Manual flash / Softbox

[nadiaduchemin]

<p>Hello everyone,<br>

First I have to say that I'm still learning about lighting. I read the strobist and a book called Light, science and magic. I'm starting to get it but not quite yet. <br>

<br />Here are my question. I have a Canon Rebel XS. I'm going to buy a manual speedlite. The LumoPro LP160. I'm also going to buy a soft box kit at my local photography store that will allow me to use my speedlite in my soft box.<br /><br />Do I need anything to connect to the camera and to the speedlite in order for the flash to fire once it's in the softbox?<br>

If yes, is it possible to do it on a budget? I can be a wire rather than a wireless system in order for me to save money. <br>

<br />Thank you. </p>

[Mattman944]

<p>If you want to use wires, make sure the flash has a PC sync input. Then use a PC sync cord to connect the flash to the camera. Some entry level cameras don't have a sync output, in that case, you will need to buy something like this:<br>

<a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/245292-REG/Wein_W990560_Safe_Sync_Hot_Shoe_to.html">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/245292-REG/Wein_W990560_Safe_Sync_Hot_Shoe_to.html</a></p>

<p>I would forget the wires and go wireless. Budget wireless isn't that expensive, actually less than the adapter above. The Yongnuo 602-RF works good, maybe not pro quality, but certainly good enough for most hobbyists. I have several of them.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Yongnuo-RF-602-Wireless-Trigger-Receiver/dp/B0042TYNJ4">http://www.amazon.com/Yongnuo-RF-602-Wireless-Trigger-Receiver/dp/B0042TYNJ4</a></p>

<p>The shutter remote probably won't be compatible with your camera, but the flash remote should be.</p>

[nadiaduchemin]

<p>Thank you for your answer.<br>

PC Sync input: I looked on my camera. I have 3 'things'. Don't know the exact word for ir. 1 for Video out. 1 for my remote shutter and 1 that looks like a mini USB. <br>

Are any of those a PC sync input?</p>

 

[Mattman944]

<p>No, none of these are a sync output. If you want to use wires you will need a hot shoe adapter. There may be cheaper ones than I recommended above. Or, if you go with the wireless setup I recommended above, you don't need a sync output, it uses the hot shoe.</p>

[craig_shearman1]

<p>You don't need the Wein Safe-Sync -- it does gives you a PC connection from your hot shoe, but it also provides circuitry to drop the voltage of older flash units down to a safe level for digital cameras, which is why it costs so much. All you need is a basic hot shoe-PC adpator like the one in this link, or any of several variations on the same design for about $20 or less. Your flash does have a connection for a flash cord -- check the unit to see what kind of connection it is. You will want about a 20-foot long PC cord to be able to plug into the flash on one end and the camera on the other. Paramount is the biggest maker of sync cords and will have any combination of connector and length you want. B&H sells them or you can go directly to their web site.<br>

<a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/765453-REG/Vello_HSA_PCU_Universal_Hot_Shoe_Adapter.html">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/765453-REG/Vello_HSA_PCU_Universal_Hot_Shoe_Adapter.html</a><br>

Correcting with a PC cord is the cheapest way to go and the most reliable -- there are no electronics involved or batteries to go dead, just a piece of wire. As for radio triggers, they are very convenient and people love them. I use PocketWizards myself. But you get what you pay for. The cheap ones sold online work for some people but other people have had serious problems. I highly recommend starting with a simple cord.</p>

 

[nadiaduchemin]

<p>Thank you very much for your help.</p>

 

[pete_s.]

<p>Go to ebay and search for hot shoe pc sync. You'll find tons of adapters for less than $5. For instance <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Flash-Hot-Shoe-Adapter-PC-Sync-Socket-for-CANON-NIKON-/230800676209">this</a>.<br /> You can also pick up cheap pc sync cords there.<br /> You don't have to worry about compatibility because a hot shoe to pc sync adapter has no electronics.</p>

<p>The only thing to be careful about is that you don't buy the wrong type of adapter. There is another type that looks similar where you put your hot shoe flash in it and connect it to pc sync.</p>

<p>If you're buying from mpex.com you could check with them to make sure you get the stuff you need.</p>

<p> </p>