Radio triggers fire flash but it doesn't record in the image?

Hello,

I've been using cheap radio triggers to fire my 580 and 430 for a few years now. I've never had issues before, but for the last few months, the triggers will set off the flash when I press the shutter, but it is not synced up properly, because the flash does NOT show up in the resulting image.

The trigger and receivers are FlashFire by photoflex.com Has anyone had this issue with radio triggers? Is it something that can be fixed, or do I need to buy new triggers? The most frustrating part is that sometimes it works and sometimes it does not. I just tried it again, and both flashes are firing AND showing up in the photo now, but the last two times I tried to use it all for specific photos, the flashes were NOT recording in the photos.

Any advice is appreciated. I already know I can get Yongnuo triggers for a very decent price, but I thought I'd see if maybe there's something I'm missing first!

I had the same problem yesterday with pocket wizards (1st time using them). I then realised that the shutter was opening at a fraction of a second after the flash fired. I had the radio trigger plugged into the socket for the cable release instead of the one for the flash synch cord.

The FlashFire triggers and receivers are connected to the camera and the flashes by hotshoe, so I know this is not my particular problem. Although, this is exactly the type of thing I could just be missing somehow! The thing is, the flash does record in the photo sometimes and not other times, and I can't think of anything I'm doing differently the times that it does work! I'm glad you realized your issue, so you could fix it.

Gotta ask, what's your shutter speed?

I'm keeping the shutter speed below the max sync speed Usually, I've been at either 1/100 or 1/200.

Have you checked your channels? Made sure all your units are using the same?

I used to see folks on POTN saying rechargeable batteries could cause inconsistant trigger problems although I've never had that issue.

Which camera body? If it is in ETTL, there will be a preflash from an on-camera EX flash, but your triggers will not react to the subsequent power level setting and Fire! instructions.

Have you tried putting either of your speedlights on the camera to make sure you're getting proper exposure in that configuration? I know it's not gonna' solve your problem, but IMO that would at least prove that the issue is with your RF triggers.

These are pretty cheap triggers. There are no channel settings on the part that goes on my camera.

I've used reusable batteries in the past, but I've been using new, regular batteries in them lately to make sure it is not a low battery issue.

I'm using a 40d. Flashes in Manual mode, no pop up flash being used.

Both speedlights work fine when they are attached to my camera. (That's actually how I've had to do things lately to ensure I'm going to get the shot. I've been putting my 580 on my camera as a master to set off the 430 as an ocf.)

My triggers were actually working properly yesterday, and I ended up using them for an hour or so. This is why it is so frustrating though, because I COULD have done without them yesterday if needed, but every time I really need them to get the shot I want seems to be the times they won't work. I was able to try a friend's Yongnuo triggers on Saturday, and for the cheap price of them, I think I will buy a set so that I know I have a working set when needed. It will also cut down on the types of batteries I need to buy. (The triggers I have now use AAA in the parts that attach to the flashes but CR2 batteries in the part that goes on my camera.)

Thanks for all the suggestions!

EricaL wrote in post #17235250
.... I was able to try a friend's Yongnuo triggers on Saturday, and for the cheap price of them, I think I will buy a set ....

Yep, I have several of the YN-622C's and they work great. I only had an issue one time and I'm pretty sure it was because of interference from wi-fi - I changed the channel on the triggers and everything was fine.