Quantum Qflash t5d

I just got a Quantum Qflash t5d. I would like to use it this

weekend at a wedding. I have some time to work with it before then,

and of course I would bring my other flashs.

If anyone is using it, can they tell me about it? It doesnt need a

diffuser or anything would it? I also have two Quantum turbo 2x2s.

Should this be enough? Bouncing the flash should be the same as a

normal flash right?

Thanks

All the T series flashes have the same light output power and use the same light modifiers. My question is how are you triggering it? With the right TTL adapter it works like a regular shoe mount flash.

 

The flash comes with two diffuesr panels. (I usually only use one. Each one cuts the light by .7 stops.) You can use it straight on or bounced. The flash can put out more light than most shoe mount flashes, so you can bounce it in places where (high ceilings or the wall behind you) where other flashes would puke out. One really handy accessory diffuser is the Quantum Wide Angle diffuser. It works a lot like a Stofen Omnibounce, and gives a very nice, soft light when you angle the head up 60?.

I am actually figuring out a way to trigger it, Do you have any suggestions? From what I understand it has to be mounted on a bracket?

do you companstate for the .7 ?

Yes, it has to be mounted on a bracket for on camera use. (I use the Press-T. The Pro-T, which is a little taller is probably a better bracket.) Without a TTL adapter you could use a PC-to-HH sync cord, that probably is included with the flash. The flash would then be used in Auto mode. Auto mode is generally good enough for film. With digital, check the exposure when you get closer than 5' to a subject.

 

The light loss of the diffuser is taken care of in TTL or Auto mode; you don't have to compensate for it.

 

One Turbo 2x2 may last for a whole shoot. Two is all you need. I've never had to use more than two regular Turbos.

I run the camera and lense of the battery too though, still think 2 is enough?

The camera and lens (even if it's an IS) don't draw all that much power. Just bring a charger with you. When the first Turbo is done put it on the charger while you use the second.

We mount ours directly on the shoe of our EOS 3--and use a standard PC cord for connection. No brackets...

Kimberly, you should use a flash you are familiar with this weekend. The Quantum T is a very good unit, but has peculiarities just like any other flash. I find it disturbing that you do not seem to know about TTL adapters and possible "AUTO" mode (which is very good on the Quantum). Even the menus are problematic - you don't want to be searching through them while your clients wait. Like music - Practice! Practice! Practice!

 

You need to shoot at least one roll with the flash with shots representative of those you would take at a wedding. I'd suggest using it with a backup body during the wedding - but you've seen size of the Q-flash/Pro-T combination by now. Nuff' said.

How does a Q-Flash compare to something like a Canon 580 EX? I?ve heard a lot of good ratings on this flash and am looking at moving up from 420 EX. A Q-Flash seems quiet spendy. How much bang do you really get for your buck.

it is a heavy setup, I guess using a tripod would help. What do other people do?

The Quantums used, are a great value...and I still just mount mine directly on the shoe >> atop of my Canon EOS 3

How does a Q-flash compare to a 580?

 

PRO: 3x the power, removeable reflector for bare-bulb flash, compatible with nearly any camera, TTL adapters for nearly any camera, 2-second recycle time, one of the best "AUTO" flash sensors available, corner-to-corner coverage without vignetting.

 

CON: twice the weight, size and cost. Won't fit a flash shoe without a third-party adapter (1/4-20 hole is the only standard mounting option)

For the first time I have tried the QT5D on my 1Ds body, not Mark II and have used it successfuly on my 20D. After few shots my camera started acting weard. The shutter was sticking and that the "error 999" I have reinserted the battery and tried shooting, same thing happened again, the D13W adapter was lit up constantly. Placing 580 or 550 back onto the body none of the above problem have showed up.

 

Did anyone experience this phenomenon? Do I need to contact Quantum or Canon people?

 

Greg

Greg -

 

Make sure you have the latest firmware for your QTTL module from Quantum. I have a 1D with a T2D flash. There is a firmware sticker on the module. Mine was originally labeled "04S". I did not have much luck with QTTL using 04S and relied upon Auto-flash instead for the last year. I had Quantum upgrade the firmware to 04V back in April. QTTL accuracy improved but I experienced lock-up problems --usually in low-light situations when the flash-assist light on the QTTL module was lit. I sent it back to them and they installed "04Z" in May. This, so far, has worked flawlessly.

 

paul

Yep, I think that's the problem mine says O1A on my Q13Dw TTL adapter. So I am hoping that this is an older TTL adapter which BH happened to sell me.

 

Greg

To throw in a pitch in favor of the product, I like it a lot, Kimberly. As the manual says, one can often get better results by using the Auto Mode,with a little salt of judgment. The Q10D TTL adapter works fine too. I have found the diffuser on the standard reflector works nicely fo the kind of shots at medium distances I encounter in day to day. And bouncing works the same in Auto mode which is likely to be what you will use to get the results you want. Perhaps even manual,which is surprisingly good once you learn to estimate rough distance and then match power to distance. Caveat: It will take you practice and review of the features to get it all. Unless you are a Monte Zucker(see his sqib on the website.) I use one Turbo and it matches well. I am currently usig a Bogen,you hear right, flash bracket for fifty dollars. I like it. I do. I can't comment on number flashes. There will never be all the power you need. Yet I consider it safe, with other backups for a wedding. So why not just use it at the wedding. It is just a flash,gutsier, and needs its Turbo always and forever. It is not like the dinky stuff that guests will come up with. This is the Norman 200B for this millenium. I will likely offend someone for my enthusiasm. And lastly, for six hundred bucks w/o power source it better be usable and not so hard to learn. Try 10 shots and you are already half way there. OK, make that 20. Good luck,hope it turned out well, K.

Gerry Siegel and Edward Ingold! I want to talk to you both via email if you are still listening. My email is conrad AT conraderb DOT com. I can't find a way to contact either of you - please get in touch if you read this.

 

thanks - Conrad Erb