what EXACTLY do I need to fire sigma 500 super?

[mllinden]

I have read and searched MANY posts and am even more confused!!

I have a Rebel XT and sigma super.

What do I need to use the flash off-camera? cords? adaptors?

Also, does anyone know of a very basic book for using flash? with pics of how to actually set stuff up, etc.? I've ordered two books online, and each assumes lots of prior knowledge.

Ireally want to learn, but our local library and bookstores have not been helpful.

Thanks,
Michelle

[russellsnr2]

http://strobist.blogspot.com/2007/06/basics-on-video-connect-any-speedlight.html

Look at this very good site for flash includes short video clips

[Curtis N]

There are several options.
First, take a look at this thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=308108)(including the attached PDF file).

Then, if you have specific questions, feel free to ask.

[mllinden]

Thanks Curtis-

I do have a few more questions-

In order to use ettl, do I have to buy the Canon brand, or is there a "after-market" equivalent that has a longer cord? I have never soldered before, and not so sure I want to ruin a $50 cord!

For the hot shoe adaptor, does it have to be the exact brand you gave a link for, or could I find a cheaper or local version?

Finally, are you aware of any books? So much in photography assumes you know certain things already- and I don't. Like setting f-stops on your lights, synch stuff, best placement, etc. I am a very visual learner (aka elementary school teacher) and would love to see photos and diagrams for explanation).

Thanks again-
Michelle

[Curtis N]

There are no manufactured E-TTL compatible hotshoe cords that I know of that are significantly longer than the Canon version. Michael Bass (http://michaelbass.blogspot.com/) will modify a cord for a price. Maybe send him a note.

I do not recommend any particular brand of hotshoe adapter. Just beware there are some cheap ones out there that are known to break, which doesn't do your flash any good. See this thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=269258).

You might try our recommended book list here (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=53846), but my usual advice is to start at your local library and see what they have. There are some great books and DVDs on lighting out there, but the library will be a more economical source. The cornerstone of photographic knowledge is the physics of light, and the concepts involved never change. Old books can be just as useful as new ones.

[FlashZebra]

If you are content with manual mode and want to fire the Super Sigma off camera with a cord with an XT you will need these items.

1) A cord
2) A camera hotshoe to PC adapter
3) A flash hotshoe to sync adapter.

Many merchants will be able to provide these.

I make and sell flash gear and have these offerings.

1) Cord - PC to mini plug
http://flashzebra.com/fivemetersync/alienbee.shtml

2) Camera Hotshoe To PC Adapter
http://flashzebra.com/hotshoe_adapter_black.shtml

3) A flash hotshoe to mini jack sync adapter
I make such an adapter, but it is not listed on my website yet. It does not have the breakage issues that Curtis details above. It is a nice German hotshoe held together with screws.
It is just like this adapter, but it has a female mini plug connection on the end, not a male one as in this listing. Other wise it is identical. The price is the same.
http://flashzebra.com/wizardcables/hotshoe.shtml

You will also want to read this "tip" for info on how to set your Sigma Super to off camera manual mode:

http://flashzebra.com/tips/supersigmamanualmode/index.shtml

Post me a message if you need any additional info on these items.

You will likely also need something to hold your off camera flash. I offer this nice umbrella adapter to hold the flash. It can be mounted on a light stand or a tripod. It also accepts an umbrella when you are ready for that.
http://flashzebra.com/umbrella_adapter.shtml

If you must have ETTL, get the Michael Bass cord.

Enjoy! Lon

[matt1987]

hey, i'm doing what you are attempting to do, so here's what I use (I have NO ETTL, but seriously, do you really want the flash to do all the work for you, come on ;))
So here you go.

You need a

hotshoe adapter for the camera:

http://www.sublimegraphic.com/MyPicture.jpg


and a Hama 6952 (cable contact) for the flash

http://www.sublimegraphic.com/MyPicture-1.jpg

and the cord in between :)

[mllinden]

Thanks for the photos Matt.

The only reason that I was leaning towards ettl is because I have no clue how to do it manually. I can't find a single book (or online source) that tells me how to do it. I have taken two classes, scoured MANY books, and still don't get it. (settings on flash, how to setup, how to use a light meter, etc.)

I am not completely dense- but why does everything I read assume you know all that??

Michelle

[Curtis N]

Michelle,

The basic property of light - that its intensity drops with distance, and you can compensate for this by changing the aperture, is the cornerstone for the rest of lighting knowledge. And I know you can figure it out.

Go to this thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=171657), and look at the picture with the dixie cups and the explanation above it. Hopefully this will give you a spark of understanding. If you still have questions, feel free to ask and we'll help.

Once you "get" that much, you will soon be on your way to controlling flash manually.

[Vermin87]

I didn't have a clue about flash when I started 6 months ago, but I found the best way to learn was not through books, but just taking pictures and seeing what works and what doesn't. Sure, your first set of flash pictures may be no good at all, but you will probably learn much faster doing it.

Try setting the flash to manual, then adjusting the power. Set your camera to manual and do something like 1/60 and F/4. Then adjust the power of the flash while keeping the camera settings the same. Try changing the camera settings and see what happens while the flash is a the same power. Try changing the subject distance while keeping all settings on camera and flash the same. When you begin to understand what happens with individual changes, you'll be prepared when multiple things change at once. Say, your subject moved back 5 feet, and you wanted a shallower depth of field: then you would be more prepared to make necessary changes to your flash power because you've seen them individually change.

[mllinden]

Londuck-

Your adapters seem to have different type of connectors, unless I'm just not quite sure on the terminology. Does that matter? Also, I looked at your umbrella adaptor. Is the thumbscrew a good thing? None of the others I've researched have them???

For umbrellas, is a 43" silver with black lining seem like a good choice?

Thanks,
Michelle

[FlashZebra]

The thumbscrew is a good thing. It retains the flash on the shoe.

Enjoy! Lon (formerly "londuck" but now "FlashZebra")

[ethan592]

Couple things, www.strobist.com and do the lighting 101 series
and i use and prefer the Gadget Infinity Cactus radio triggers. 30 bucks for a transmitter and receiver. Love them