Exd200 Sync Problems

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M1keez

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I have the EXD200's from Interfit .
A Nikon D300 and a Sb 600 .
I have both cell settings on each head set to 1 .
Sync cord attached to Main light with softbox .
If the onboard flash is closed only the main light head
flashes and not the second with umbrella .
If I pop the flash up none of the Heads flash .
If I use the SB 600 off camera this triggers
the heads .
I am sure I had them working with the onboard flash.
I would like to trigger both sometimes without the onboard flash firing .
I am using both heads with the bulbs on .
As you can tell I am confused and in need of some advice .
 
The only obvious thought here is that if the modelling lamps are switched on and pointing towards the sensor of the other light then it's possible that the sensor won't work reliably, this can happen with any make of lights but some are more prone to it than others.

This is just a guess, but the clue is If I pop the flash up none of the Heads flash . - the onboard flash is very weak and so the flash sensors are more likely to not work reliably with the modelling lamps on if you are only using this weak triggering flash.
Try it with the modelling lamps off - and then get a radio trigger to avoid the problem in the future.
 
Sounds like Garry has suggested the most likely problem and that the slaves are flooded with ambient light (modelling light or perhaps sunlight, or a bit of both) and not responding to the relatively low level of flash that they are seeing. Either reposition the lights, turn down the modelling lights, turn up the flash power, or change to radio triggers.

Another slight possibilty that the pre-flash from the D300 is causing the problem, but it is not clear from your post. When you say that the heads are not flashing, do you mean they are not firing at all, or that they are not firing in sync and recording an image? If they are going off but not recording, then they are probably responding to the pre flash and are over and done with by the time the shutter opens. Switch the on board flash to manual which deletes the pre flash - just a possibility.
 
When I pop the onboard flash up they do not go off at all .
I think you guys may be right . I had it all set up in a very light conservatory.
Where as when it was working I was in a darker room .
When I put the onboard flash down the main head fired but not the other .
I was using the sync lead with main head , should this trigger the other head as well .
Although I had some great results .
I am new to studio lighting as you can guess .
You mention turning the modelling lights off .
In general when using lighting like this, is it one or the other .
Flash from the heads only or do people use the modelling lights and flash
from the heads .
Or does this depend on the lighting effect you are trying to achieve .
 
Generally, the modelling lamps are only used to indicate the effect that the flash will have, and perhaps to assist the camera to autofocus if you like autofocus...

So it does no harm to turn the modelling lamps off, more comfortable for the sitters too. If you want to keep the modelling lamps on a useful workaround is to tape a piece of card or something to the flash head to stop the light from the modelling lamps from affecting the sensor. The actual flash from the light is much more powerful and will still find its way to the sensor.
 
Thank you Gary .That would explain the beads of sweat from my subjects.
 
With the EXD200s set to '1' my understanding is they won't fire from a flash anyway, that's what that setting is for. It's designed for weddings etc where there'll be lots of people flashing. Set to '1' the heads will only fire from a radio trigger or sync cable...

...I could be wrong though, but that's what I took from Interfit's explanation of that setting.
 
I am using the sync cable attached to main light - softbox .
Setting on 1 .
Is this the problem .Should I use flash to trigger or sync cable .
I have had the sync cable attached all the time.
I thought the 1,2,3 settings were for ignoring pre flash not main flash.
 
I'm not sure, but I think there's a setting for ignoring all flash, so other peoples cameras won't set your flash heads off.

EDIT: From the Interfit site
Operating the Sync cell button
Top right hand corner of the EXD200 has a button marked "Cell"
No lights on, means that the Sync cell is switched OFF and will result in no sync between heads. But will still work with Radio Receivers connected, ideal for wedding photographers where other guests are using small flash guns that would otherwise cause your heads to fire.
First (TOP) light is the normal Sync setting used for everyday photography with a Sync lead,Radio Transmitter or Infrared systems and communications between units. If it is not set to one then you may not get a flash from your heads, each unit need to be set accordingly.
Lights 2 & 3 , These are only used with small compact cameras where the camera give out a small pre flash monitor signal for Auto focus or setting the level of the flash "ON CAMERA" the flash will fire in 2nd or 3rd flash as set on the cell button.You will need to test your camera for best results.​

R.T.F.M. matey :lol:

Make of that what you will. I'm not sure I understand totally, but I'm not good with instructions lol
 
Yeah , I am using setting 1 on both heads .
Which is the correct setting according Interfit .
Like the other guys said , I was i a light room that day .
When I had it working I was in quite a darker room .
I think this may have had some effect .
Will not know until my wife lets me turn the living room into a studio again .
 
M1keez said:
Will not know until my wife lets me turn the living room into a studio again .
Click to expand...

Tell her you're doing it :D.

Or wait for her to go out, and don't tell her you're doing it :lol:
 
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