Yongnuo Nikon Wireless transceivers compatible with Canon?

[harry66]

Hi All,
Apologies if this is a dumb question...

I had the chance to acquire a YN560II along with a pair of RF-603N transceivers from the same seller for a fair price.

Now I figured that since the RF603N are non-TTL triggers then they would be Canon compatible - I understood the shutter release would not work because the cables are different but I did not care - as I planned to use the triggers with the YN560II and my Lumix GX1 (I know that Canon TTL cables work perfectly with Lumix). I just thought only the central pin would come into play....I mean you can get Universal (non-TTL) triggers which seem to claim compatibility across Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Panasonic etc...

However, I have found that the Flash wont fire when used with the RF603N. So, is my understanding flawed? Is a RF603N incapable of firing a flash in my above configuration?

I just want to be sure the triggers are not faulty and it is purely down to incompatibility.

And if I were to get RF603C, I assume they would work since Canon TTL cables are compatible with Lumix, then the RF603C pinouts will be fine with my Lumix camera?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

[AshleyC]

arent the N's for nikon and C's for canon? id be surprised if they would ever work in any mode. Youd defenitly want the RF603C

 

[freecom2]

The 603s are non-TTL but have a bit of intelligence - they have brand specific versions because they pick up the wake up signals from that particular brand (via the hotshoe) which turn the transceiver unit into a transmitter.

 

[harry66]

The 603s are non-TTL but have a bit of intelligence - they have brand specific versions because they pick up the wake up signals from that particular brand (via the hotshoe) which turn the transceiver unit into a transmitter.

Thanks - I just assumed they were universal for the hotshoe bit and the N / C bit just determined the shutter release cable supplied with it.

Ok, that would explain why they don't work on my Lumix.

Thanks!

 

[lostsoulal2]

I have not got any RF-603's, but can confirm that the Canon version of the Yongnuo RF-602's works successfully with the Panasonic GX1 by remotely triggering Canon flashguns (580EX / 580EXII in manual mode tested this morning). The same flashguns can also be triggered by using the Canon OC-E3 cable.

Interestingly, if I fit the Canon flashguns directly onto the Hotshoe of the Panasonic GX1, the camera will also trigger the flashguns (not ETTL obviously), but if I tried a Canon compatible flashgun (Nissin Di622 / Di466) the camera will not trigger the flashguns.

 

[harry66]

I have not got any RF-603's, but can confirm that the Canon version of the Yongnuo RF-602's works successfully with the Panasonic GX1 by remotely triggering Canon flashguns (580EX / 580EXII in manual mode tested this morning). The same flashguns can also be triggered by using the Canon OC-E3 cable.

Interestingly, if I fit the Canon flashguns directly onto the Hotshoe of the Panasonic GX1, the camera will also trigger the flashguns (not ETTL obviously), but if I tried a Canon compatible flashgun (Nissin Di622 / Di466) the camera will not trigger the flashguns.

Thanks for the reassuring post. I have just put the RF-603N on the classifieds section and was about to order some RF-603C triggers. I feel more confident now ordering the 603C.
I have a Oly FL36R and a YN560II manual flash - so should not suffer from any issues.

 

[freecom2]

I found out about this very recently - here is my own thread on it: http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=463963

Basically, the RF-602s work fine because they are designated transmitter and receiver units - no need for a signal, since they are always serving that one function. The RF603s need the signal from the camera, although the designation is also for the cable they supply as well.

There is a modification you can do if you have a resistor and a soldering iron handy - details are here and an obligatory YouTube video. Basically, this modification turns the unit into a transmitter only, much like an RF-602 unit. Then it can be triggered by anything with a centre hotshoe contact, which is basically universal. I use a modified RF-603 (courtesy of the superb Steve Smith) on film cameras with no problem at all.

EDIT: I'm not sure getting an RF-603C would necessarily mean working with your GX1 though.

 

[harry66]

I found out about this very recently - here is my own thread on it: http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=463963

Basically, the RF-602s work fine because they are designated transmitter and receiver units - no need for a signal, since they are always serving that one function. The RF603s need the signal from the camera, although the designation is also for the cable they supply as well.

There is a modification you can do if you have a resistor and a soldering iron handy - details are here and an obligatory YouTube video. Basically, this modification turns the unit into a transmitter only, much like an RF-602 unit. Then it can be triggered by anything with a centre hotshoe contact, which is basically universal. I use a modified RF-603 (courtesy of the superb Steve Smith) on film cameras with no problem at all.

Wow - good timing of your post. Was about to order some RF603C - but my soldering is really naff. So, I better order something else!

Thanks!!!

 

[freecom2]

If you want to guarantee compatibility, I'd just buy some RF-602s. There is far more information out there about them, and the transmitter is smaller which is useful on a small camera like the GX1.

I think the RF603s are great but that doesn't mean the RF602s are any less deserving of their superb reputation.

p.s. you've made a typo on your classified ad title, accidentally wrote RF-602!

 

[harry66]

Typo corrected - thanks!

The thing is I already have a Hahnel Combi TF set - was switching to the RF-603 because the additional receivers seem to be cheaper (as I buy more flashes!) + the hotshoe on the transceiver seemed to offer more flexibility i.e. mount flash on the camera or via a cable....

Maybe I should just buy an additional Hahnel receiver ?!?

Just spotted a used Hahnel Panasonic Kit (transmitter+receiver) for £30 so went for it...Hopefully wont need any additional receivers for a while...

Thanks again for all the responses - much appreciated!