Dumb off camera question about triggering.

[mike62]

I try and keep my dumb questions to a minimum and just read and research but everyonce in awhile I have to let one go.

When I do my first studio shoot (it will be all about practice for me) I plan on using speedlights off camera to begin with because I already have my SUNPAK E-TTL and an old SUNPAK 144 auto both can go manual mode I believe. This way I can determine if I want to spend or how much to spend on better lighting.

Because of uncertainity about wireless remotes I am going to use optical slaves. Would the wise thing here be to use each flash on a light stand/umbrella and trigger it with my on camera flash?

Or even just use one off camera but trigger it with my on camera flash rather than the big flash on camera?

There is my confusion do you guys use the on camera flash in instances like this?

Thank you.

[Titus213]

Using optical remotes can create some issues if you are trying to fire them with an ETTL flash unit. Your built in flash will produce a pre-flash which will fire the optical triggers. You can get around that by putting the on camera flash in manual mode. Unfortunately I don't think you can get your built in flash to manual mode.

And in re-reading that I hope you are following the difference between on camera flash and built in flash.

[57hardtop]

as Dave pointed out, be aware that you understand the difference in terminology...on-camera flash = your 430ex on the camera hotshoe...not your built-in camera flash.

[gonzogolf]

Plus your on board flash will fire at the subject. Its automatic so not much in the way of control and its a pretty harsh nasty little light in the best of circumstances.

[shutterfiend]

Plus your on board flash will fire at the subject. Its automatic so not much in the way of control and its a pretty harsh nasty little light in the best of circumstances.

Unless you this (http://www.adorama.com/FALSUS.html). I've often wondered how this could be used. It just struck me. This could be used to fire other flashes.

Then there's the e-ttl pre-flash to deal with. I know that Nikon SB-26s have a delay mode (apart from a built-in optical sensor). Are there any other strobes with this feature?

[mike62]

Using optical remotes can create some issues if you are trying to fire them with an ETTL flash unit. Your built in flash will produce a pre-flash which will fire the optical triggers. You can get around that by putting the on camera flash in manual mode. Unfortunately I don't think you can get your built in flash to manual mode.

And in re-reading that I hope you are following the difference between on camera flash and built in flash.


Thank you guys for catching me on that. I am aware of the difference but totally was using the incorrect term in that I should have been stating built in flash.

Based on your guys advise about the issues and I did not really want to use the on camera flash to trigger I don't think even though it has a manual mode. I may take a chance on some of the cheaper triggers since both my flashes can go manual mode and eliminate the pre-flash E-TTL concern of the SUNPAK PZ42 and try to trigger them that way.

I can't justify the more expensive triggers for my learning level and amateur status currently.

I guess it will be a fingers crossed thing huh?

[57hardtop]

I can't justify the more expensive triggers for my learning level and amateur status currently.

I too am new to flash and learning all the options available, but I chose to go with the Cybersyncs instead of the cheapo ebay triggers because sooner or later I will catch up on the learning curve and I want to have quality gear down the road when I get to that point...and besides, they are still pretty inexpensive compared to the other options (outside of the cheap ebay triggers)...and the quality is superb.

[Titus213]

In a controlled studio setting you could use PC cables - cheap and effective. You'll need an adapter to plug them into your camera and the flash has to have a PC port.