5D classic rear curtain sync questions (problems)

Hello lovely people,

I know that the 5Dc is supposed to have 2nd curtain sync capability on its own *without* a (Canon) speedlight on the hot shoe, and indeed, there it is in my custom functions menu. However, when I set it to do this, my flash still fires as though it's set to 1st curtain. I also know you need to set the shutter speed to 1/30 or slower, and I have done so. I've turned the camera off, reset the settings, put it on first curtain and fired, set it back to second curtain and fired, and still no dice. What gives?

I've tried it with the Einstein & cyber commander, my Elinchroms and the Skyport, and even just a stupid pc cord. Nope, nope, nope.

I know I can accomplish it with my 6D and 430exII speedlight, but I would like to be able to do it with bigger strobes and minus the speedlight-- hence using the 5d to begin with because isn't it supposed to be able to do this?? Argh.

Also, if anyone knows if the Phottix Stratos II trigger set is REALLY 2nd curtain compatible, I'd love to know. The phottix website says they are, one reviewer says they are, other reviewers say they aren't. I'd invest in them (since they're cheap) if they actually do.

Thanks in advance!!

Anyone? Bueller? Bummer. I was hoping this wasn't a stumper of a question.

Hi,
" .. I know that the 5Dc is supposed to have 2nd curtain sync capability on its own *without* a (Canon) speedlight on the hot shoe .. "

I don't think that is correct. AFAIK, because Canon does not do SCS via the centre pin, it cannot offer SCS under the circumstances that you describe.

Some setups can circumvent this situation eg Odins or a hack based on using a Canon Speedlite to generate the SC flash - and then propagating that over optical or RF links etc.

paintedlotus wrote in post #17360895
I know that the 5Dc is supposed to have 2nd curtain sync capability on its own *without* a (Canon) speedlight on the hot shoe

The 5D has 2CS - but it applies only to a flash or E-TTL-capable Master mounted in its hotshoe. And only if Wireless mode is not enabled.

Canon specifically blocks 2CS as an off-camera function. Why? So that the light-pulse Fire! command is not emitted during the exposure and contribute to the image. Radio-based Masters do not have this problem. Canon also provides the Fire! signal by codes through an auxilliary pin, not through the centre pin. Which is why a "translator" like the YN622C is needed.

Ah, hmm. Ok. So it's basically the same as my 6D then, but I swear I thought that the 2nd curtain option had been disabled on DSLRs *after& the 5d era. That makes sense though. Good to know!

I didn't realize the YN622's could do 2nd curtain with Canons, I thought it was only PW and certain models of Phottix that could?

If you think that the 622Cs may be helpful, take a look at TOYUG - link is in my signature.

Hmm, interesting... that's a pretty awesome resource by the way, well done!

So, please tell me if I'm reading this correctly. The work around, when using the YN622c's, is that you have to disable wireless mode- ok, that shouldn't be a problem, although I don't think that applies to my 5d-- but the camera needs to be in a "creative" mode? Does this mean one of the stupid (just my opinion, sorry for anyone that disagrees) "night scene" or "fireworks" or some other such nonsense? Argh.

I think I'll just use the 430 on the hot shoe and set it to the lowest power and flag it off if it's going to be this much of a hassle for one relatively simple setting.

'Creative mode' means PASM, (the opposite of what you'd thought).

If you use the YN622c-TX on camera it gives better control of channels etc than the camera menu. The camera just thinks there's an ETTL speedlight controlling things, and the controller will do a great job.

Bizarrely canon don't even implement 2nd curtain sync on the 600ex system, my guess is a patenting issue, but someone else might know the real story.

Oh, derp. Thanks!