MT-24ex?

[EOS-GD]

Sorry of this is wrong forum, I'm new to this...

I just got the MT-24ex today. Anyone got any tips to using it? So far I like it better than the single 580ex on a bracket I was using for macros before, but I can't say I'm amazed with the results yet. I'm guessing it's because I'm not using the flash right. :)

I think maybe I need to diffuse it somehow. Do they make diffusers for the MT-24ex?

[LordV]

Fraid I'm not a user but a couple of points I've picked up on their use- You should be able to just secure some tissue or paper kitchen towell over the heads to act as diffuser with elastic bands- have even seen small bubble bubblewrap being used.
Other point is either to use the heads at different distances from the subject- say one twice as far at equal power or to use them at the same distance but with about a 4:1 power ratio. This helps stops the "flat" look you can get due to the very even lighting.
Brian V.

[Dalantech]

The ratio that I set on mine depends on what I'm shooing -start out by setting it to 4:1 and adjust from there (look at the shadows that it can create). I turn the flash mount so that the "A" flash is on top and the "B" flash is on the bottom -I think that the way Canon designed the mount is stupid since light in the real world falls from the top down and not from the sides :rolleyes:

If you are shooting indoors then you can pretty much leave the flash at 0 EV and let ETTL metering figure out the correct exposure. If you are shooting outside in either shutter or aperture priority then set the flash to -2 EV to start out and adjust from there -you're just using the flash for "fill" (to lighten the shadows). I shoot dragonflies at -2 1/3 EV and damselflies at -2 1/3 to -3 and I shut off the "B" flash because a damsel's body is very reflective...

In manual mode you're just gonna have to experiment -and sometimes the histogram doesn't help. I look at the histogram and the image on the LCD to see if I've got the flash set correctly.

The MT-24 is an awesome flash unit for macro -but like all flashes you have to learn how to use it... ;)

[RazorIX]

The stofen diffusers for the M24-EX are a complete waste of time, the shadows & highlights are still too harsh even at -2 EV in the majority of cases. I wanted something to heavily diffuse the flash and tissue paper (for me) still wasn't exactly perfect so I came up with the idea of getting some J&J cotton pads (you can get them from Costco). They are round in shape and perfectly go over each flash head with the aid of a small elastic band. The diffusing offered by this type of covering is absolutely second to none.

http://www.mujionline.co.uk/images/products/4548076006640.jpg

[Dalantech]

The stofen diffusers for the M24-EX are a complete waste of time, the shadows & highlights are still too harsh even at -2 EV in the majority of cases. I wanted something to heavily diffuse the flash and tissue paper (for me) still wasn't exactly perfect so I came up with the idea of getting some J&J cotton pads (you can get them from Costco). They are round in shape and perfectly go over each flash head with the aid of a small elastic band. The diffusing offered by this type of covering is absolutely second to none.



I'll have to give that a try -I have the Sto-Fens and like them, but you're right the MT-24 does need some heavy diffusion...

[EOS-GD]

Ok I might just try some paper towels or tissue wrapped around it.

That won't cause any damage, will it? I heard something about "burn-in" or something when using a home-made diffuser.

[LordV]

Ok I might just try some paper towels or tissue wrapped around it.

That won't cause any damage, will it? I heard something about "burn-in" or something when using a home-made diffuser.

You just need to check the flash does not overheat- ie the body is not getting too hot because of any extra insulation effect of the diffuser.
Brian V.

[EOS-GD]

Hey ok I have diffused the flash with taped-on tissue.

Problem is though, my images are coming out too dark @ 5:1 magnification, even if I set the MT-24ex to full power.

I'm using

F/16
1/200th
ISO 100



Should I bump my ISO to 400 or something? Or use 1/60th shutter speed? Or use F/11??

[LordV]

Hey ok I have diffused the flash with taped-on tissue.

Problem is though, my images are coming out too dark @ 5:1 magnification, even if I set the MT-24ex to full power.

I'm using

F/16
1/200th
ISO 100



Should I bump my ISO to 400 or something? Or use 1/60th shutter speed? Or use F/11??

My settings tend to be F11 ISO200 1/200th which will let some more light in. I also play with the FEC control on the flash so that is normally set on + 2/3rds but you need a bit more when shooting at high mags.
Brian V.