Re: Tech-support: Wireless trailing curtain sync flash a no-go [Re: WTB and a macro flash question]

[Bruce Walker]

Paul Sorenson wrote:
You can substitute the ProMaster cord for all the Pentax do-dads.  
I've used this with both the Sigma EF-500DG Super and the AF-540FGZ 
and it works well.  Typical cost around 60USD


http://tinyurl.com/d44d89

-p



Thanks Paul; good suggestion.

-bmw

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Re: Tech-support: Wireless trailing curtain sync flash a no-go [Re: WTB and a macro flash question]

[Paul Sorenson]

You can substitute the ProMaster cord for all the Pentax do-dads.  I've 
used this with both the Sigma EF-500DG Super and the AF-540FGZ and it 
works well.  Typical cost around 60USD


http://tinyurl.com/d44d89

-p

Bruce Walker wrote:

Joseph McAllister wrote:
A pretty thorough reading of both the K20D and AF540FGZ manuals re: 
TCS reveals nothing. It is neither mentioned as doable or not doable. 
It does "imply" that it should work, but does not back that up in text 
or sync spec charts.


Let us know what tech support at Pentax has to say please...


And the envelope please ...

---
Dear Mr. Walker,

Thank you for contacting Pentax.

Trailing curtain sync will not work with the K20D and the AF-540FGZ 
off-camera in the wireless mode.  The K20D manual doesn't specifically 
explain this but under setting up the flash in wireless mode on page 47 
of the AF-540FGZ flash manual it says you have to have the flash set to 
leading curtain sync.  The off-camera flash is using the built-in flash, 
or another AF-540 on the hotshoe, as a trigger, but only for leading 
curtain sync.


---


However, I expect that I can use the hotshoe accessory and a cable to at 
least get off-camera TCS working.  Sigh.  Another multi-day special 
order from Pentax Canada.


Thanks to everyone who helped-out, especially Doug and Charles for 
taking lots of flash shots of interior walls. :-)


-bmw

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Re: Tech-support: Wireless trailing curtain sync flash a no-go [Re: WTB and a macro flash question]

[Bruce Walker]

Doug Brewer wrote:

Bruce Walker wrote:


Dear Mr. Walker,

Thank you for contacting Pentax.

Trailing curtain sync will not work with the K20D and the AF-540FGZ 
off-camera in the wireless mode.  The K20D manual doesn't 
specifically explain this but under setting up the flash in wireless 
mode on page 47 of the AF-540FGZ flash manual it says you have to 
have the flash set to leading curtain sync.  The off-camera flash is 
using the built-in flash, or another AF-540 on the hotshoe, as a 
trigger, but only for leading curtain sync.


---


However, I expect that I can use the hotshoe accessory and a cable to 
at least get off-camera TCS working.  Sigh.  Another multi-day 
special order from Pentax Canada.


Thanks to everyone who helped-out, especially Doug and Charles for 
taking lots of flash shots of interior walls. :-)


-bmw


glad to do it. all in all it's just another pic of the wall.


He's cruisin' for a bruisin' ...

-bmw

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Re: Tech-support: Wireless trailing curtain sync flash a no-go [Re: WTB and a macro flash question]

[Doug Brewer]

Bruce Walker wrote:


Dear Mr. Walker,

Thank you for contacting Pentax.

Trailing curtain sync will not work with the K20D and the AF-540FGZ 
off-camera in the wireless mode.  The K20D manual doesn't specifically 
explain this but under setting up the flash in wireless mode on page 47 
of the AF-540FGZ flash manual it says you have to have the flash set to 
leading curtain sync.  The off-camera flash is using the built-in flash, 
or another AF-540 on the hotshoe, as a trigger, but only for leading 
curtain sync.


---


However, I expect that I can use the hotshoe accessory and a cable to at 
least get off-camera TCS working.  Sigh.  Another multi-day special 
order from Pentax Canada.


Thanks to everyone who helped-out, especially Doug and Charles for 
taking lots of flash shots of interior walls. :-)


-bmw


glad to do it. all in all it's just another pic of the wall.

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Tech-support: Wireless trailing curtain sync flash a no-go [Re: WTB and a macro flash question]

[Bruce Walker]

Joseph McAllister wrote:
A pretty thorough reading of both the K20D and AF540FGZ manuals re: 
TCS reveals nothing. It is neither mentioned as doable or not doable. 
It does "imply" that it should work, but does not back that up in text 
or sync spec charts.


Let us know what tech support at Pentax has to say please...


And the envelope please ...

---
Dear Mr. Walker,

Thank you for contacting Pentax.

