Question using 2 Sigma flashes off-camera

[Mac]

I have a pair of Sigma EF-500 DG Super flashes. I have used them in tandem with one on and one off-camera. But I want to use them both off-camera, as it would give me a lot more flexibility. I have read the stickies and have put an order in for the adapters and cable needed.

I have read through the manual and started testing the flashes together with different ratios and all. But I am curious as to what is happening. When I set the 2 of the flashes up with different ratios and hit the test fire button on the master flash, both flashes fire, and it looks like the ratios are taking affect. But the slave flash fires AFTER the master, not simultaneously. Is this normal, or is this happening because I am using the test button and not actually firing using the PC cord?

Thanks for any help...:D

[Psychobiker]

IF they're communicating by IR (a-la the Canons), it can be ropey at best. Are you trying ETTL?

[Curtis N]

When you hit the test button, the master and slaves will each fire separately. This allows you to see that they're all working. They fire simultaneously when you take a shot.

However, when the master is connected to an adapter and PC cord, you won't be able to use E-TTL or ratios. It's strictly manual adjustment of each unit. To make the master fire via hotshoe adapter, you'll need to put the flash in optical slave mode (instructions (http://flashzebra.com/tips/supersigmamanualmode/index.shtml)). The slave will also need to be in optical slave mode (CO SL). Then you manually adjust the power of each unit to get the ratio you want.

[Mac]

Thanks!!! I bookmarking that link right now. Having to set the power on each flash is not the end of the world. I am not foresee changing the slave flash too often during a shoot since I am planning on using it for a hairlight or backlight. And if I do, it's not like it is that hard to do :D.

Thanks again!!! :D