Flash system compatibility

[X100]

Dear all
I have just purchased the new (to me at any rate ) Canon Speedlite set up two 600EX RT's and the ST E3 RT and I was wondering how this will integrate with my Elinchrome D-lite 4 kit. My worry is I was under the impression that it was the speedlite pre/focussing flash that triggered the elinchrome strobes. Give ST E3 RT does not emit a preflash will this affect the ease of operation. If so I may well return to using the 580ex II for such purposes.
Please advise.
I also realise it is not most instances where I will be using the set ups together but it will be the case sometimes.
Thanks in advance

 

[Phil V]

My guess (and it's a guess) is that whilst the speedlights are communicating via radio, they're still using a per flash to gather exposure data (at least in ETTL mode).

So depending on your lighting positions*, if your flashes are set to Manual, the Elinchroms will trigger in slave mode.

*You might have problems for instance if the speedlight is snorted as a hairlight, where you'd probably be fine if it's used as a background light or in a hilite.

 

[HoppyUK]

RT system in manual-E-TTL will not fire a pre-flash, though they will in auto-E-TTL for exposure measurement. Not sure how reverting to 580EXII will help, though later D-Lites have smart pre-flash sensing optical slaves. You could also use the Skyport trigger for remote power control, in your hand, if you have that.

 

[X100]

Thanks folks. Just looking forward to having a play with them all now