Off Camera Flash Question

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  ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 23,851 moderator

  September 2, 2009 edited September 2, 2009

  That is correct. With a PC flash connection all you get is a single pulse to tell the flash when to sync.
  
  An "off-camera" flash cord is what you want if you want TTL functions at some short distance from the camera. (Typical use is on a flash bracket of some sort.)
  
  They are pricey partly because of the number of wires/connections supported.
  
  Depending on the camera and system an infrared wireless transmitter may also work to give full TTL functionality.

  ziggy53
  Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums

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  rpcrowe Registered Users Posts: 733 Major grins

  September 3, 2009 edited September 3, 2009

  Several Choices:
  Adorama Off-Camera Flash Cord for Canon EOS:
  
  http://www.adorama.com/FAOCSCTCA3.html?searchinfo=canon+off-camera+cord
  
  Canon OEM cord from B&H:
  
  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/498744-REG/Canon_1950B001_OC_E3_Off_Camera_Shoe.html
  
  Used Canon OEM Cords on eBay:
  
  http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-EOS-Off-Camera-Flash-Shoe-Cord-2_W0QQitemZ320417441404QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCamera_Flash_Accessories?hash=item4a9a5e267c&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
  
  http://cgi.ebay.com/CANON-OFF-CAMERA-SHOE-CORD-2_W0QQitemZ130328279160QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCamera_Cables_Cords?hash=item1e582bb878&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
  
  Chinese knock-off on eBay:
  
  http://cgi.ebay.com/Off-Camera-E-TTL-Flash-Sync-Cord-for-Canon-40D-50D-450D_W0QQitemZ260462893575QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCamera_Flash_Accessories?hash=item3ca4cc5a07&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
  
  I cannot vouch for the Chinese knock-offs but, it I needed a cord; I would be inclined to risk twenty bucks....

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  hgernhardtjr Registered Users Posts: 417 Major grins

  September 3, 2009 edited September 3, 2009

  rpcrowe wrote:

  ...Canon EOS:

  
  He did not indicate in his post as he should have, but his profile states he is shooting Nikon
  
  Rpcrowe answered it virtually the way I would have CANON-wise. And, yes, off camera ttl cords work very nicely. However, as a Canon user, I can't give you any definitive answers about your Nikon.

  — Henry —
  Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est.

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  time2smile Registered Users Posts: 835 Major grins

  September 5, 2009 edited September 5, 2009

  the nikon cord work very well. I have two sc-17 and two sc-29. the sc-29 have the focus assist lights built in. I understand that nikon come out with a new sc-29c, to fix a problem with some high end cameras. all mine from evilbay, the sc-17 was under $30 and the sc-29 were under $50 each.
  
  Happy Hunting

  Ted....
  It's not what you look at that matters: Its what you see!
  Nikon
  http://www.time2smile.smugmug.com

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  colourbox Registered Users Posts: 2,095 Major grins

  September 5, 2009 edited September 5, 2009

  One of the problems with the Canon TTL cords is how short they are. Flashzebra makes some longer ones.
  http://flashzebra.com/ttlcords/ettlcords/index.shtml
  
  They make some Nikon ones too.

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  Wil Davis Registered Users Posts: 1,692 Major grins

  September 5, 2009 edited September 5, 2009

  capitoljayhawk wrote:

  I am making my first dive into off-camera flash. I was just going to buy a PC cord, but have been told that that only gives me flash synch, but denies me all the camera-based metering benefits of being in the hot shoe.
  
  Is that right?
  
  Do you guys ever use the TTL-flash cords? My local camera store is trying to sell me one for $80.

  
  I have a Nikon D70 and a D300 with an SB600 and SB800. I also have an SC29 cable but I don't think I've ever used it, as both cameras and flash units can communicate using wireless.
  
  I don't know what cameras/flash you have, but before you fork out $$ for what might be an unnecessary purchase, check out your gear.
  
  HTH -
  - Wil

  "…………………" - Marcel Marceau

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  time2smile Registered Users Posts: 835 Major grins

  September 5, 2009 edited September 5, 2009

  What flash units do you have?
  Your D700 has a built in commander to control wireless flash, works with the SB-600, SB-800, and the SB-900, not the SB-400 and I think some sigma's also. Ziggy can answer that ?
  I have a D50, no commander built in. I have a wishlist for a D90, with commander, but I will still use my SC-29, due to the fact of the low light assist lamp.

