Multiple flash units with the D60

[transco]

I have a 550-EX mounted on the D-60 and a 420-EX on a light stand. What I am trying to do is adjust the ratio of the two flashes where the 550 has less output than the 420 while using full E-TTL. Basically the 420 would be my main flash and the on-camera 550 would be used for fill. I've been through the 550 manual several times, but can't find info on this particular configuration. Suggestions?

[SteveCliff]

I'd be interested to see if you get this working ! I'm just in the process of looking at getting another flash to go with my 550 but am a complete flash newbie and am not sure about the best way to go ...

Hope someone can shed some light on the subject (pun intended!)

[soumya63]

My solution is to use non dedicated flashes like Vivitar 285HVs. I Trigger both of them off camera mounted on two light stands or tripods. I hand hold the camera for most flexibility.

I have rigged my special long PC cord with trigger voltage reduction circuit to protect my D30 from 10Volt trigger voltage of Vivitars. The second flash is triggred by a Wein Peanut Ultra Slave with 300' sensitivity.

I also use a Lumiquest Ultra soft on the modelling light. Fill in is left direct. I set both the flashes on Manual, first one as full power and other one 1/2 or 1/4 or 1/16 depending on the composition. This entire setup costs me less than a single Canon 420. The following picture shows the result of this modest setup. I even have some money left to add a third Vivitar 285 or a Sunpak 611!

Check the result at http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=1172311

[Mr. Fogle]

You mentioned the protection rig for your 30 because of the flash trigger??? I am triggering a sunpack 3000 from my 30 for a main and a portaflash 220 for fill. of course the 220 is slave driven but the sunpack triggered straight from camera to dodge the preflash of e-ttl,whitch was a confusing problem to figure out. will this hurt the camera in any way. Michael.

[Roger_Cavanagh]

Transco,

I too have these flashes, and I too waded through the manual for how to do it, and I too drew a blank. :(

I wonder whether using the ST2 would allow manual adjustment of the 550. I don't have one, so can't test.

Regards

[soumya63]

Mr. Fogle wrote:
You mentioned the protection rig for your 30 because of the flash trigger??? I am triggering a sunpack 3000 from my 30 for a main and a portaflash 220 for fill. of course the 220 is slave driven but the sunpack triggered straight from camera to dodge the preflash of e-ttl,whitch was a confusing problem to figure out. will this hurt the camera in any way. Michael.

Any trigger voltage above 6 Volt can damage the internal Flash Sync circuit of D30 or D60. The Sync switch inside these cameras are not mechanical, but electronic. What ever that switch may be, it malfunctions or fails if subjected to any trigger voltage above 6 Volt. Looks like your Sunpak Trigger voltage is within safe limit. You can check this by using a Digital multimeter by turning on the Flash unit and touching the two contacts of the hotshoe (once the flash ready indicator is on).

I have designed a tiny circuit from components available from Radio Shack components. If you guys can solder, I can provide you the schematics, it will condition any trigger voltage to 5 Volt to Camera side. This will cost you about 10 bucks to construct. The other option is to use Wein Safe Sync which I think costs around 50 to 80 bucks from B&H.

I believe in old addage, prevention is better than cure, and I do not have a spare D30 or D60 body :)