Trailing curtain sync will not work with the K20D and the AF-540FGZ off-camera 
in the wireless mode.  The K20D manual doesn't specifically explain this but 
under setting up the flash in wireless mode on page 47 of the AF-540FGZ flash 
manual it says you have to have the flash set to leading curtain sync.  The 
off-camera flash is using the built-in flash, or another AF-540 on the hotshoe, 
as a trigger, but only for leading curtain sync.

---


However, I expect that I can use the hotshoe accessory and a cable to at 
least get off-camera TCS working.  Sigh.  Another multi-day special 
order from Pentax Canada.


Thanks to everyone who helped-out, especially Doug and Charles for 
taking lots of flash shots of interior walls. :-)


-bmw

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Re: WTB and a macro flash question

[Brian Walters]

On Tue, 21 Apr 2009 09:12 -0700, "Joseph McAllister" 
wrote:
> A pretty thorough reading of both the K20D and AF540FGZ manuals re:  
> TCS reveals nothing. It is neither mentioned as doable or not doable.  
> It does "imply" that it should work, but does not back that up in text  
> or sync spec charts.
> 
> Let us know what tech support at Pentax has to say please...
> 


Going backwards and forwards between the K200D and AF360FGZ manuals last
night left me with a serious headache and no enlightenment, other than
the fact that Pentax needs to employ competent technical writers.

I suspect strongly that TCS isn't possible in wireless mode.  



Cheers

Brian

++
Brian Walters
Western Sydney Australia
http://members.westnet.com.au/brianwal/SL/



> 
> On Apr 20, 2009, at 18:12 , Bruce Walker wrote:
> 
> > Doug Brewer wrote:
> >> Doug Brewer wrote:
> >>
> >>> okay, try this: in your custom settings, number 29, set it to 2,  
> >>> use the built-in flash as the controller, instead of the master.
> >>>
> >>> Set the flash on TCS, camera on wireless, and see what happens.
> >>>
> >>> Note: I'm basing this on the 360FGZ, and assume there are similar  
> >>> settings on the big boy.
> >>
> >> oh, yeah, and the flash set to slave mode, built-in flash popped up.
> >
> > Custom #29 = 2 ... check.
> > flash on TCS ... check.
> > camera on wireless ... check.
> > ext flash on Slave ... check.
> > PUF up ... check.
> >
> > External flash still fires on leading curtain.  I have the shutter  
> > speed at 0.5 sec so I can see where the flash occurs.  I've also  
> > tried speeding the shutter up and panning across an object and it is  
> > still doing LCS.  I've tried with SR on and off (I recall reading  
> > that some flash mode doesn't work with SR on).
> >
> > I'm going to try resetting all the options 'cause I'm running right  
> > out of ideas.
> 
> Joseph McAllister
> Pentaxian
> 
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Re: WTB and a macro flash question

[Joseph McAllister]

Further study of the format used in the K20D manual indicates that the  
major Headings (pg. 143) are dark grey with white text at the top of  
the page. The sub-headings are medium grey with white text, and  
located under a line across the page (pg. 144). The further sub-sub- 
headings are just bolded black text (pg. 145).


Given that construct, "Using In Wireless Mode" on pg. 145 continues  
until half way down page 148, when the subject changes to "Red-Eye  
Reduction".  Then again to "Trailing Curtain Sync".  Wireless mode is  
out of the picture at this point. Leads me to believe it's not an  
option unless you are wired to the hot-shoe. Which the next  
illustration on pg. 149 shows, even though the subject is changed to  
"Using the Built-in Flash with the External Flash".  TCS is in the  
limbo between the two modes, wireless and wired.


Poor design.

Joseph

On Apr 21, 2009, at 12:40 , Charles Robinson wrote:


On Apr 21, 2009, at 11:12, Joseph McAllister wrote:

A pretty thorough reading of both the K20D and AF540FGZ manuals re:  
TCS reveals nothing. It is neither mentioned as doable or not  
doable. It does "imply" that it should work, but does not back that  
up in text or sync spec charts.




Nothing I do with the 540 can make the little "what mode am I in"  
symbol (when disconnected from the camera) change to anything other  
than the standard lightning-bolt, filled-in triangle, hollow  
triangle sequence which means "regular flash".


Best I could do was attach it to the camera with wireless mode  
(between on and off) selected and the hard switch on the 540 set to  
Trailing Curtain (bolt, hollow, filled) ... select menu on the K10D  
and immediately the flash said "hey, wait - I'm supposed to be in  
TCS mode!" and the symbol changed.


