Manually trigger flash while shutter open?

Hey all

So this might be a weird question, but I haven't been able to find it anywhere in the forum:

Is there a way to manually trigger my 580EX II while it's in the hot shoe more than once while the shutter is open?

Specifically, i would like to essentially do a "2-exposure" rear-curtain sync.

Any help would be appreciated!

why not just press the button?

you mean like - the "test" button or something?

(i haven't tried anything yet - just thought of it today, and I'm currently sitting in lectures) + i'm really new to flash photography

Yea just pop it via the test button. However if you do it while it's in the hot shoe, you'll probably shake the camera. Get a cheap off-shoe cord from Adorama.

sacral wrote in post #5666406
Is there a way to manually trigger my 580EX II while it's in the hot shoe more than once while the shutter is open?

I don't know of manully but you can use the Multi Stroboscopic Flash.

pcunite wrote in post #5666756
I don't know of manully but you can use the Multi Stroboscopic Flash.

I had thought about that, but i've only figured out how to set the strobe to 1Hz. I'd prefer slower, or ideally, total control.

I plan on setting the camera on a monopod/tripod, having the camera set to "bulb" mode, and have total control over shutter time. Total (manual) control over the speedlight would make for some interesting effects, such as a ballroom dance competition, for example.

I would imagine triggering the test button if the flash is in the hot shoe will still shake the camera... ?

Hitting the test (pilot) button may cause unwanted camera movement if it's on the hotshoe, but if you're firing the flash manually then there's no reason to mount it on the hotshoe in the first place.

Hold the flash in your hand and hit the pilot button.

angryhampster wrote in post #5666753
Yea just pop it via the test button. However if you do it while it's in the hot shoe, you'll probably shake the camera. Get a cheap off-shoe cord from Adorama.

Why not just take it off the camera, hold it in your hand and press the test button?