Searched to no avail. Trying to see if Canon makes an adapter to mount on the hot-shoe with a PC connector. Also looking for the adapter to mount to the foot of my Canon 430 EXII Speedlite which would allow PC connectivity. Why? Because the 430 EXII doesn't have a PC terminal. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the TTL-off camera flash cords aren't exactly made at lengths of 16 or 30+ feet. I would like to use my Speedlite off camera and not be limited to only 6 feet away with a TTL cord. Can't afford a transmitter so that's out and I can't afford to purchase a 580 so I'm looking into the relatively low budget PC method, but can't find the mounts. Any help is much appreciated! Thanks in advance - Kevin
It is also possible to cut, splice and extend the TTL cord with braided 8-pair Ethernet computer cable. Or alternately install RJ-45 female connectors in both ends of the TTL cord (some Dremel work and tight quarters soldering required) which allows RJ-45 Ethernet patch cords of various lengths to be used: short for use on a bracket, long for use on a stand.
There is however some logic to the short length of the Canon cord: 1) It's designed to be a wireless system, and; 2) when the "key" flash is moved off axis you'll need a fill source. The 3ft. cord is ideal for mounting the Master on a bracket for use as fill in a 2-flash scenario:
You'll find with one flash off camera you can create a lighting pattern but not control the lighting ratio very easily. With dual flash ETTL ratios you simply dial in the ratio based on how dark you want the shadows (A:B = 1:2 looks "normal") then adjust FEC until highlights are correctly exposed.
My advice? Skip the long cord and put the money towards a second flash.
cgardner - If I were to purchase a second flash I would have to go with the 580EX II, but can't afford it so I've decided to go with the cable from flashzebra. Thanks for the tips though!
Trailboy - That's an interesting set-up. I like how the user would not be limited to a specific length cable since cat-5 is so easy to obtain at any length. It would be ideal for me since I only have one flash right now, but it would lose TTL if I were to add a second flash in the future. Much appreciated though!
no_surrender wrote:
...it would lose TTL if I were to add a second flash in the future.
You could use other flashes in ETTL Wireless mode, with the cable-connected flash acting as the Master. In this sense, it's no different than using the Canon-brand ETTL cord or a camera-mounted flash. The advantrage is that you can use different lengths of cable as needed, and replace them as they wear.
Hi, Here is a cheaper option for the bits you are after..
I'd consider the 3.5mm 'miniphone' sockets & plugs, they are MUCH more reliable than PC.. I find I'm always trying to wiggle the cables to get PC Sockets working.
If you go PC from your Camera PC socket, use a screw lock type to prevent it falling out all the time. So I would recommend Screw type PC at camera end to 3.5mm miniphone jack at flash hotshoe end.
Colins photo are cheap and I've found the dozen or so bits & pieces I've ordered to be of good quality, very happy with his service and postage costs too.. He's managed to get parcels from UK to Australia in under a week.. Only B&H have service like that but you pay thru the nose for it...