Then I pulled the flash right off the hotshoe (with everything still  
turned on).


The symbol immediately changed back to "bolt, filled, hollow" which  
is the standard mode.


I wonder if it can be done at all - methinks not!

-Charles


Joseph McAllister
pentax...@mac.com

http://gallery.me.com/jomac
http://web.me.com/jomac/show.me/Blog/Blog.html






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Re: WTB and a macro flash question

[Charles Robinson]

On Apr 21, 2009, at 11:12, Joseph McAllister wrote:

A pretty thorough reading of both the K20D and AF540FGZ manuals re:  
TCS reveals nothing. It is neither mentioned as doable or not  
doable. It does "imply" that it should work, but does not back that  
up in text or sync spec charts.




Nothing I do with the 540 can make the little "what mode am I in"  
symbol (when disconnected from the camera) change to anything other  
than the standard lightning-bolt, filled-in triangle, hollow triangle  
sequence which means "regular flash".


Best I could do was attach it to the camera with wireless mode  
(between on and off) selected and the hard switch on the 540 set to  
Trailing Curtain (bolt, hollow, filled) ... select menu on the K10D  
and immediately the flash said "hey, wait - I'm supposed to be in TCS  
mode!" and the symbol changed.


Then I pulled the flash right off the hotshoe (with everything still  
turned on).


The symbol immediately changed back to "bolt, filled, hollow" which is  
the standard mode.


I wonder if it can be done at all - methinks not!

 -Charles

--
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Minneapolis, MN
http://charles.robinsontwins.org


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Re: WTB and a macro flash question

[Joseph McAllister]

A pretty thorough reading of both the K20D and AF540FGZ manuals re:  
TCS reveals nothing. It is neither mentioned as doable or not doable.  
It does "imply" that it should work, but does not back that up in text  
or sync spec charts.


Let us know what tech support at Pentax has to say please...


On Apr 20, 2009, at 18:12 , Bruce Walker wrote:


Doug Brewer wrote:

Doug Brewer wrote:

okay, try this: in your custom settings, number 29, set it to 2,  
use the built-in flash as the controller, instead of the master.


Set the flash on TCS, camera on wireless, and see what happens.

Note: I'm basing this on the 360FGZ, and assume there are similar  
settings on the big boy.


oh, yeah, and the flash set to slave mode, built-in flash popped up.


Custom #29 = 2 ... check.
flash on TCS ... check.
camera on wireless ... check.
ext flash on Slave ... check.
PUF up ... check.

External flash still fires on leading curtain.  I have the shutter  
speed at 0.5 sec so I can see where the flash occurs.  I've also  
tried speeding the shutter up and panning across an object and it is  
still doing LCS.  I've tried with SR on and off (I recall reading  
that some flash mode doesn't work with SR on).


I'm going to try resetting all the options 'cause I'm running right  
out of ideas.


Joseph McAllister
Pentaxian

http://gallery.me.com/jomac
http://web.me.com/jomac/show.me/Blog/Blog.html


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Re: WTB and a macro flash question

[Charles Robinson]

On Apr 21, 2009, at 8:16, Doug Brewer wrote:


Brian Walters wrote:
OK - I use flash only occasionally and wireless flash almost never  
but
I've tried Doug's suggestions below with the K200D and AF360FGZ and  
I'm
seeing exactly the same results as Bruce.  The flash always fires  
on the
leading curtain (or perhaps it just fires the pre-flash on the  
leading

curtain and main flash doesn't fire at all - I'm just guessing here).
I wondered if my flash was faulty but attached to the camera in P-TTL
mode (not in wireless mode), it fires on the trailing curtain as it
should.
Obviously this is of no help to Bruce..


yeah, I guess I could have gone all the way and looked to see if it  
was actually firing on the trail. Here in a minute I'll go get my  
bag outta the car and do a little more testing. I'm intrigued.


(scene the other night:

son, from in front of the tv: Dad, why are you taking pictures of  
the wall?


me: This guy is having trouble setting his flash to fire on the  
trailing curtain in wireless mode. I'm looking at how to do it.


son: ...

me: you still there?

son: no.

)



Love it!

My son's supposed to be off in college now, but it sounds like maybe  
he's sitting in your TV room now.  I should call him.


BTW - we're talking AF540 and the K20D right?  Should I test here in  
the office with my K10D and AF540 just to annoy my cow-orkers?


 -Charles

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Re: WTB and a macro flash question

[Bruce Walker]

Doug Brewer wrote:


(scene the other night:

son, from in front of the tv: Dad, why are you taking pictures of the 
wall?


me: This guy is having trouble setting his flash to fire on the 
trailing curtain in wireless mode. I'm looking at how to do it.


son: ...

me: you still there?

son: no.

