Please help with Off Camera Flash problem!

tangamansam

tangamansam

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Sam Waterhouse
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Hi all and thanks for reading even if you can't help. To keep it short and sweet... I have a canon 7D and 2 430 ex mk1 flash guns and a Metz 50 AF-1 flash gun. I can fire them off camera with the 7d or with my ST-E2.
My problem is depending on the orientation of the flashes it seems that for some reason the Metz stops the canons from firing. below are some different orientations of the flashes to prove that all three do work in synch , my question is "is it pot luck as to when they will fire and when they won't?"
my fear is having only just got the metz I'm gona have to sell it and buy a third canon.
IMG_1297.jpg

Metz off = canons do fire
IMG_12961.jpg

Metz on = canons don't fire
IMG_12911.jpg

All three on and pointing away only canons fire
IMG_1287.jpg

metz fires pointing left. canon pointing away doesn't. canon pointing towards does.
IMG_12821.jpg

metz on neither canon fires
IMG_1286.jpg

all three fire if metz and 1 canon point left and 1 canon points straight on

ANY HELP WOULD BE MASSIVLEY APPRECIATED!!
 
Does the exact same happen regardless if triggering from the 7D or the ST-E2?
 
You sure they aren't firing?

My guess is they are firing but at the wrong time.
 
Thanks for replying guys,

Ye both ste2 and 7d do same. It's frustrating because in the orientation that fires all 3 it works every time!! Then you get out with a client and boom it shows you up. I know it works I don't know why the Metz can block the other two if its put at a funny angle??
 
In the bottom image we can see the infra-red receiver - maybe the camera has to 'see' them to fire? Otherwise, is this at full power? Maybe they're not recycling quick enough for your tests?
 
tangamansam said:
Thanks for replying guys,

Ye both ste2 and 7d do same. It's frustrating because in the orientation that fires all 3 it works every time!! Then you get out with a client and boom it shows you up. I know it works I don't know why the Metz can block the other two if its put at a funny angle??
Click to expand...

It must be something to do with what the Canon flash sensors are seeing - the dark red bit above the Canon logo. Though I'm not sure what :thinking:

It's almost as if the Metz is putting out some kind of pre-flash that is foxing the Canons. Strange though. Metz will surely have an answer if you contact them.
 
I got so frustrated with the ST-E2 & the infra-red control of my Canon flash guns that I gave up & bought wireless triggers. The reliability especially outdoors was terrible once the flash was more than a few yards away. In contrast the Yongnuo 622C triggers are fantastic & even do E-TTL. You can buy three of these triggers (they are both transmitters & receivers) for the price of an ST-E2.
 
Isn't it more about the sensors seeing the signal rather than the guns seeing each other and the way they're pointed.

Frankly though, the IR triggering is a bit unpredictable, you'll be much better off going proper wireless with radio triggers.
 
Yes, radio triggers should fix it. If you're okay with full manual, then cheap radio triggers would seem like a simple solution.

E-TTL is more costly as the temptingly affordable Yongnuo 622 won't play with the 430EX MkI.
 
Cagey75 said:
In the bottom image we can see the infra-red receiver - maybe the camera has to 'see' them to fire? Otherwise, is this at full power? Maybe they're not recycling quick enough for your tests?
Click to expand...

Cheers mate but no in such close proximity the sensors can be face down on the desk and still fire. all the flashes were on lowest power with fully charged batteries and minutes not seconds between shots :thinking:
 
HoppyUK said:
Yes, radio triggers should fix it. If you're okay with full manual, then cheap radio triggers would seem like a simple solution.

E-TTL is more costly as the temptingly affordable Yongnuo 622 won't play with the 430EX MkI.
Click to expand...

In that case I must persevere. moneys too tight to mention and i cant replace 2 flashes!! :thumbsdown:
 
HoppyUK said:
It must be something to do with what the Canon flash sensors are seeing - the dark red bit above the Canon logo. Though I'm not sure what :thinking:

It's almost as if the Metz is putting out some kind of pre-flash that is foxing the Canons. Strange though. Metz will surely have an answer if you contact them.
Click to expand...

good idea i have just sent metz an e-mail... although unless they follow the link back here I dont think they'll get the jist its a bit complicated :lol::lol:
 
On the 2nd image the Metz is lying on its sensor (I think) the AF-50 isn't a commander it's just a slave soI'm not surprised the others don't fire when it's on camera , I have a AF 50 for my Nikon and it's great, any questions just yell
 
Ment on first pic, also remember it isn't the most reliable trigger and requires line of sight
 
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