CP-E4

amonline wrote in post #5652291
Um, why are you setting the CF12 to external only? It should be left at "0". [assuming you are using batteries in the 580 as well] It will automatically draw/add the external power to the onboard power.

By setting it to 1 you only use the external pack to refresh, and the in-flash batteries are only for controlling the flash electronics, not flash output which is more power-consuming. That way it's less likely you'll have to change the internal batteries at all--less hassle when in the middle of a shoot.

Oops! I guess I should try that then!

amonline wrote in post #5652111
But in all seriousness - I wouldn't tell people not to consider them. I have a friend that uses PowerEx and I've seen them work. Recharging's a hassle, nuisance and forgettable. Batteries are easily picked up the day/morning before a shoot and I don't have to worry about anything except chunking them afterwards. And yes, they're paid for. IMO For me anyway.

I bet you drive your SUV half way across town to pick up the batteries, right? Ever thought about the environment?

Given I have to charge camera batteries, charging AA batteries isn't a huge problem.

tim wrote in post #5653615
I bet you drive your SUV half way across town to pick up the batteries, right? Ever thought about the environment?

That's real mature and professional. What's my ethnicity have to do with my choice of equipment power? I didn't design the damn things. I just buy what's needed to use them. You think that electric company you're using makes you any more environmentally conscious than me? No, it makes you cheap. However, your remarks make you a child.

Sorry, it was a cheap shot. NiMH cells seem like they'd be better for the environment, and they seem to me to work better too.

tim wrote in post #5654071
Sorry, it was a cheap shot.

You're right, it was. Even I felt the sting of that one...and I'm hard to offend. Wasn't much of a sting though. More like a mosquito than a hornet.

Well, it's true, but it wasn't relevant and I suspect it's against forum rules - i've reported my post to the moderators to clean up if they choose. I was making a point, but I made it badly, so again my apologies.

tim wrote in post #5654071
Sorry, it was a cheap shot. NiMH cells seem like they'd be better for the environment, and they seem to me to work better too.

No problem. I'm just coming from really bad experience with rechargables in the past. I'm sure at some point I will probably try them again. Who knows, maybe I just had a faulty charger.

tim wrote in post #5654126
Well, it's true, but it wasn't relevant and I suspect it's against forum rules - i've reported my post to the moderators to clean up if they choose. I was making a point, but I made it badly, so again my apologies.

It's true, of course, when you just look at the totals. We're a huge country with a lot of industry though. We have a lot of environment-conscious citizens but it's basically people trying to do their part and make up for carelessness of industry, although some of those are starting to turn around as well.

If you look at the per-capita, we're not far above Australia. And we're #9 when you break it down by GDP.

amonline wrote in post #5654136
No problem. I'm just coming from really bad experience with rechargables in the past. I'm sure at some point I will probably try them again. Who knows, maybe I just had a faulty charger.

(back on track) Try the PowerEx batteries with Maha chargers, the C-9000 is meant to be particularly good.

cbrown, I am not sure if this pertains to the CP-E4 power pack, I use a Quantum Turbo 2x2 and when using the 580EX or 580 EXII there are certain steps I need to do in order for the power pack to be used. I 1st must have all cables connected to the flash, the power pack must be turned on 1st then the flash is turned on, if I don't do this way the flash does not use the power pack.

tim wrote in post #5654167
(back on track) Try the PowerEx batteries with Maha chargers, the C-9000 is meant to be particularly good.

Yes, those will be the ones I try next time. I want to read the specs on the larger chargers though. I'd rather get the job done faster.

gromeo wrote in post #5654179
cbrown, I am not sure if this pertains to the CP-E4 power pack, I use a Quantum Turbo 2x2 and when using the 580EX or 580 EXII there are certain steps I need to do in order for the power pack to be used. I 1st must have all cables connected to the flash, the power pack must be turned on 1st then the flash is turned on, if I don't do this way the flash does not use the power pack.

I don't think that applies because the CP-E series packs do not have their own switch.

I put the eneloops in both the pack and the flash and I get a red light now. I think that did it YAY Thanks for the help.

i dont use rechargeables w/ mine. i think recharging is annoying too. i just buy bulk batteries and toss em on refill.

i know i know the environment...but i am not planning on having kids, so who cares about the future