Can I somehow use a Canon 430ex + XTi off camera with PC Sync

[dinanm3atl]

It seems that I can start to play with off camera flash if I use my single 430ex and the XTi.

If I get a Hotshoe PC Sync adapter for the Camera and then another for the flash will it plug together and fire the flash?

If not is there a way to make it work? It seems this would be the best 'budget' system to start just to learn and I could expand from there.

Possible to fire 2 flashes in this manner if you stacked hotshoe pc sync adapters?

[DDCSD]

Yup, that would certainly work.

[DDCSD]

Best source for off-camera flash work:
www.strobist.com

[dinanm3atl]

If that will work I will start from there and get a decent length PC sync cable and start with that :)

[tim]

It'll work, with the flash in manual.

[DDCSD]

It'll work, with the flash in manual.

Thank you Tim, I forgot that disclaimer.

[dinanm3atl]

That is fine :)

I can learn with the manual and adjust as needed. As long as it fires the flash I will start from there.

[tmonatr]

You can also use Ebay wireless triggers:http://cgi.ebay.com/Wireless-Flash-Trigger-V2s-for-Canon-580EX-II-420EX_W0QQitemZ350082114501QQihZ022QQcategoryZ6435 4QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l126 2
To fire 2 flashes, you'll need another receiver:http://cgi.ebay.com/Wireless-Flash-Receiver-V2s-for-Canon-580EX-II-420EX_W0QQitemZ170242803837QQihZ007QQcategoryZ6435 4QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l126 2
I prefer this route as you don't have wires to trip over.

[dinanm3atl]

Works with the Canon 430ex?

[tmonatr]

Works with the Canon 430ex?
I have 2 430EX's, 1 transmitter, and 2 receivers. Works fine. Make sure you get the V2s version for the Canon flash units. The links I provided are the proper ones.:D

[dinanm3atl]

Excellent.

Thanks!

[tmonatr]

Excellent.

Thanks!
No problem. If you get them, 1st thing you should do is put fresh batteries in them. They come with crappy batteries (the battery in my 2nd reciever came DOA:mad:).

[dinanm3atl]

Will do ;)

[tim]

You can also use Ebay wireless triggers:http://cgi.ebay.com/Wireless-Flash-Trigger-V2s-for-Canon-580EX-II-420EX_W0QQitemZ350082114501QQihZ022QQcategoryZ6435 4QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l126 2
To fire 2 flashes, you'll need another receiver:http://cgi.ebay.com/Wireless-Flash-Receiver-V2s-for-Canon-580EX-II-420EX_W0QQitemZ170242803837QQihZ007QQcategoryZ6435 4QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l126 2
I prefer this route as you don't have wires to trip over.

Downside is the ebay triggers aren't reliable. They're fine for learning though, just don't expect to use them for anything serious.

[tmonatr]

Downside is the ebay triggers aren't reliable. They're fine for learning though, just don't expect to use them for anything serious.
True, but with fresh batteries, and after the antenna mod, mine are alot better.

[photojournalista]

If I get a Hotshoe PC Sync adapter for the Camera and then another for the flash will it plug together and fire the flash?


Be aware that some of these adapters shorts out the extra pins of the canon flash. Put an electrical tape shim or get a version where the metal does not touch any of the extra pins.

[dinanm3atl]

Antenna mod?

Details.

I will be learning from 'scratch' so I think it will be fine :)

[dinanm3atl]

Be aware that some of these adapters shorts out the extra pins of the canon flash. Put an electrical tape shim or get a version where the metal does not touch any of the extra pins.

Thanks.

I decided on the eBay trigger, don't have to worry about the shorts and get 'wireless' control. Easily add a 2nd flash as well.

[tmonatr]

Antenna mod?

Details.

The only drawback to the Ebay triggers is they aren't 100% reliable. You get occasional misfires, or non-fires. As I suggested earlier, fresh batteries help. Also, many have modified the antenna in the transmitter to increase the reliability and range. I did it to mine and can fire it at around 250-300 feet outdoors. Reliability increased, although still not 100%.
Details of the antanna mod (and a battery mod, which I didn't bother with) can be found HERE (http://jeremykuster.blogspot.com/2007/10/gi-cactus-v2s-modification-tutorial.html).

[dinanm3atl]

Thanks Tim!

Without the antenna mod what kind of range am I working with in your experience?

[jbrown7815]

Are the ebay triggers same as "cactus triggers" ?
http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm/4,514.htm

I can't look at those ebay ones her at work :P

[tmonatr]

Thanks Tim!

Without the antenna mod what kind of range am I working with in your experience?
I tested mine once before the mod and with the original batteries and I think it was around 125-150 feet. Give or take.

Are the ebay triggers same as "cactus triggers" ?
http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm/4,514.htm

I can't look at those ebay ones her at work :P
They look the same. Mine say Cactus. My only concern would be Canon speedlight compatibility. There were supposedly issues with earlier versions of these triggers when used with Speedlites, hence the V2, and now V2s. On Ebay, there is a different version for the Canon flashes. (the links I gave earlier are for the Canon Speedlites).Now, whether they are actually different than any of the others, I don't know.:confused: They do look the same. The ones you listed are definitely closer. (Ebay ones come from Hong Kong). I guess you could call and ask about compatibility.

[dinanm3atl]

Thanks again Tim!

Very helpful. Will order them here and report back!