D30 with studio strobes

[u02bnpx]

I've been using a D30 for a few weeks and recently attempted to use it in my small home studio with three strobes (only 150ws each). I called Canon, and they advised me to use the Wein Safe-Sync on my hot shoe, and connect one light (the others are slaved). I purchased a Wein # 990-550 from Adorama, got 2 or 3 decent pix. Then the camera began doing awful things...like failing to respond to the review or set buttons, not going on after turning everything off and then on, etc. After a few more attempts, I gave up. Fortunately, my camera isn't fried and is working normally. Called Canon again, and they said I should be using Wein Safe Sync 990-560. Interestingly, B&H sells this, but not the 550. Adorama sells the 550 but not the newer (according to B&H) 560. I ordered the newer 560 today. But before trying strobes again, I'd appreciate any input you D30 users can pass on. Surely, this camera can be used in a small studio setting---even though you wouldn't know it from the inadequate (on this matter) D30 manual. Please...help!

Floyd

[Dans_D60]

I used my D30 (before taking ownership of my new D60 on March 29!) several times with JTL studio strobes (a configuration of three: Key, Fill, and Backdrop) and the built-in D30 PC terminal. No problems. The reason for using the hot-shoe and not the PC terminal is?

[mfulton]

I've used my D30 almost exclusively with studio flash equipment. I've done just about 9800 exposures since I got the camera, and probably 80% were with studio flash equipment.

I don't think you'd find any rep that would give a blanket "OK" to the idea of using an arbitrary studio flash setup. The potential problem they are concerned with is that studio flash setups vary with regards to how much voltage they put onto the sync connection. Some could conceivably put enough voltage through the connection that the sync connection on your shutter would arc, and result in it being welded open.

It's not likely you'd have a REAL problem with ANY setup, really, but there has been the odd occurrance of such things in the past.

And the W/S rating of the flash doesn't really matter. It's the voltage across the sync connection that matters, not the W/S delivered to the flash tube.

I am not familiar with the Wein Safe Sync, but what I would recommend is a radio slave like the Quantum Radio Slave or PocketWizard.

In these setups, there is a transmitter that connects to either your hot shoe or PC connection on the camera, and a receiver which connects to your flash unit. Most of them have a selection of at least a couple of different channels in case you need to avoid conflicts with someone else's unit.

It's a few hundred bucks, but once you go cordless you'll never want to use a sync cord again.

[u02bnpx]

Thanks for your reply--and especially for your assurances re potential damage. I now plan to look into Quantum and Pocket Wizard. But it certainly is odd that the manual provides no advice on this matter.

[u02bnpx]

I know this sounds incredible, but the Canon tech I spoke with recently said that the PC sync on the camera should be used only to transfer data from camera to computer. I KNOW that's erroneous! Still, I became fearful enough to try sticking to hot shoe exclusively. Thanks for your reply.

[David Lawson]

As a cheap alternative to a radio slave I use prolinca infra red trigger around £40 in UK. You could also slave off a flashgun pointed away from the subject so it triggers the lights, I am assuming they are slaved. With Canon EX guns you will have to shoot manually as the pre flash could trigger the studio lights prematurely. Dial power output as low as possible to fire heads as you will get quicker recycle times. David

[Dans_D60]

According to the D60 manual page 96 “we recommend you use a flash with a sync cable connected to the PC contacts”. Additionally, there is a warning about proper polarity and not to use high-voltage triggered studio systems. Again, the inexpensive JTL studio strobes I use with my D30 and D60 have experienced no problems with hundreds of shots in dozens of sessions. Be careful for sure, but the canon D30 and D60 includes a PC connector designed specifically for external studio type strobes. I believe the Canon tech was confused with the term “PC” and must be referring to the USB Digital terminal (Personal Computer Connect).

[John Boyes]

I've always used a Wein Safe-Sync on my D30 and had no (touchwood) probs so far. A lot of people (especially on the RobGalbraith forums) have experienced flash sync failure. Whether this is just bad luck, or that many flashes of well over 6v have passed through the camera PC socket is a matter of opinion.

I've played safe and when I don't want to use a sync cord I use the 550EX on manual dialled down to 1/128 power to trigger my Bowens heads.

John

[Foreside PhotoGraphics]

Hi Guys-

Basically, if you want to use ANY type of strobe with the D30, (hotshoe or PC terminal), the trigger voltage should not exceed 6vDC, or you risk damaging the triggering circuitry. The Wein Safe-Sync caps the voltage at 6vDC.

Here's a link to a page that lists many flashes and their trigger voltages.

http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

Hope this helps...

Gary Shepard
Foreside PhotoGraphics
Maine, USA

[Bill Branham]

I use either the Wein SSR-Jr. Open Channel System or the Wein SSR Pro-Sync Open Channel Hi-Power System mounted on the hot shoe of my D30. These seem to work fine and they don’t use high voltages, just a simple infrared lamp to trigger the Wein receiving unit on the Photogenic stobes. Also, I really love the strobe trigger that mounts on my Minolta flash meter. So far I have had no problems with this set-up. Of course metering is totally manual.

[WhiteStar]

Dans_D60 is most likely very right and I would be somewhat dismayed if any photographic techie was unable to differenciate between the PC [Push Connector] socket that is use to trigger external flash units and PC [Personal Computer] connections used to download images from the camera! Modern yoof eh?

Up to now i've used a cable to one studio head [the rest triggered by on board slaves] but will be purchasing something such as the Prolinca or maybe a radio sytem, either will do. It's one less cable to trip over and does give you more freedom of movement, especially when it comes to putting the camera down.

WhiteStar

[Billginthekeys]

wow... i read this thread and was wondering why no one asked him if he wasnt sure he had the 30D not D30........ and then i realized it is four years old.

welcome to the forums though whitestar.