Camera bodies without PC Sync ports.

I asked this question in the 6D EOS Camera section but thought I may get a bit more response in this section. Sorry for the double up.

Question for 6d users (and users of other camera's without PC Sync ports).

All of my previous bodies (30D, 1DsMk2, 1DMk3) have had PC Sync ports. When doing events, I could attach my radio trigger to the port and trigger remote strobes/speedlites while having a speedlite on the camera body.

However, now I have the 6D I am unable to do this with the 580EX Mk2, it's PC Sync port is receive only. I had though of modifying it like I had done to my 580EX Mk1 (to add a port) but there are circuitry differences that stop this from working.

Even a straight through hot shoe with a PC Sync port wont work as there is a semi-constant signal going through with operates the radio trigger.

How are you guys doing it??

The only thing I've found that provides a PC sync connection and still allows full ETTL passthrough to a top mounted Speedlite is this: http://www.amazon.com …1-1&keywords=Pixel+TF-321

I admit that I am a little squeamish about mounting a $500+ Speedlite on top of it but it seems sturdy enough as long as I am not . This is not really any different than mounting your flash on an off camera ETTL cable to get it out of the camera hotshoe. It does work. The mounted Speedlite retains full communication with the camera and the trigger attached to the screwmount PC port on the front side receives a fire signal just as it would with a camera body PC port. You can't beat the price.

Mark Vuleta wrote in post #16354667
I asked this question in the 6D EOS Camera section but thought I may get a bit more response in this section. Sorry for the double up.

Question for 6d users (and users of other camera's without PC Sync ports).

All of my previous bodies (30D, 1DsMk2, 1DMk3) have had PC Sync ports. When doing events, I could attach my radio trigger to the port and trigger remote strobes/speedlites while having a speedlite on the camera body.

However, now I have the 6D I am unable to do this with the 580EX Mk2, it's PC Sync port is receive only. I had though of modifying it like I had done to my 580EX Mk1 (to add a port) but there are circuitry differences that stop this from working.

How are you guys doing it??

You can't compare the 1D series with a intermediate camera body. 6D is not a pro grade camera; so they don't have Pc Syncs. You can upgrade your camera or just buy triggers.

Hi, Mark! The Pixel TF-321 has been wired up in different ways, some of which will not do what you want. I have several that I have repaired/matched to make them all work the same, but none deliver the full set of contacts. They can be wired to do so, of course.

The centre pin does not, as suggested above, have multiple signals going through. The PC-sync port is tied to it and provides a simple Fire! only signal.

Another solution is to adopt the YongNuo YN-622C triggers, which allow an on-top flash to be used. See the link in my signature.

PS call in if you are down this way, and test.

draderusa wrote in post #16355414
The only thing I've found that provides a PC sync connection and still allows full ETTL passthrough to a top mounted Speedlite is this: http://www.amazon.com …1-1&keywords=Pixel+TF-321
........ This is not really any different than mounting your flash on an off camera ETTL cable to get it out of the camera hotshoe. It does work. The mounted Speedlite retains full communication with the camera and the trigger attached to the screwmount PC port on the front side receives a fire signal just as it would with a camera body PC port......

That is exactly the type of thing I was thinking about, however, there is an electronic signal from the center fire pin & the "earth" portion of the hot-shoe mount that triggers (at least mine (Skyports)).

I have confirmed this by pulling apart the flash hot shoe & wiring up the PC Sync port to affect this and with the 580EX 2 & (at least, Skyports) is not a solution. Upon doing a bit more investigation, Micheal Bass has found the same issue and it looks like his only work around is a optical sensor tripping the radio trigger (and presumably one that ignores the pre-flash)

abbadon31 wrote in post #16355658
You can't compare the 1D series with a intermediate camera body. 6D is not a pro grade camera; so they don't have Pc Syncs. You can upgrade your camera or just buy triggers.

The 30D (and the 20D, 40D and 50D) are also not pro-grade cameras and they have PC Sync ports.

I do have triggers, I'm looking for a way to get them to work in the situation detailed in my original post.

CliveyBoy wrote in post #16356137
Hi, Mark! The Pixel TF-321 has been wired up in different ways, some of which will not do what you want. I have several that I have repaired/matched to make them all work the same, but none deliver the full set of contacts. They can be wired to do so, of course.

The centre pin does not, as suggested above, have multiple signals going through. The PC-sync port is tied to it and provides a simple Fire! only signal.

Another solution is to adopt the YongNuo YN-622C triggers, which allow an on-top flash to be used. See the link in my signature.

PS call in if you are down this way, and test.

Hi Clive, long time.. I presume you are well.

I will have a bit of an investigation into alternatives but no time at the moment. I'm flying down to Wellington (weather permitting:rolleyes this afternoon to my daughters graduation from the Police College and are also doing photo's for the graduation ball tomorrow night. In getting my gear prepared, I thought I would double check the remote flash set-up and came across this problem.

I still have my 580EX Mk1 with the modified foot to allow me to plug the trigger into which I will use, I do prefer the Mk2 on camera as I find it easier to use.

I don't get down your way too often but will certainly will be in contact depending upon the results of my investigations. Certainly a shame that they took out the PC Sync port but I assume that it is all part of their strategy.

I can confirm (as mentioned above) that there is some form of signal on the 580EX Mk2 fire circuit that fires radio triggers (Skyports at least) It is not all of the time, seems to be somehow related to however long the IS, on a IS capable lens mounted to the camera, remains active. It triggers every couple of seconds when the IS is spinning up/down.

Mark Vuleta wrote in post #16356639
The 30D (and the 20D, 40D and 50D) are also not pro-grade cameras and they have PC Sync ports.

I do have triggers, I'm looking for a way to get them to work in the situation detailed in my original post.

Your are right