)


Heh!  Similar thing here: lots of wall, snatches of picture frame, some 
motion-blurred light switches and a confused looking spaniel making his 
escape.  Glad you reminded about the test shots -- I just emptied a card 
of them for some shooting I'm doing this morning.


-bmw

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Re: WTB and a macro flash question

[mike wilson]

 Doug Brewer  wrote: 
> Brian Walters wrote:
> > OK - I use flash only occasionally and wireless flash almost never but
> > I've tried Doug's suggestions below with the K200D and AF360FGZ and I'm
> > seeing exactly the same results as Bruce.  The flash always fires on the
> > leading curtain (or perhaps it just fires the pre-flash on the leading
> > curtain and main flash doesn't fire at all - I'm just guessing here).
> > 
> > I wondered if my flash was faulty but attached to the camera in P-TTL
> > mode (not in wireless mode), it fires on the trailing curtain as it
> > should.
> > 
> > Obviously this is of no help to Bruce..
> 
> yeah, I guess I could have gone all the way and looked to see if it was 
> actually firing on the trail. Here in a minute I'll go get my bag outta 
> the car and do a little more testing. I'm intrigued.
> 
> (scene the other night:
> 
> son, from in front of the tv: Dad, why are you taking pictures of the wall?
> 
> me: This guy is having trouble setting his flash to fire on the trailing 
> curtain in wireless mode. I'm looking at how to do it.
> 
> son: ...
> 
> me: you still there?
> 
> son: no.
> 
> )

Pretty much the conversation Cath and I had the other night when I was trying 
to work out the buffer number thing on mine.  Except our conversation was 
exclusively looks and eyebrow movements.

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Re: WTB and a macro flash question

[Doug Brewer]

Brian Walters wrote:

OK - I use flash only occasionally and wireless flash almost never but
I've tried Doug's suggestions below with the K200D and AF360FGZ and I'm
seeing exactly the same results as Bruce.  The flash always fires on the
leading curtain (or perhaps it just fires the pre-flash on the leading
curtain and main flash doesn't fire at all - I'm just guessing here).

I wondered if my flash was faulty but attached to the camera in P-TTL
mode (not in wireless mode), it fires on the trailing curtain as it
should.

Obviously this is of no help to Bruce..


yeah, I guess I could have gone all the way and looked to see if it was 
actually firing on the trail. Here in a minute I'll go get my bag outta 
the car and do a little more testing. I'm intrigued.


(scene the other night:

son, from in front of the tv: Dad, why are you taking pictures of the wall?

me: This guy is having trouble setting his flash to fire on the trailing 
curtain in wireless mode. I'm looking at how to do it.


son: ...

me: you still there?

son: no.

)

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Re: WTB and a macro flash question

[Bruce Walker]

Brian Walters wrote:

OK - I use flash only occasionally and wireless flash almost never but
I've tried Doug's suggestions below with the K200D and AF360FGZ and I'm
seeing exactly the same results as Bruce.  The flash always fires on the
leading curtain (or perhaps it just fires the pre-flash on the leading
curtain and main flash doesn't fire at all - I'm just guessing here).

I wondered if my flash was faulty but attached to the camera in P-TTL
mode (not in wireless mode), it fires on the trailing curtain as it
should.

Obviously this is of no help to Bruce..



Cheers

Brian

++
Brian Walters
Western Sydney Australia
http://members.westnet.com.au/brianwal/SL/
  


On the contrary, that's very helpful to hear; thank you, Brian!  I was 
concerned that I might be simply repeating the same configuration error 
over and over, but you've confirmed exactly what I'm seeing.  And TCS 
does work for me too with either the built-in flash alone, or with the 
540FGZ attached to the hotshoe.


Disabling all Custom options did not change anything in wireless modes 
either.  I think it's time for me to contact Pentax support.


-bmw

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Re: WTB and a macro flash question

[Brian Walters]

OK - I use flash only occasionally and wireless flash almost never but
I've tried Doug's suggestions below with the K200D and AF360FGZ and I'm
seeing exactly the same results as Bruce.  The flash always fires on the
leading curtain (or perhaps it just fires the pre-flash on the leading
curtain and main flash doesn't fire at all - I'm just guessing here).

I wondered if my flash was faulty but attached to the camera in P-TTL
mode (not in wireless mode), it fires on the trailing curtain as it
should.

Obviously this is of no help to Bruce..



