Nikon Pocket wizards tech query

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Yv

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Hoping someone can help me with a technical question about using PW's and my nikon speedlights.... I tried this the other day and couldn't get it to work, but I am told it should work, so what am I doing wrong?

Ok, PW's are the dedicated nikon mini flex & flex thingies.... I had an SB900 on a stand with a FlexTT5, flash set to manual, 1/8th power. On the camera I had the MiniTT1 transmitter, all set to same channels, and like that, the SB 900 on stand was firing. However, I then stuck an SB700 on the hotshoe of the TT1, set to TTL and nothing, neither guns would fire either from pressing the shutter or the test button on the transmitter. I checked all the connections were tight and no problems there... this was a working situation, so simply took the transmitter off and went with bounced flash instead, job done.

However, I do want to know why it didn't work, should it work, and what do I need to change to make it work? I have 1 transmitter and 2 of the TT5's for info, as well as SB 700/800/900 speedlights.




Finally, and just as an aside, I think I read something the other day about using PW's to actually trigger the shutter .... did I imagine that? :thinking:
 
I'll answer the easy bit first, yes you can trigger the shutter with the flexes, but you'll need the cable that goes from the flex into the (10pin?) socket on the camera body.

For the hard bit I suggest you speak to the tech guys at http://www.johnsons-photopia.co.uk they've been very helpful in the past when I was struggling with the flexes :)
 
Yv.
I think the Flex's will allow control of the flashguns either in Manual or TTL, but not both together.

Now I know nothing about Nikon flash so:
If you put a transmitter enabled flash on the TT1 and leave everything in TTL the transmitter mounted flash will control everything.
Likewise if you do the same in Manual.

That's certainly my understanding of how the Canons work with my Flex's.

My next purchases are a TT1 and an AC3 as I have only 2 TT5's which doesn't give me all the freedom I'd like but is OK.
 
Hmmm, I can see some sense in that Phil, will give it a go tomorrow when not stuck at a screen editing.

Mark, thanks, will bear them in mind if I can't get the answer. As for triggering shutter, excellent... though need to remember where I stored the boxes to find the little cables :lol:
 
I don't know for sure, but suspect Phil may be right.

AC3 zone controller will not solve the problem as you've posed it, but it's a great way of controlling remote guns and not that expensive.
 
Thought I would bump this thread as I have now had time to sit down and so some searching on the PW site and solved the problem.

Basically, the flash that is on the camera, via the MiniTT1, has to be in 'master' mode [canon flashes will default to this when seated on the mini flex], and on the same zone [A, B or C] as the flex attached to the remote flash [which can be on manual or TTL]. The 'm' mode then controls the actual on camera flash, so PW say. Anyway I just tested it and all now working correctly. Phew!

Info here for both Canon & Nikon Users LINKY


As an aside, looked at the AC3 zone controller, and may well add one when I add a 3rd FlexTT5 but generally I try to keep lighting simple for 'working' hours [hence wanting to get the above working for first dance time, so I can use 1 lightstand instead of two, easier to 'hide' so less for clumsy/drunk guests to disturb], but do like the idea for playtime initially :thumbs:
 
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