550EX and fleaBay Radio Slaves? How do you fire?

[Stackinchips]

I got one coming in the mail. What do you guys use to have it fire your 550's(or equivilent). I know that it does not have a mini jack input nor a PC socket. What also is the specific name for the adapter to use? Thanks

[kkent25]

I remember reading some info on what you are asking about here (http://strobist.blogspot.com/). Some guy who follows the site purchased some ebay slaves and used them with his Canon Speedlites. Even shows how to rig the slaves up to increase the range as well. You will have to surf around the site for the info, I don't have a link to the exact page.

[FlashZebra]

The quality of the ebay units are a bit spotty, but the dealer below seems to replace bad units without problems. And, the price makes it worth the gamble.

See:
http://cgi.ebay.com/4-Channel-Radio-Slave-Flash-Trigger-Strobe-Flashgun_W0QQitemZ180077440316QQihZ008QQcategoryZ3 0086QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Absolutely purchase the optional hotshoe adapter shown in the image, I think it is $5.00. You will not be able to source this adapter from any other merchant (at least I cannot find it anywhere else).

This adapter will allow you to place your Canon flash on it, and plug the radio slave receiver to it. In addition, it will allow you to plug the inexpensive ($7.00) Alien Bee flash cord to it so you can fire your Canon flash with a flash cord. When thing get ugly, a cord almost always works.

There have been reports of problems with many of the inexpensive radio slaves with recent Canon flash units, but remember it is an inexpensive gamble.

And again, do not forget to add that particular hotshoe adapter to your order. It is a great adapter worth far more than $5.00.

Enjoy! Lon