Cheers

Brian

++
Brian Walters
Western Sydney Australia
http://members.westnet.com.au/brianwal/SL/




On Mon, 20 Apr 2009 21:12 -0400, "Bruce Walker" 
wrote:
> Doug Brewer wrote:
> > Doug Brewer wrote:
> >
> >> okay, try this: in your custom settings, number 29, set it to 2, use 
> >> the built-in flash as the controller, instead of the master.
> >>
> >> Set the flash on TCS, camera on wireless, and see what happens.
> >>
> >> Note: I'm basing this on the 360FGZ, and assume there are similar 
> >> settings on the big boy.
> >
> > oh, yeah, and the flash set to slave mode, built-in flash popped up.
> 
> Custom #29 = 2 ... check.
> flash on TCS ... check.
> camera on wireless ... check.
> ext flash on Slave ... check.
> PUF up ... check.
> 
> External flash still fires on leading curtain.  I have the shutter speed 
> at 0.5 sec so I can see where the flash occurs.  I've also tried 
> speeding the shutter up and panning across an object and it is still 
> doing LCS.  I've tried with SR on and off (I recall reading that some 
> flash mode doesn't work with SR on).
> 
> I'm going to try resetting all the options 'cause I'm running right out 
> of ideas.
> 
> -bmw
> 
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Re: WTB and a macro flash question

[Bruce Walker]

Doug Brewer wrote:

Doug Brewer wrote:

okay, try this: in your custom settings, number 29, set it to 2, use 
the built-in flash as the controller, instead of the master.


Set the flash on TCS, camera on wireless, and see what happens.

Note: I'm basing this on the 360FGZ, and assume there are similar 
settings on the big boy.


oh, yeah, and the flash set to slave mode, built-in flash popped up.


Custom #29 = 2 ... check.
flash on TCS ... check.
camera on wireless ... check.
ext flash on Slave ... check.
PUF up ... check.

External flash still fires on leading curtain.  I have the shutter speed 
at 0.5 sec so I can see where the flash occurs.  I've also tried 
speeding the shutter up and panning across an object and it is still 
doing LCS.  I've tried with SR on and off (I recall reading that some 
flash mode doesn't work with SR on).


I'm going to try resetting all the options 'cause I'm running right out 
of ideas.


-bmw

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Re: WTB and a macro flash question

[Doug Brewer]

Doug Brewer wrote:



okay, try this: in your custom settings, number 29, set it to 2, use the 
built-in flash as the controller, instead of the master.


Set the flash on TCS, camera on wireless, and see what happens.

Note: I'm basing this on the 360FGZ, and assume there are similar 
settings on the big boy.


oh, yeah, and the flash set to slave mode, built-in flash popped up.

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Re: WTB and a macro flash question

[Doug Brewer]

Bruce Walker wrote:
Not so silly. :-)  But yeah, they were; all set to channel 1.  The 
remote flash was in fact firing, just not on the trailing curtain.


-bmw


okay, try this: in your custom settings, number 29, set it to 2, use the 
built-in flash as the controller, instead of the master.


Set the flash on TCS, camera on wireless, and see what happens.

Note: I'm basing this on the 360FGZ, and assume there are similar 
settings on the big boy.


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Re: WTB and a macro flash question

[Bruce Walker]

Doug Brewer wrote:

Bruce Walker wrote:

paul stenquist wrote:
I've done it. Don't have time to check now, but I know trailing 
curtain is set with the lower power switch. I think it's the second 
click to the right of off. I've used it on the K20D and it works.

Paul


Well on the AF-540FGZ it's configured on the switch labeled "Sync.", 
immediately to the left of the main power switch, and it's the second 
click to the right of leading curtain sync (wireless mode is set on 
the main power switch, the intermediate click between Off and On).  I 
have verified that that works fine when the 540 is mounted 
on-camera.  And TCS works using the built-in flash too.


But if I move the flash off-camera and try to go wireless, phxxxt!  
No trailing curtain.  I've tried it with both the built-in flash as 
controller, and another 540FGZ as controller.


The K20D manual even states on page 148 (bottom) that if TCS is set 
on the remote flash, the internal flash will adopt that mode too.  
But not for me.  Very annoying.


I'm beginning to wonder if the recent firmware upgrade broke wireless 
trailing curtain.  Sadly I can't test that, and I never tried WTCS 
before the upgrade.


-bmw


silly question, but did you make sure the flash and camera were on the 
same channel?


Not so silly. :-)  But yeah, they were; all set to channel 1.  The 
remote flash was in fact firing, just not on the trailing curtain.


