Off-camera flash need not be difficult, nor expensive.

blam wrote in post #2684476
if I understand correctly, I can use my 177A as a master (set on low-to not affect the scene) to trigger my 430EX? as long as I get one of those slave units/sensors?

Canon EX series Speedlites don't work properly with most optical slave attachments. However, you could put a slave adapter on the 177A, and use the 430EX on the hotshoe in manual mode to trigger it.

ahhh.

thanks Curtis. you are a fountain of information when it comes to flashes.

elv wrote in post #2668027
I can understand what your saying, Ive seen it atleast about 6 different times but I don't keep all the links. They seem to be notorious for not working on other flash units so theres no dought someone would be complaining by now if it didn't work on their 580/550 after seeing it. There was a couple on dpreview.com I think 3 on Strobist.com (Lotto is likely one of them) and ive seen some others around.
This guy is switched on more than your average punter
http://www.openphotogr​aphyforums.com/forums/​showthread.php?t=376

Only way you'll know for sure is give it a go (all care here no responsibility )

Thank you for the link it was very helpful.

Personally I only borrow a recent Canon Speedlight (550EX) from time to time, so I do not have any immediately way to test a Wein "Peanut". I have a pile of other flash gear that I typically use (not a Canon Speedlight).

One big caution, Wein has used the term "Peanut" on other products that are not the same product as the newest "Peanut".

I personally tried an older Wein "Peanut" (this one had the so called "household" connector and not the hybrid PC/Vivitar connection on the current "Peanut"). This older Wein "Peanut" of mine would definitely not function properly with the Canon 550EX I tried it with. So, even the term Wein "Peanut" can have barbs that many are not aware of.

Enjoy! Lon

Um..

I havent had a chance to read this whol thread. But i have both a 550ex and a 580ex and routinely operate both flashes in ettl and non ettl modes with no fuss in two main methods

1 wireless master slave configuration with main flash only acting as fill to set off main flash wherever it is located

2. and with just one main flash.. using a hotshoe adapter sitting on top of a tripod which has a pc synch connector cable that plugs straight into camera (which is usel routinely in manual mode)..

works a charm and i have no need to refer to alternate flash manufacturers.

Nabil-A wrote in post #2698609
i have no need to refer to alternate flash manufacturers.

Um,

If I spent upwards of $600 on a couple flash units, I would certainly hope I wouldn't need alternate flash manufacturers.

In case you skipped over the thread title, the idea is that it doesn't need to cost that much.

curtis just saved me from, or maybe held me back from at the very least, from dropping 5 bones on a 580EX to use as a master with this thread....

I ordered the slave unit hotshoe for my 177A and that will hold me over for a while yet. and this way I still have a good bounce to work with on my camera.

2ndary flash now and I only had to spend 20$ instead of $500

Thanks again curtis!

Great thread, Curtis! For anyone who's missed it, I only use cheap strobes in these Tuts:
FAQ - Studio Lighting

There's something in there that will help you figure light fall-off in your head when you're on "M".
Fill light at sunset

I found an old Sunpack 333 and wondering if anyone knows if it has the same capabilities as the Sunpack 383. I looks like it has all the same controls and connections.

Papaw wrote in post #2749265
I found an old Sunpack 333 and wondering if anyone knows if it has the same capabilities as the Sunpack 383. I looks like it has all the same controls and connections.

You may want to check the trigger voltage. Take a look at this web page.

The 20D and 30D can handle 250v at the PC socket. The manual is vague with regard to the hotshoe. Even if the trigger voltage is high, you can still use it with a slave adapter or radio trigger. Just don't hook it up to your camera.

Thanks Curtis - yes, I was going to use it as a slave on an adapter so I believe it will work.

I was really enjoying this thread and some of the other threads linked to it, so I've gone to buy a couple of Sunpak 383 here in the UK and found (a) they cost $130 and (b) are out of stock everywhere that I've tried (and searched via Google) so I'm starting to think that maybe they've been discontinued.

Can anyone recommend an alternative to the 383?

The Vivitar 283 & 285 are pretty cheap on eBay, & they last forever. About $30-40.
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?p=874029
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=120087
This one shows the Varipower control & the remote cord for the sensor.
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=66358

Keep in mind that, ON the cam, you will be close to the max trigger voltage for the 20D (& WILL be over for the 300D) so you may want to think about the Wein HSHS (Hot Shoe to Hot Shoe) Safe Sync to bring down the trigger voltage so they're safe for use on the 300D & 350. Not a factor with an optical trigger though.
http://www.weinproduct​s.com/safesyncs.htm
It's about $70 here, but I've seen them for less:
Safe-Sync Hot Shoe Mounted High Voltage Sync Regulator
http://www.omegasatter​.com …laycategory.cfm​?CatID=482
$60
http://web.ivenue.com …ographic2/item4​71881.ctlg

Finally, I never use a flash for car meets, John: A few Car Lighting Tips

The Vivitar 285HV is also a great flash for off-camera. It has a safe sync voltage, a sync socket, and a manually zooming head. Vivitar recently reintroduced them and they're selling for around $90 in the US (new, with warranty).

I am slogging through this great post to try to get my 550EX off my 10D. Thanks for all the great info. Because this is just a lark for me (I do mainly nature photography) I was wondering how restrictive would I find a Canon synch cord to be? Is it 2 feet "stretched" or "relaxed"?

You need to stretch it to get that far. It's made for use with a flash bracket, where extra cord would just get in the way. Here's a thread with instructions for lengthening it, if you're so inclined.