PW ControlTL STE2 and Quantum Nexus experiment

In another thread there was a suggestion that the STE2 or a Canon Speedlite would fire a flash in a group even though it was not attached to a FlexTT5. (Leo did some of the testing and got me thinking about this experiment.)

That suggestion got me wondering about how I could incorporate my Nexus moduled QFlashes.

The basic experiement was to set up a 580EXII on a FlexTT5 as group A, then have two Qflashes in Group C. The Mini on a 5D2 had an STE2 mounted on it.

I had test fired the QFlashes using just the STE2, it required stopping down to F4 at ISO 200 and 1/200 for an acceptable exposure with just the QFlashes. Yet, when using the Mini and STE2 F2.8 did not result in over exposure.

Here is a shot showing all three flashes firing. A close look shows shadows confirming that the Qflashes were fired as Group three with the STE2 while the 580EXII was fired as Group A by the FlexTT5.

More testing tomorrow. This could be a very nice capability to have available.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

David, was the Qflash set to manual mode? If so, I'm confused as to why the exposure from it would change between using the MiniTT1 and not using the MiniTT1.

Or did you have the Qflash in E-TTL mode. If so, then how is the flash output being controlled since the ST-E2 cannot control Group C but only trigger it?

Leo,
The QNexus module sets the QFlash to TTL.
I have no idea why the exposure change occurred.
I am going to do some more experimenting tomorrow.
My first objective was just to see if the QNexus would accept a fire signal from the STE2 when it was mounted on the MiniTT1.
Now that I know it will, I am going to try different group configurations with my 2 580EXs, 2580EXIIs and 2 Qflashes.

Here is another experiment:
I set one QFlash to Group A and set it behind the subject opposed to the 580EXII that was Group A and on the FlexTT5. I set the other QFlash to Group B and set it behind the subject opposed to the 580EX that was Group B and on the Flex TT5.

I used the STE2 to set the ratio to A8:1 and 1:8B. It is apparent in the images that the QFlash power changed along with the 580EX power based on the ratio setting. Everything was done at 1/200, F2.8, ISO 200. Group A 580EX was camera left, Group B 580EX was camera right.

BTW putting the QFlashes in Group C they fired at full power when controlled by a 580EXII regardless of the FEC setting. They did not fire as Group C when using the STE2.

Now, if the USPS does deliver my third FlexTT5 today I can test the Group C control via a 589EX mounted on it.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

The third FlexTT5 arrived.
Here is the setup;
Group A 1 580EXII on a FlexTT5
Group B 1 580EX on a FlexTT5
Group C 1 580EX on a FlexTT5 and 2 QFlash T5r-D with Qnexus modules set to Group C

Camera was set to ISO 200, 1/200th and F2.8
I used a 580EXII on miniTT1 on camera to control the groups.
A4:1 was set for the ratio between groups A and B.

I then used the FEC capabilities to set Group C. 4 settings, 0, -1, -2, -3

It is apparent in the images that Group C is being deminished and that the QFlashes are reducing along with the 580EX.

Here is the setup shot, I will post the four samples in the next two posts to the thread.

So, having one speedlite in a group on a FLEXTT5 will permit controlling other speedlites in the same group that are not attached to a FLEXTT5.

This includes non-Canon flashes that can participate in the Canon ETTL protocol.
Just for grins, I set the shutter speed above 1/200 and the QFlashes fired up to about 1/320. So there is a slight HSS benefit as well.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

FEC 0 and FEC -1 for Group C

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

FEC -2 and FEC -3

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.