How can i use my second flash?

[ahmadof]

i have an old 420 EZ that i used to use. This wasn't compatible with the 10D, so i got a 550 EX. I would like to use the second flash to learn. I know i probably won't get TTL, but is there a way to trrigger the second flash (photosensor) or something. Any other suggestions as to how to use it? I just want to learn, so no high priced solutions ;)

[DocFrankenstein]

20 bucks for an optical slave trigger.

[Jon]

Just be aware that unless you're using the 550EX in manual mode (the flash, not the camera), it'll put out a pre-flash which will fire your 420EZ prematurely. Wein makes a digital camera slave (http://www.omegasatter.com/v2/products/displayproduct.cfm?ProdID=2963) that will ignore the pre-flash, but it's considerably more than $20.

[Reminisce]

Speaking of which, if I wanted to move my flash (Sigma DG Super) off camera and onto a stand about a good 5 feet away, and just use that flash only (as opposed to using it as an optical slave), would I get an extended TTL cord (http://www.paramountcords.com/canonttl.asp)? Or is there a more inexpensive way to do what I want to do? Thanks guys.

Sorry for ninja'ing your post, hehe.

[robertwgross]

Speaking of which, if I wanted to move my flash (Sigma DG Super) off camera and onto a stand about a good 5 feet away, and just use that flash only (as opposed to using it as an optical slave), would I get an extended TTL cord (http://www.paramountcords.com/canonttl.asp)? Or is there a more inexpensive way to do what I want to do? Thanks guys.

The straight PC sync cord should work, but you will not have any ETTL flash.

If you want to preserve ETTL flash, then you will need to put some wireless master on the hotshoe and let it "talk" to the Sigma.

---Bob Gross---

[Reminisce]

The straight PC sync cord should work, but you will not have any ETTL flash.

If you want to preserve ETTL flash, then you will need to put some wireless master on the hotshoe and let it "talk" to the Sigma.

---Bob Gross---

Ah ok. So you mean like a Pocket Wizard transmitter and reciever? Sorry if this is a redundant question, I just want to make sure I invest in the right option(s).

[robertwgross]

Ah ok. So you mean like a Pocket Wizard transmitter and reciever? Sorry if this is a redundant question, I just want to make sure I invest in the right option(s).

No, that is not what I meant. I believe that a Pocket Wizard transmitter and receiver will carry across only sync, not ETTL.

There is a company called Canon that produces several products in its Speedlite line of flash equipment. There are wireless masters, and there are wireless slaves. A wireless master mounts directly on the hotshoe, or via off-camera shoe cord. It talks to one or more wireless slaves, but it is not with radio. Some Sigmas do this also.

---Bob Gross---