-bmw

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Re: WTB and a macro flash question

[Doug Brewer]

Bruce Walker wrote:

paul stenquist wrote:
I've done it. Don't have time to check now, but I know trailing 
curtain is set with the lower power switch. I think it's the second 
click to the right of off. I've used it on the K20D and it works.

Paul


Well on the AF-540FGZ it's configured on the switch labeled "Sync.", 
immediately to the left of the main power switch, and it's the second 
click to the right of leading curtain sync (wireless mode is set on the 
main power switch, the intermediate click between Off and On).  I have 
verified that that works fine when the 540 is mounted on-camera.  And 
TCS works using the built-in flash too.


But if I move the flash off-camera and try to go wireless, phxxxt!  No 
trailing curtain.  I've tried it with both the built-in flash as 
controller, and another 540FGZ as controller.


The K20D manual even states on page 148 (bottom) that if TCS is set on 
the remote flash, the internal flash will adopt that mode too.  But not 
for me.  Very annoying.


I'm beginning to wonder if the recent firmware upgrade broke wireless 
trailing curtain.  Sadly I can't test that, and I never tried WTCS 
before the upgrade.


-bmw


silly question, but did you make sure the flash and camera were on the 
same channel?


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Re: WTB and a macro flash question

[Bruce Walker]

paul stenquist wrote:
I've done it. Don't have time to check now, but I know trailing 
curtain is set with the lower power switch. I think it's the second 
click to the right of off. I've used it on the K20D and it works.

Paul


Well on the AF-540FGZ it's configured on the switch labeled "Sync.", 
immediately to the left of the main power switch, and it's the second 
click to the right of leading curtain sync (wireless mode is set on the 
main power switch, the intermediate click between Off and On).  I have 
verified that that works fine when the 540 is mounted on-camera.  And 
TCS works using the built-in flash too.


But if I move the flash off-camera and try to go wireless, phxxxt!  No 
trailing curtain.  I've tried it with both the built-in flash as 
controller, and another 540FGZ as controller.


The K20D manual even states on page 148 (bottom) that if TCS is set on 
the remote flash, the internal flash will adopt that mode too.  But not 
for me.  Very annoying.


I'm beginning to wonder if the recent firmware upgrade broke wireless 
trailing curtain.  Sadly I can't test that, and I never tried WTCS 
before the upgrade.


-bmw

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Re: WTB and a macro flash question

[AlunFoto]

Boris,

Try finding some device that allows you to align the flash head with
the front element of your macro lens, and a sync cable to fit your
flash. There are both tailor made solutions like the flash brackets
from ReallyRightStuff and DIY projects to a couple of dollars. I
bought a hotshoe grip off ebay for a couple of dollars that did the
trick after some modification. I've used it with the AF-500FTZ, and
the AF-540FGZ. Drop me a (off-) line if you want to know about the
mods.

Jostein

2009/4/18 Boris Liberman :
> Hi!
>
> Before I forget (though it is not Friday, but nonetheless) - if you have
> matching macro adapter (I think it is two elements apo design) that came
> with Cosina 100/3.5 macro lenses, I'd like to buy it. I've FA 100/3.5 macro
> and I'd like to "complete" it with this adapter.
>
> And the question. I've truly excellent Metz 40MZ-2 flash with SCA 3701
> adapter that works really well. I would like to try to get somewhat more
> serious about my nature macro photography. To that end I am thinking of a
> macro flash. However I've already have a good flash. Thus, I was thinking -
> is there such a thing that can be attached to the head of a general flash,
> say my Metz 40MZ-2, that will transmit the light to the front of the lens,
> just like the ring macro flash?
>
> Any input on the issue will be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Boris
>
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Re: WTB and a macro flash question

[mike wilson]

Boris Liberman wrote:

Oh, I see. I just tried to search the eBay and found really plethora of 
such devices, none of which, sadly, seems to match my Metz flash.


I should keep looking or try to make one of these myself, even if it 
will be crude.


Boris


Depending on how macro you intend, don't forget that the flash tube 
ceases to be a point source of light and becomes progressively more like 
a softbox of potentially gigantic propotions.  At high levels of 
magnification, even the bare tube with no diffuser will be producing 
softer looking light.  Might be worth experimenting a bit before buying 
anything.





Toine wrote:


Probably yes like this
http://www.fotokonijnenberg.be/product/1408978/fk_ringflash_adapter_voor_canon_580exii.html 


These things are very large.

Any diffusor on the Metz would also work nicely. A ring flash is not
always the best option.

