, I haven't been able to sync up my cam and the strobes so the shutter is open when the strobes flash. Anybody know the trick? The strobes are the low end Briteks if that helps.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated :)

Nikon D800
Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8D IF-ED
 01/10/2003 10:12:50 AM · #2
Are you using an optical slave option on the strobes in order to fire them? If yes, then the camera's flash may have a pre-flash feature that triggers in advance of the principal flash burst. Many cameras offer a small pre-flash burst of light to cause the human eye to “iris down” before a picture is taken in order to mitigate dreaded red-eye.

The strobes may not be able to distinguish between the pre-flash and the main dump. Therefore, they will trigger only the pre-flash and then not be available again in time for the main dump resulting in a missed synchronization.

The solution is to turn off the pre-flash feature, if you can? On some systems, like my Nikon SB-28DX and two SB-80 flashes, this instruction is in the manual and is a feature offered by this brand. Alternately, using a sync cord may be a suitable option. If these suggestions do not work, you may need to discontinue use the camera's flash in a multi-flash situation. Please let us know how things work out for you.
Canon EOS-10D
 01/10/2003 12:16:12 PM · #3
Thanks Morgan! Though the manual says nothing about pre-flash (unless in red-eye redux mode), I think the e20 has a small preflash even in forced-fill mode. So, I think I'll just stick with using the sync cord and maybe buy an inexpensive external flash for my cam that has a true 1 flash option :) Or...maybe I'll get a D1X :P
RIM BlackBerry Curve
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
 01/10/2003 01:20:08 PM · #4
Originally posted by Froober:
Thanks Morgan! Though the manual says nothing about pre-flash (unless in red-eye redux mode), I think the e20 has a small preflash even in forced-fill mode. So, I think I'll just stick with using the sync cord and maybe buy an inexpensive external flash for my cam that has a true 1 flash option :) Or...maybe I'll get a D1X :P


It could be either a metering flash to evaluate exposure (which you can possibly switch off or pre-shoot using a exposure lock or flash exposure lock mode) or it could even be a focus assist lamp - not sure if the E20 uses a white focus assist or not - again you might be able to disable this or do it ahead of time and switch into a fixed focus mode of operation.

Are you seeing the remote flashes triggered earlier than the shutter ? Or do they appear to fire at the correct time ? Could also be they are too far away, based on your shutter speed, to actually add any additional illumination.

Message edited by author 2003-01-10 13:20:18.
Canon EOS-10D
 02/14/2003 11:06:52 PM · #5
Follow-up...I did wind up getting an inexpensive external flash (with tilt head so it doesn't have to hit the subject straight-on) and it works perfectly. It's quite nice not being on the sync cord leash :)

BTW, I LOVE external flash (non-dedicated even). With the exception of my strobes, it's by far my favorite camera accessory yet and I'm kicking myself for not getting one sooner. The tilt head enables me to bounce a flash off a homemade visor attached to the flash head with a rubber band for a softer/more natural result. The sunpak I got also has a slot that you can slip 'diffusers' into to alter the light. So far I've just slipped a piece of plain paper in there to soften the light and have gotten awesome results.

Hm...guess I should have posted this in rant. Go get an external flash if you haven't gotten one already!! lol
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