  Ted....
  It's not what you look at that matters: Its what you see!
  Nikon
  http://www.time2smile.smugmug.com

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  1scrappychic Registered Users Posts: 53 Big grins

  June 9, 2011 edited June 9, 2011

  ziggy53 wrote: »

  That is correct. With a PC flash connection all you get is a single pulse to tell the flash when to sync.
  
  An "off-camera" flash cord is what you want if you want TTL functions at some short distance from the camera. (Typical use is on a flash bracket of some sort.)
  
  They are pricey partly because of the number of wires/connections supported.
  
  Depending on the camera and system an infrared wireless transmitter may also work to give full TTL functionality.

  
  I'm looking to purchase a flash cord. I shoot my OCF flashes on manual, so I do not think I need the TTL function. Am I ok to just get a standard PC sync cord?

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  ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 23,851 moderator

  June 9, 2011 edited June 9, 2011

  1scrappychic wrote: »

  I'm looking to purchase a flash cord. I shoot my OCF flashes on manual, so I do not think I need the TTL function. Am I ok to just get a standard PC sync cord?

  
  Part of the answer depends on specifically which flash(es) you will be using.
  
  At any rate a flash cord is generally less useful than a cheap RF (radio) master/slave set. A specific recommendation for a master/slave would again depend upon your camera and flashes.
  
  Edit: Your profile says that you are using Canon 5D and Canon 40D camera bodies, and Sigma 610 Super and Canon 430ex Speedlite flashes. Is that correct?

  ziggy53
  Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums

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  1scrappychic Registered Users Posts: 53 Big grins

  June 9, 2011 edited June 9, 2011

  ziggy53 wrote: »

  Part of the answer depends on specifically which flash(es) you will be using.
  
  At any rate a flash cord is generally less useful than a cheap RF (radio) master/slave set. A specific recommendation for a master/slave would again depend upon your camera and flashes.
  
  Edit: Your profile says that you are using Canon 5D and Canon 40D camera bodies, and Sigma 610 Super and Canon 430ex Speedlite flashes. Is that correct?

  
  I have a Canon 430ex that I use as my master (on a radio trigger) and a Sigma 610 that I use as my slave fired by the 430. This is all with my 5D right now.
  But, I need to eliminate the radio triggers, so am looking at a sync cord to test something out. I don't use TTL, so I don't think I need the TTL cord...just the pc cord.

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  ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 23,851 moderator

  June 9, 2011 edited June 9, 2011

  1scrappychic wrote: »

  I have a Canon 430ex that I use as my master (on a radio trigger) and a Sigma 610 that I use as my slave fired by the 430. This is all with my 5D right now.
  But, I need to eliminate the radio triggers, so am looking at a sync cord to test something out. I don't use TTL, so I don't think I need the TTL cord...just the pc cord.

  
  The very least you would need is a pc-hot-shoe adapter.
  
  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/682574-REG/Impact_10032360_Hot_Shoe_to_Male.html
  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/89982-REG/Hama_HA_6952_Hot_Shoe_Adapter_2.html
  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/95414-REG/General_Brand_SF941_PC_to_Hot_Shoe.html
  
  For longer lengths:
  
  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/598230-REG/Paramount_PMHSFPC15S_PMHSFPC15S_Sync_Cord.html
  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/598232-REG/Paramount_PMHSFPC16C_PMHSFPC16C_Coiled_Sync.html
  
  Possible complications include:
  

  Some flashes do not work well with the longer cords because of too much internal resistance in the cord and the trigger voltage falls below a working voltage.
  Some flashes are polarity sensitive and need an appropriate polarity in contacts. Using a Wein Safe-Sync, model "SSHSHS", seems to help as the source for the pc end.

  ziggy53
  Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums

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  NeilL Registered Users Posts: 4,201 Major grins

  June 11, 2011 edited June 11, 2011

  I have a l-o-n-g (~20ft) ETTL cord for Canon from Paramount Cords. A bit dearer than Zebra, but beautifully made, heavy duty, totally dependable.
  
  http://www.paramountcords.com/
  
  Neil

  "Snow. Ice. Slow!" "Half-winter. Half-moon. Half-asleep!"
  
  http://www.behance.net/brosepix
  

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