Liveview and non-TTL flash

[dsvilko]

I would like to experiment with the off-camera-flash using the manual (non-TTL) flash and a RF trigger. The problem arises from the way I do my focusing when I am using the built-in flash: 10x magnified liveview + moving my camera. As the RF trigger is not e-TTL, my 1000d does not recognize it as a flash, the liveview exposure simulation (which I don't think I can turn off) kicks in and the display goes too dark to focus (M mode, 1/200s, f/11). I also don't have a true macro lens but a 2x50mm reversed configuration that gives me a nice magnification but my aperture has to be fixed and at f/11 the viewfinder is also usually too dark to allow me to focus.
Has anyone been in this situation? Is there an easy fix?

[LordV]

I suspect about the only thing you could do would be to rig a led torch focus light onto the system - these should be bright enough to be able to see focus but not bright enough to significantly affect the lighting.
Brian v.

[dsvilko]

I actually already thought of doing something like that. I have a few Cree 3W LEDs that, at the macro distances, actually provide above direct sunlight level of illumination. :) On the other hand, from my experimentation, that bright of a light tends to scare most of the insects.

[LordV]

I actually already thought of doing something like that. I have a few Cree 3W LEDs that, at the macro distances, actually provide above direct sunlight level of illumination. :) On the other hand, from my experimentation, that bright of a light tends to scare most of the insects.

I had a similar problem when I was using a manual lens setup with a fixed aperture around F8-F11 and used an old video light I had. Funnily enough bugs seem to like this as it was slightly warm. You may just need to play with how bright the light is from the leds either from position or by purposely partially "diffusing" it or just use a slightly lower power system. I know people doing night shots of bugs do similar things successfully.
Brian v.

[Warl0rd]

I use some cheap wireless triggers (cactus v2s like) and they simply don't fire (on a 450D) with liveview on.

Anyway, if your shooting static subjects you can use liveview in Av mode (screen will be bright), then once you achieve focus, switch to M and shoot. Thats whay I do (and turn off liveview to be able to use flash)

[dsvilko]

I use some cheap wireless triggers (cactus v2s like) and they simply don't fire (on a 450D) with liveview on.

Anyway, if your shooting static subjects you can use liveview in Av mode (screen will be bright), then once you achieve focus, switch to M and shoot. Thats whay I do (and turn off liveview to be able to use flash)

That's a good idea and I'll have to try it. It will certainly be tricky with a sub-mm DoF, though (don't usually use a tripod).

[Warl0rd]

yep, without tripod it will be hard.

If you shoot in P mode the shutter defaults to 1/60, if thats not enough to freeze montion, you have another option, deep on the menu settings you can force the shutter speed when using a flash to a relative high speed in Av mode, i.e, it stops working as fill light. that way you can use Av mode only.

[dsvilko]

Unfortunately that (force Sync speed) works only with a TTL flash.

[Warl0rd]

didn't knew that

[dsvilko]

I have found a simple way to use an off-camera non eTTL flash together with a liveview. The trick is not to use the RF trigger but use a built-in flash and an optical slave that's able to ignore the eTTL preflash (such as the one built into my YN460 flashes). You can even dial down a -2EV FEC of the pop-up flash and the liveview won't be 'smart enough' to compensate and go dark :) I've yet to try it out in a sunny conditions but I think I should work.