Just got Cybersyncs....quick tests

Hermes wrote in post #5976849
I've never knocked any of my transmitters off, however I am constantly taking them off the hot-shoe to meter lights, adjust power settings e.t.c. which would be a lot more difficult if were to unscrew them and reattach them every time - I can imagine that a lot of other studio photographers do the same. Additionally, I'd much rather the transmitter came off the hot-shoe when it took a knock than the camera itself taking the impact.

The simple solution is to order two transmitters - that's what I've done. And since you should always have a backup on a paid shoot it serves two purposes. One on the camera another to meter the lights.

Titus213 wrote in post #5976995
The simple solution is to order two transmitters - that's what I've done. And since you should always have a backup on a paid shoot it serves two purposes. One on the camera another to meter the lights.

I have four skyport transmitters in my camera bags but frankly I just don't have time to get out another one and turn it on every time I need to meter. The quickest thing is to just pull the one I'm using off the hot-shoe, slide it back on when I'm done metering and get back to work.

Thanks for the info on these guys. I put my order in yesterday. After looking at the strobist sites, I'm very excited to get these.

Zansho wrote in post #5976850
Maybe it's time for lotto to invent some kind of thimagjig to secure the waylaid skyport and cybersync!

Gaffer's tape has already been invented.

Hermes wrote in post #5977032
I have four skyport transmitters in my camera bags but frankly I just don't have time to get out another one and turn it on every time I need to meter. The quickest thing is to just pull the one I'm using off the hot-shoe, slide it back on when I'm done metering and get back to work.

Curtis N wrote in post #5977744
Gaffer's tape has already been invented.

...and cargo pants.

topher04r1 wrote in post #5964425
so ... i've been reading all these things about the new triggers ... but nobody has said anything about the transmitter.... will it fall off my camera becasue there is no way to secure it like on a PW ?

Getting back to reading this conversation late and thought I'd throw in a couple of cents. The above post is why I ended up going with Pocket Wizards (yes, I thought the price differential was worth it. Students do not forget your educational discount at B&H - I ended up saving $70). I think for most 'togs the non-secured attachment point will be (or is already) a non-issue. For me, that added security is absolutely necessary for what I intend to do with the trigger.

I came to this conclusion after reading about Joe McNally's shoot with a camera mounted on the outside of a moving NYC firetruck(fantastic read) utilizing PW triggers and another blog post by Chase Jarvis on POV (point-of-view) outdoor photography techniques (brilliant and personally inspiring). Both stories were in fact so inspiring that I unfortunately went out and purchased a great deal of equipment including the PW's. I went with these because I plan on pursuing photography situations and angles where the attachment point will definitely become a problem if not secured down (ie. mounting camera to the outside of an emergency services helicopter, I'll probably ask for some suggestions soon on this project!).

One thing that my research reminded me of, particularly the two articles linked above, is the importance of making a decision, getting off my arse sitting in front of this computer all day agonizing over which radio transmitter to buy, and instead invest more energy into shooting. It is certainly a mind-numbing practice to debate over and over in my head forever and ever to come to a conclusion and ultimately in the process I'm missing out on enjoying life (and photography). Way too much stress with this purchase, and I feel so relieved that I've finally made it, even if I may have spent more than I should have.

Industrial strength Velcro can be found in the hardware store. If it keeps tall furniture upright during a strong earthquake, it is good enough for me to hold a puny Cybersync transmitter to the side of a camera (connected to the PC sync socket)! I have lots of history using larger and heavier Quantum Radio Slave units in covering weddings over the many years, with ordinary Velcro before Industrial Strength Velcro came into being.

oh come on .... there is no way that i'm about to put velcro on my 5000 dollar camera(s) ... if they hold nice and snug in to the hotshoe it's not a problem but if it's something thats going to be loose and fall out then im going to dig a little deeper and work a little harder for gear that isn't going to let me down when my money, time and reputation are on the line.

Why not put velcro on a $5000 camera? It's not like it will render it unusable or even hinder its performance. If you are more worried about how your gear looks than how it functions then don't bother with the cheaper alternative stuff. If you've got money to spare, then buy the best. If not, make due with will work, but may not impress the other gearheads in the crowd.

I think you missed the point here..... but if you want to argue about it then ....... in that case why dont you just use duct tape to hold on your transmitters and lens hoods... it's less expensive right ?

I'll do what is needed to make my tools work they way I want them to work. A little velcro is not a big deal.

topher04r1 wrote in post #5979923
I think you missed the point here..... but if you want to argue about it then ....... in that case why dont you just use duct tape to hold on your transmitters and lens hoods... it's less expensive right ?

that's what most pros actually do

obviously someone hasn't priced Duct tape lately..... LOL

Gaffer tape is nicer than duct tape, as it does not leave adhesive residue if removed at the end of the day, when the job is over. And you should already have some gaffer tape on hand for other purposes, so it is not like an added expense at all! Oh, and the black cloth is good camouflage.

topher04r1 wrote in post #5979923
I think you missed the point here..... but if you want to argue about it then ....... in that case why dont you just use duct tape to hold on your transmitters and lens hoods... it's less expensive right ?

Because the lens hoods stay on all by themselves and duct tape is much less effective than velcro.