Toine

2009/4/18 Boris Liberman :


Thus, I was thinking - is there such a thing that can be attached to the
head of a general flash, say my Metz 40MZ-2, that will transmit the 
light to

the front of the lens, just like the ring macro flash?



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Re: WTB and a macro flash question

[paul stenquist]

I've done it. Don't have time to check now, but I know trailing  
curtain is set with the lower power switch. I think it's the second  
click to the right of off. I've used it on the K20D and it works.

Paul
On Apr 18, 2009, at 9:53 PM, Bruce Walker wrote:


David Savage wrote:


I'm personally a big fan of the wirelles
features of the AF-540FGZ (and the CLS system on the Nikon).



Here's a question for you then: how can you (assuming you *can*) set  
a wireless AF-540FGZ to do trailing curtain sync together with a  
K20D?  I've been playing with this all evening and it's driving me  
nuts.  Between the K20D's manual and the flash's manual it's not  
clear if it should even work, though it implies it.  The K20D manual  
states that it should work using the built-in flash, but I follow  
the instructions exactly (afaict) and it simply doesn't work for me.


If it makes any difference, I'm setting the K20D to Tv and 0.5 sec  
shutter so I can see the effects directly.


Thanks!

-bmw

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Re: WTB and a macro flash question

[Bruce Walker]

David Savage wrote:


I'm personally a big fan of the wirelles
features of the AF-540FGZ (and the CLS system on the Nikon).
  


Here's a question for you then: how can you (assuming you *can*) set a 
wireless AF-540FGZ to do trailing curtain sync together with a K20D?  
I've been playing with this all evening and it's driving me nuts.  
Between the K20D's manual and the flash's manual it's not clear if it 
should even work, though it implies it.  The K20D manual states that it 
should work using the built-in flash, but I follow the instructions 
exactly (afaict) and it simply doesn't work for me.


If it makes any difference, I'm setting the K20D to Tv and 0.5 sec 
shutter so I can see the effects directly.


Thanks!

-bmw

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Re: WTB and a macro flash question

[Leon Altoff]

Hi Boris,

I have 2 flash set ups for macro work.

The first is just 2 matching flashes (either AF360 of AF500) held on a
bracket to give light at about 45 degrees on either side of the
subject (the angles can be adjusted to give the lighting you like).
The AF360's can be used completely P-TTL and wireless triggered from
the on camera flash, or you can use a 5P cable set up to set them off.
 I use the 5P cable for the AF500s as well - usually connecting only
one and setting the other to slave mode and both set to manual. (this
works for the AF360's as well)

The other is more compact and is a modified AF360 with a socket added
that lets me plug in another flash head in and use it like 2 flashes
but without the bulk and weight of the 2 flash units.  Ring flashes
are nice, but I the doughnut shaped highlights and the large amount of
reflections off anything damp (caused by the sharp angle of the light)
have put me off them a bit.

If you go the 2 flash and bracket route then you have 2 flashes for
use with other photography and the only cost you have to justify is
the cost of 2 nice sturdy brackets.

Hope this is helpful.

Leon.


2009/4/19 Boris Liberman :
> Hi!
>
> And the question. I've truly excellent Metz 40MZ-2 flash with SCA 3701
> adapter that works really well. I would like to try to get somewhat more
> serious about my nature macro photography. To that end I am thinking of a
> macro flash. However I've already have a good flash. Thus, I was thinking -
> is there such a thing that can be attached to the head of a general flash,
> say my Metz 40MZ-2, that will transmit the light to the front of the lens,
> just like the ring macro flash?
>
> Any input on the issue will be greatly appreciated.

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Re: WTB and a macro flash question

[Brian Walters]

G'day Boris

On Sat, 18 Apr 2009 17:13 +0300, "Boris Liberman" 
wrote:
> Hi!
> 
> Before I forget (though it is not Friday, but nonetheless) - if you have 
> matching macro adapter (I think it is two elements apo design) that came 
> with Cosina 100/3.5 macro lenses, I'd like to buy it. I've FA 100/3.5 
> macro and I'd like to "complete" it with this adapter.
> 
> And the question. I've truly excellent Metz 40MZ-2 flash with SCA 3701 
> adapter that works really well. I would like to try to get somewhat more 
> serious about my nature macro photography. To that end I am thinking of 
> a macro flash. However I've already have a good flash. Thus, I was 
> thinking - is there such a thing that can be attached to the head of a 
> general flash, say my Metz 40MZ-2, that will transmit the light to the 
> front of the lens, just like the ring macro flash?
> 
> Any input on the issue will be greatly appreciated.
> 


Here's another example of a DIY attempt.  It's rough but seems to work: 

http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-make-a-diy-ring-flash-tutorial


It probably wouldn't be too difficult to do a neater (and more compact)
job than this guy managed.

