Studio lights won't flash

P

photographerian

Suspended / Banned
Messages
82
Name
Ian
Edit My Images
Yes
Here's the problem.

2 Elinchrom 500s and 2 400s. I usually use a radio trigger in the studio, but have misplaced the trigger that goes on to the hot shoe.

Until I find it, I'm using the sync lead. Problem is lights won't flash when camera is held in the portrait position. They flash ok on Landscape and when upside down. I get the same fault when using a different sync lead.

I also get the same problem on 3 different cameras. A 1DMKII, 1DMKIIN and a 1DMKIII. Problem exists which ever light I use the sync lead with. I've got around the problem by using a hot shoe adapter and putting the sync lead in there, but the problem is driving me nuts. Any help would be most welcome.
:bonk::bang::bonk::bonk::bang:
 
I was hoping that someone else would jump in here with a definitive answer but as nobody has...

I remember a post on another forum about this. From memory, there is a problem with some Canon cameras due to a mercury switch which tells the camera which way up it's being held (to auto rotate the picture) and this apparently switches off the flash firing mechanism when the camera is rotated. If I remember correctly, the only solution is to switch off the auto picture rotate.

Sorry this is a bit vague, I don't use Canon myself and so I'm only going by memory.
 
I've used a sync cable with some Bowens gear, and my 1D MKII portrait with auto rotate on and never had any problems!
 
thanks Garry, I'll give that a go.

Got a job tonight, so will try it out when I'm setting up. I'll take the hot shoe adapter as well. Just in case


Ian
 
What a bizarre problem, and a bizarre yet credible potential solution offered by Garry

Not wishing to score points at Canon's expense, but my Nikons have always worked with a lead (when batteries died) in either orientation

Let us know if you solve the problem and how

DD
 
DiddyDave said:
What a bizarre problem, and a bizarre yet credible potential solution offered by Garry

Not wishing to score points at Canon's expense, but my Nikons have always worked with a lead (when batteries died) in either orientation

Let us know if you solve the problem and how

DD
Click to expand...
Too many words there Dave - how about 'My Nikons always work'?:lol::lol::lol:
 
Could possibly be a dry joint on the socket that only fails when the camera is at certain angles :thinking:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top