emeryfoto Posted October 9, 2007 Share Posted October 9, 2007 Hi, I bought an umbrella and stand about 5 years ago and still haven't used them, I'm ashamed to admit. I learned studio lighting (with strobes) in college, but that was ... ahem.. years ago, and I need to learn all over again. I usually do all-natural light portrait photography, but am really interested in doing some simple studio set-ups, at least of my own children to start.I have a 550EX flash, the stand, umbrella, and a Canon EOS Elan 7. A very basic question - Can I use a sync cord to trigger the flash or do I have to use the Canon transmitter (don't have one yet)... Any other suggestions, ideas? I'd appreciate it - thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
picturesque Posted October 9, 2007 Share Posted October 9, 2007 Sync cord--yes, however if the Elan 7 doesn't have a PC socket, you will need a hot shoe to PC adapter (cheap at B&H or other camera stores). You might need a long sync cord or an extender cord. Or you can get the ST-E2 or try your luck with those cheap e-bay radio triggers. Might want to start reading the strobist site. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickwhite Posted October 9, 2007 Share Posted October 9, 2007 The easiest way with your set up would be to get a simple slave unit like this http://www.firstcall-photographic.co.uk/products/hama-hot-shoe-slave-unit--6967/1641/ You can then use EOSs on board flash to trigger it. You will probably need to reduce the output, so as not to let the on board flash affect exposure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
picturesque Posted October 9, 2007 Share Posted October 9, 2007 Nick--wouldn't the on board flash be working in ETTL, hence the pre-flash would trigger the off camera flash pre-maturely? Didn't think the on board flash could work in manual flash mode. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickwhite Posted October 9, 2007 Share Posted October 9, 2007 Hi Nadine - I'm presuming Katie would be shooting in Manual mode in that situation, I've just looked at the 'spec for the camera which states that it is a simple 'pull up' to use in manual? (I'm a Nikon user so not too familiar with the EOS ettl etc) so I can't see any reason for it not to work. The advantages of using the slave would be - no lead to trip over and very cheap! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
picturesque Posted October 9, 2007 Share Posted October 9, 2007 Nikon's on board flashes can be used in manual flash mode, but most Canon's on board flashes can't be used that way--unless I'm missing something. Canon's on board flashes also can't be used in their own wireless system to trigger off camera flashes, even in ETTL. Silly, but true. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
picturesque Posted October 9, 2007 Share Posted October 9, 2007 OK--did some research. The pop up flash uses plain TTL, and can't be used in flash manual mode. But plain TTL has no pre-flash, so Nick's suggestion can work (I think), but you do have to dial down (minus compensate) the pop up so it has a minimal effect on the subject. You may not be able to dial it down enough, and some people have resorted to blinders (black paper shields, etc.) for the pop-up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emeryfoto Posted October 9, 2007 Author Share Posted October 9, 2007 Interesting, thanks! I will try some experiments this weekend. Also, Nick - thanks for the image of the hotshoe adapater - I totally forgot I have one of those (bought for use with strobes years ago) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colinsouthern Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 Katie Emery wrote: "[snip] Can I use a sync cord to trigger the flash" No, not directly - the 550EX doesn't have a PC connector. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grant g Posted October 12, 2007 Share Posted October 12, 2007 I'm sorry, but I'm pretty sure Nick is not correct. In order to trigger with Canon pop-ups, you need to use a trigger that will sense and ignore the preflash, and fire when the flash fires the second time to illuminate the scene. You can trigger by cord if you get a "peanut" like the one Nick posted, but with a PC port to go under the 550EX. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grant g Posted October 12, 2007 Share Posted October 12, 2007 You can use one like this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/263024-REG/Wein_W940030D_HS_Hot_Shoe_Slave.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colinsouthern Posted October 13, 2007 Share Posted October 13, 2007 Grant Gaborno wrote: "I'm sorry, but I'm pretty sure Nick is not correct. In order to trigger with Canon pop-ups, you need to use a trigger that will sense and ignore the preflash" The Elan 7 supports E-TTL, but the built-in flash only fires TTL (no preflash). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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