few more ?'s using sigma off camera

[mllinden]

Ok- I have finally gotten the sigma off camera using the fel (*) , but I have a few specific questions.

Londuck- I used your instructions from Flashzebra to get the Sigma in the proper mode. For clarification, to use the Sigma with the optical slave instead of sync cord or radio slave, you skip step two and just do steps one and three- correct??

When setting the power level, what do these numbers mean (ex. 1/1, 1/2)? Does that mean full power, half-power, etc.??

If you are not using ettl with the optical slave, is this considered manual?
thus, do you have to do the following:

When using the optical slave, do you match the f-stop on the flash to match what you are using on your camera?

For the zoom, do you match that on your flash with your camera?



Finally (at least until I come across another thing I don't understand), how do I attach the sigma to a stand? I have an old tripod that I tried to use (for experimentation purposes). Since the flash doesn't have a screw in its base, I attached the little black "table stand" thingy that came with the flash to the tripod screw. Then I slid the flash into the hot shoe part of the flash stand. But it was VERY wobbly. Do I need something else to attach it?

Thanks for your patience and help. I wish my "models" (my 3 little boys) would be as helpful. Every time I try new things out, they run away screaming "No more pictures!!" Perhaps I need to find a mannequin head to use!

Michelle

[FlashZebra]

Ok- I have finally gotten the sigma off camera using the fel (*) , but I have a few specific questions.

Londuck- I used your instructions from Flashzebra to get the Sigma in the proper mode. For clarification, to use the Sigma with the optical slave instead of sync cord or radio slave, you skip step two and just do steps one and three- correct??

When setting the power level, what do these numbers mean (ex. 1/1, 1/2)? Does that mean full power, half-power, etc.??

If you are not using ettl with the optical slave, is this considered manual?
thus, do you have to do the following:

When using the optical slave, do you match the f-stop on the flash to match what you are using on your camera?

For the zoom, do you match that on your flash with your camera?



Finally (at least until I come across another thing I don't understand), how do I attach the sigma to a stand? I have an old tripod that I tried to use (for experimentation purposes). Since the flash doesn't have a screw in its base, I attached the little black "table stand" thingy that came with the flash to the tripod screw. Then I slid the flash into the hot shoe part of the flash stand. But it was VERY wobbly. Do I need something else to attach it?

Thanks for your patience and help. I wish my "models" (my 3 little boys) would be as helpful. Every time I try new things out, they run away screaming "No more pictures!!" Perhaps I need to find a mannequin head to use!

Michelle
Regarding "For clarification, to use the Sigma with the optical slave instead of sync cord or radio slave, you skip step two and just do steps one and three- correct??"

Yes, that is correct, but Step Three refers you back to Step 2. There is one setting in the Step 2/Step 3 process that switches you between optical slave mode, and off camera manual mode. Other than that, Step 2 and Step 3 are identical.

Regarding "When setting the power level, what do these numbers mean (ex. 1/1, 1/2)? Does that mean full power, half-power, etc.??"

Yes, that is it full power, half-power, quarter-power, etc.

Regarding " If you are not using ettl with the optical slave, is this considered manual? "

Yes.

Regarding " When using the optical slave, do you match the f-stop on the flash to match what you are using on your camera?"

You can use the F#/distance info as a guide or starting point, but if you are using more than one flash, etc, this will not be accurate.

Regarding " For the zoom, do you match that on your flash with your camera?"

This is more complicated that just matching the zoom setting on the camera with the zoom setting on your flash. Since the falsh is off camera, it may be projecting to an area of light that is different that your camera is seeing (even if the zoom setting on the flash is set to the focal length you are using on your camera).

You will have to experiment. But, play it safe and move the flash to its widest position to have full coverage of what you frame.

Enjoy! Lon

[mllinden]

Thanks Lon-

I am very new- bear with me-
when you said move the flash to its widest position, does that mean the smallest zoom setting (ex. 28mm)?

Also, do you know if I need something different to secure my flash more securely to my tripod (or a light stand)?

Michelle

[Curtis N]

Lon has this covered well. Just a few notes of clarification.

1) When using the Sigma Super off-camera, if you set the aperture and the ISO on the flash to match the camera, this calibrates the distance scale. That's all it does. It does not affect the output of the flash. If you aren't relying on the distance scale then you can skip this part. And you certainly can't rely on the distance scale if you're bouncing, using an umbrella, softbox, sto-fen or any other sort of diffuser. It only works for direct flash.

2) You can zoom the flash to any focal length you desire, or even pull out the wide-angle panel for wide coverage. This is a creative decision on your part, depending on what you want to illuminate. Since changing the zoom setting also changes the flash unit's guide number, you will notice that the distance scale reading changes when you zoom the head (if it's in the straight forward position). So if you're relying on the distance scale, you need to zoom the head before you adjust the power setting.

As for how to mount it on a stand, I have used the plastic table stand that you mentioned. It should screw onto a tripod securely, then you can tighen the locking ring on the flash. Ultimately you will probably want an economy lightstand (they run about $20 at camera shops), an umbrella adapter and an umbrella for a much softer light source.