Triggering 580ex-II's and 430ex.

I tried to search but too many results.

Here's my dilemma. I already have an Elinchrom Skyport Universal and they are great, except when the time I ran out of battery on the transmitter or receiver, or when I need ETTL-II instead of manual setting.

I have 3 flash units (2x 580ex-II and 430ex). Is there a way for me to trigger these using their built-in IR using a Master 580ex-II mounted on camera not flashing (just like an ST-E2 would do on 2 off-cam flashes)? Basically, on-cam flash (580ex-II) will not flash but will trigger 2 slaves (580ex-II and 430ex).

I dont want to buy another gadget (ST-E2), I just want to trigger 2 off-cam flash units when I need ETTL-II.

I have 2 bodies (5D and 1D-II).

Thanks.

You have to use one of your 580exII as the master (like the ST-E2). Since you only want to trigger 2 off-cam flash when u use ETTL-II, you have enough equipment there.

Take a look at Leo's wireless flash tutorials here.
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=138907

Also, have another look at the instruction manual for the 580EX II. It explains how to setup the master so that it doesn't fire.

Thanks for the link Curtis.
I briefly re-read the manual last weekend to accomplish this and I think the manual indicates that I should go to Custom Function, where you can choose between Flash Fire or Not Fire (or something to that effect).

I choosed Not Fire (on the Master on-cam flash), but then, all of my flash units didn't fire.

Let me take sometime and read the links.

Thanks again.

It's not a custom function. Look at p. 39.

Thank you! I will check my manual when I get home.