Connecting a Canon 40d to a flash via cable

Bigmitch

I currently own two flashes, the 430ex and a 580ex II and looking to use the flash off the camera. I would like to mount the 580 on a tripod and use a sync cable to connect to the camera.

I understand that I will have to use the flash on manual, my problem seems to be exactly what cable to use (and what ends, male to male etc) and where can I buy these cables in the UK.

Many thanks for your help.

pathfinder

The 580ex II accepts a PC cord - a PC cord is the traditional cord to connect a camera and a flash for decades.

Paramount, and others, make PC cords in various lengths. You need the male end to male end version - as your camera and your flash will both accept the male end for connection.

You CAN use the 580ex II on your camera in master mode, to trigger your 430ex ( in slave mode) with ETTL control also. This works pretty darn good indoors, unless your of camera flash is more than 15-20 feet away......

I am sure your local camera shops in the UK can find you a male to mail PC connection cord

BigAl

Canon's off shoe cable works, but only has a reach of about 60cm. Over the years, I have seen folks extending the reach with PS2 adaptors and extension cables, but don't have a link at the mo.

[Edit]
Linky from POTN.
You could also consider an ST-E2 transmitter
[/edit]

Bigmitch

Thanks for the help folks, im currently using the 580 as a trigger only for the 430ex but its then just dead weight on the camera, I would rather use them both off camera.

I have seen the Canon off shoe lead and its around £45 (80$ or thereabouts) which is a joke for something that looks like headphone cable.

I will check out Paramount.

Thanks again.

pathfinder

Canon's IR transmitter - ST-E2 - will let you control both the 580ex and the 430ex off camera - works pretty nicely indoors. I use mine quite a bit - it has a permanent spot in my backpack.

cmason

pathfinder wrote:

Canon's IR transmitter - ST-E2 - will let you control both the 580ex and the 430ex off camera - works pretty nicely indoors. I use mine quite a bit - it has a permanent spot in my backpack.

Second the ST-E2, brilliant gadget. Not that cheap, but it does preserve wireless ETTL, something you will lose if you do not purchase the Canon shoe cord or use the 580 attached.

JohnTheMacGeek

What about a strobe?
What about using the PC outlet? Where can I find a PC cable to connect to a strobe?

ziggy53

JohnTheMacGeek wrote:

What about using the PC outlet? Where can I find a PC cable to connect to a strobe?

John, welcome to the Digital Grin.

While you can still get PC cords and PC extension cords, I highly recommend against it. I shot that way for years when there was no practical alternative. (31 years as the product photographer for the same company.)

The cords were always a problem, even with high trigger voltages. With today's cameras and flashes using low trigger voltages I'm afraid you are asking for problems.

I highly recommend optical slave units for indoor studio controlled shoots and radio (RC) transmitter/slaves for uncontrolled and outdoor shoots. I use several 16 channel e-bay RC units and they honestly work pretty well.