Also, as Dave S mentioned, you can use your existing flash if you get it
off camera.  I use a short flash bracket attached to the base of the
camera  that I can use with either a single flashgun or two guns, one
each side of the camera.

 
Cheers

Brian

++
Brian Walters
Western Sydney Australia
http://members.westnet.com.au/brianwal/SL/

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Re: WTB and a macro flash question

[Joseph McAllister]

On Apr 18, 2009, at 07:13 , Boris Liberman wrote:

And the question. I've truly excellent Metz 40MZ-2 flash with SCA  
3701 adapter that works really well. I would like to try to get  
somewhat more serious about my nature macro photography. To that end  
I am thinking of a macro flash. However I've already have a good  
flash. Thus, I was thinking - is there such a thing that can be  
attached to the head of a general flash, say my Metz 40MZ-2, that  
will transmit the light to the front of the lens, just like the ring  
macro flash?


Any input on the issue will be greatly appreciated.


I have a "CSI" Polaroid SX-70 kit, officially a "Polaroid CU-70 Macro  
Kit". It includes three different strength macro lens attachments: 1X,  
2X and 3X, all with built in flash directors and meter windows. This  
system will allow you to focus continuously from 1 foot to 1.5 inches!  
Also included are the three dedicated brackets and the camera mounting  
platform, as well as the flash adapter plug for Alpha cameras. All on  
an aluminum "Halliburton-like" case.


See here, 2/3 of the way down.   http://www.chemie.unibas.ch/~holder/SX70.html

Something could be jerry rigged easily.

If it doesn’t excite you,
This thing that you see,
Why in the world,
Would it excite me?
—Jay Maisel

Joseph McAllister
pentax...@mac.com





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Re: WTB and a macro flash question

[David Savage]

2009/4/18 Peter Loveday :
> There's the RayFlash (http://www.ray-flash.com), which requires a certain
> flash-lens distance based on various canon/nikon flashes, or the Orbis
> (http://www.orbisflash.com), which requires you to hand-hold the flash.
> Neither of which are really designed for macro photography, but more for
> studio/portrait ring-flash look.

Speaking of the Orbis adaptor, all of the photos that make up this
image were taken using one (~130kb):



As to flash for macro, any flash will do the job as long as you can
get it off the camera. I'm personally a big fan of the wirelles
features of the AF-540FGZ (and the CLS system on the Nikon).

Cheers,

Dave

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Re: WTB and a macro flash question

[Peter Loveday]

There's the RayFlash (http://www.ray-flash.com), which requires a certain 
flash-lens distance based on various canon/nikon flashes, or the Orbis 
(http://www.orbisflash.com), which requires you to hand-hold the flash. 
Neither of which are really designed for macro photography, but more for 
studio/portrait ring-flash look.


Really you don't want the kind of power a normal flash puts out in a ring 
flash; well, at least you need to be able to get it very low.  The Metz 
flashes are great at this, generally, and can be dialed down to 1/256th. 
Still, its probably overkill.


There are DIY attempts at getting a ring-flash from the pop-up flash on 
cameras using fibre-optics, but they all seema bit clumsy. (eg: 
http://www.fring.we.bs/)


- Peter 



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Re: WTB and a macro flash question

[Boris Liberman]

Oh, I see. I just tried to search the eBay and found really plethora of 
such devices, none of which, sadly, seems to match my Metz flash.


I should keep looking or try to make one of these myself, even if it 
will be crude.


Boris

Toine wrote:

Probably yes like this
http://www.fotokonijnenberg.be/product/1408978/fk_ringflash_adapter_voor_canon_580exii.html
These things are very large.

Any diffusor on the Metz would also work nicely. A ring flash is not
always the best option.

Toine

2009/4/18 Boris Liberman :

Thus, I was thinking - is there such a thing that can be attached to the
head of a general flash, say my Metz 40MZ-2, that will transmit the light to
the front of the lens, just like the ring macro flash?



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Re: WTB and a macro flash question

[Toine]

Probably yes like this
http://www.fotokonijnenberg.be/product/1408978/fk_ringflash_adapter_voor_canon_580exii.html
These things are very large.

Any diffusor on the Metz would also work nicely. A ring flash is not
always the best option.

Toine

2009/4/18 Boris Liberman :
> Thus, I was thinking - is there such a thing that can be attached to the
> head of a general flash, say my Metz 40MZ-2, that will transmit the light to
> the front of the lens, just like the ring macro flash?
>

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