Remote flash - can it be done

[fitzharlow]

I have a 10D and 550 Speedlite, also an old 540 Speedlite. Is there anyway to set up the 540 as a slave?

[scottbergerphoto]

The 540 isn't ETTL compatible. That means putting your 550EX in Manual and using a radio transmitter system like the Pocket Wizards or an optical slave if it will work with the 540. Optical slaves don't work with the 550 due to inadequate voltage to recycle the flash.
Scott

[Cal Maier]

The 540EZ flash was designed for use on the EOS film bodies and is not capable of wireless operation.

The 420EX and the 580EX are the only other EOS Speedlights that support wireless functions. The 420EX can only be used as a slave to the 550EX and the 580EX and both of these flashes can be used as master or slave units.

Cal CPS432

[scottbergerphoto]

The 540EZ flash was designed for use on the EOS film bodies and is not capable of wireless operation.

The 420EX and the 580EX are the only other EOS Speedlights that support wireless functions. The 420EX can only be used as a slave to the 550EX and the 580EX and both of these flashes can be used as master or slave units.

Cal CPS432
That is only true for wireless ETTL. You can use a Pocket Wizard system to fire any of the Canon flashes in Manual Mode. You can purchase a hot shoe to miniphone cord from www.paramountcords.com which allows you to attach Canon flashes to a Pocket Wizard receiver. You then have a wireless slave. I do this with Canon as well as Nikon Flashes. It allows you to mix flashes from different manufacturers in Manual mode. You just need to use a flash meter to set your exposure.
Scott

[Cal Maier]

That is only true for wireless ETTL

That was what I was talking about. I doubt everyone is going to rush out and buy pocket wizards and a flash meter to run a couple of Canon flashes. For that king of money, I think, you would be better off to get rid of the 540EZ and replace it with something ETTL compatible, but I use some old Normans if I need more than one portable light.

Cal CPS432

[scottbergerphoto]

That is only true for wireless ETTL

That was what I was talking about. I doubt everyone is going to rush out and buy pocket wizards and a flash meter to run a couple of Canon flashes. For that king of money, I think, you would be better off to get rid of the 540EZ and replace it with something ETTL compatible, but I use some old Normans if I need more than one portable light.

Cal CPS432
You might not run out and buy them, but you might happen to have them for your studio lights as I do. You can put together a group of different speedlights in manual mode for a portable kit.
Scott