RF-602 woes

Hi, thanks for reading..

I do not do much flash photography, but when I do, I need it to work!

I usually play with my flash inside and rarely take it with me on the go. I have never had this problem, but last night with a client on location at a beach, I could not get the flash to work.

I used 5DIII in manual mode, 580EXII also manual, and the RF602 rx and tx. When I pushed the button on the TX, the flash would pop but it would not flash when I snapped the shutter. I was not more than 20 feet from the rx, and like I said, it worked with the button on the trx, but not from the camera shutter button.

A bit embarrassed, I just continued on without the flash in a dimming sunset and made it work, but I really would have liked the flash!

Just tested it here at home and everything works.

Could it have been -
-I think I may have had the camera on already when I installed the RF600TX on to the camera and did not restart the camera in my hurried short time with the client (they showed up late and had a homecoming dance to get to.)

-Radio interference? I was close to a military station, but like I stated earlier twice, the rx and tx had communication when I manually pushed the button on the tx.

I cannot think of anything else it may have been. Any suggestions?

Thanks again for reading and for any replies.

Did you take the transmitter out of the hotshoe and re-seat it? If the tx snd rx/ flash combo are working via the button then the failing seems to lie between camera and transmitter.

Yes I did. but I realized later that I did not restart the camera after reseating the tx. Maybe thats the problem.


haha I am somewhat hoping you'll tell me it was faulty equipment over user error =) because that would justify me buying a new radio trigger that I have been wanting..

Frank H wrote in post #17233784
Yes I did. but I realized later that I did not restart the camera after reseating the tx. Maybe thats the problem.


haha I am somewhat hoping you'll tell me it was faulty equipment over user error =) because that would justify me buying a new radio trigger that I have been wanting..

Restarting the camera should have zero effect on the hotshoe.

Thank you.

I wonder what it could be. I do not want that to happen again!

Frank H wrote in post #17233797
Thank you.

I wonder what it could be. I do not want that to happen again!

If I remember correctly the RF 602 lacks a locking mechanism to secure it in the hotshoe. That could be the failing point, especially if there is any additional issue with dirty contacts etc. Some have countered that problem by adding a rubber O-ring to provide a little extra tension.

No doubt time for a set of YN 622

LOL.

Agree, poor contact (any of the 12 surfaces) between cam's hotshoe and Tx is most likely.

Disabling the hot-shoe in the cam's flash menu screen shouldn't apply.

The only other thing might be Live View - were you using that for the shoot? Silent mode has to be disabled . . .

Thats correct Gonzo, the transmitter feels loose in the hotshoe and there is no locking mechanism.

He's gone, I have the YN622c in cart now! Trying to figure out if I need the kit with the TX or just the transceivers.

OceanRipple, I was not using live view or silent mode.

Thanks again everyone for helping troubleshoot.

Frank H wrote in post #17233867
Thats correct Gonzo, the transmitter feels loose in the hotshoe and there is no locking mechanism.

He's gone, I have the YN622c in cart now! Trying to figure out if I need the kit with the TX or just the transceivers.

The transvievers should be fine. You could always add the tx later.

Yeah, especially if you're just using one flash. Put the speedlight control in the quick menu and making adjustments is pretty quick.

When at home at my 'makeshift studio' (living room =) ) I use 3 flashes. Main, fill, backdrop.

Frank H wrote in post #17233964
When at home at my 'makeshift studio' (living room =) ) I use 3 flashes. Main, fill, backdrop.

What kind of Shutter Speed were you trying to get????

The RF-602 uses 2.4 GHz, which has been pretty reliable in my experiences. I have had no issues with my RF602s, but they do not get out to play much since I picked up the YN-622's.

Regards,

110yd

I was at 160.