Help pls. studio flash sync

[money]

Can someone give me some advice for a flash problem,

A friend has loaned me her studio flash for a job I have coming up shortly, I have no problems in getting the studio flash to sync with the camera after I have taped up the 4 conacts on the hot shoe, works fine. But I cannot get the studio flash to sync when I use the ST-E2 to trigger the 580ex which in turn i need to trigger the studio flash. With this set up, both flashes fire about half a sec. after the shutter goes. Is there a solution in setting up the flash, or do I need to just use a sync lead. I have a 20 meter sync lead, but what do I need to hook it to my 5d. This friend has also loaned me a Nikon hotshoe adapter for the sync lead. Im not sure if is faulty or incompatible with the camera, because the only way I can get the flash to fire is to press on the sync lead's connection to the adapter.

Also, one last question, is there something which people use as a non reflective surface when using a flash? In some shots I need the flash close to the ground, and would rather the flash wasnt bouncing off the floor.

thx.

$

[PacAce]

The 5D has a PC terminal. If the sync cord is a PC sync cord, just remove the Nikon hotshoe adapter and plug the cord directly into the 5D PC terminal.

[BDM]

A PC sync cord attached to the camera and the flash should do the trick. BUT you probably should use a Wein safe sync adaptor or some other make between the camera and the flash to be sure the camera is protected from excessive sync voltages. Many studo flash units use several volts on the sync circuit which is way too high for the Canon sync circuits to handle. They can burn out components in the camera's sync circuit and then it's back to Canon for repair.

Another really neat way to take care of several problems at once is a radio release system which gives you cordless sync with the flash and, of course, no danger from over voltage in the sync circuit. It is a bit expensive but may be worth it if you plan to do a fair amount of work with studio flash units. Long sync cords have a way of getting under foot with potentially disasterous results.

Bruce

[money]

thanks a lot, that should solve my problem