580ex off-camera mod

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Archive 2007 · 580ex off-camera mod

Drew_Persson
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p.2 #1 · 580ex off-camera mod

Brutus_B wrote:Pocket Wizards on the other hand work up to about 1600 feet away, through walls and so forth because they use radio waves.

I have four PW MultiMax's, and the true maximum range is closer to 300 feet. And that's if you have clear line of sight and keep the units away from your body, equipment or vegetation. Quite disappointing, but certainly better than the Chinese units.

Feb 21, 2007 at 03:40 AM

jhom
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p.2 #2 · 580ex off-camera mod

Jack M wrote:
You can get the cheap hotshoe adapters for $8 by sending an email to photoland168 at yahoo dot com. Tell them what you want and they will invoice you through paypal.
Here is a description http://www.flickr.com/groups/strobist/discuss/72157594348038530/ They are quick to respond and they ship from the US. Not the highest quality, but for $8 what can you expect, they do work.

I've been waiting 3 weeks for a reply to numerous emails to magic-triggers via eBay with no response.

Yep...these little hotshoe adapters work!!! I have been using it with an ebay wireless trigger to trigger my 580ex. It then triggers my AB800. Inexpensive alternative for the amateur. This way I don't need to modify my 580 and it only costs a few dollars more than the DIY modification.

Feb 21, 2007 at 04:41 AM

Brutus_B
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p.2 #3 · 580ex off-camera mod

Drew_Persson wrote:
Brutus_B wrote:Pocket Wizards on the other hand work up to about 1600 feet away, through walls and so forth because they use radio waves.

I have four PW MultiMax's, and the true maximum range is closer to 300 feet. And that's if you have clear line of sight and keep the units away from your body, equipment or vegetation. Quite disappointing, but certainly better than the Chinese units.

You can always use one as a relay over longer distances if range is a problem. It is a good point though that a quarter mile is under "ideal" conditions.

I've always been surprised at the range even in less than ideal situations such as having a transmitter in an arena catwalk with tons of metal around it and so forth. Drop lines work best when possible, but in a pinch the PW'd didnt let me down.

Feb 21, 2007 at 05:18 AM

Drew_Persson
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p.2 #4 · 580ex off-camera mod

True, but I'd need two more MultiMax's to relay two remote cameras - $ouch$!

I'm thinking it would help if I mounted the transmitting units on a hat, something like those baseball caps with the dual cans of beer.

Feb 22, 2007 at 10:17 PM

Brutus_B
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p.2 #5 · 580ex off-camera mod

Drew_Persson wrote:
True, but I'd need two more MultiMax's to relay two remote cameras - $ouch$!

I'm thinking it would help if I mounted the transmitting units on a hat, something like those baseball caps with the dual cans of beer.

Won't the plus II's also work as a cheap(er) relay ?

Feb 22, 2007 at 10:21 PM

Daniel Bates
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p.2 #6 · 580ex off-camera mod

Well, the off camera mod is soon to be Option 2 for those of us seeking PC sync capable 580's. Thank you, Canon... it took long enough!

Feb 22, 2007 at 11:00 PM

John--G
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p.2 #7 · 580ex off-camera mod

Daniel Bates wrote:
Well, the off camera mod is soon to be Option 2 for those of us seeking PC sync capable 580's. Thank you, Canon... it took long enough!

What does that mean? Did you see something to indicate the new 580EX II has a PC socket?

Feb 23, 2007 at 04:01 AM

Ariel Bravy
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p.2 #8 · 580ex off-camera mod

John--G wrote:
Did you see something to indicate the new 580EX II has a PC socket?

Right. Take a closer look at the front where the AF assist beam is emitted!

Feb 23, 2007 at 04:22 AM

Da Photoz
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p.2 #9 · 580ex off-camera mod

Yes one of the canon sites says some of the the new features are a PC port and a sensor for manual flashing

Feb 23, 2007 at 04:27 AM

dirb9
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p.2 #10 · 580ex off-camera mod

Ariel Bravy wrote:
John--G wrote:
Did you see something to indicate the new 580EX II has a PC socket?

Right. Take a closer look at the front where the AF assist beam is emitted!

That's the flash sensor that allows the flash to be used on any camera. The PC socket is located on the side of the flash, under the rubber flap.

Edited by dirb9 on Feb 22, 2007 at 08:32 PM GMT

Feb 23, 2007 at 04:27 AM

John--G
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p.2 #11 · 580ex off-camera mod

dirb9 wrote:
Thats the flash sensor that allows the flash to be used on any camera. The PC socket is located on the side of the flash, under the rubber flap.

Wow, that is good news. Despite my having just bought two Paramount cords for my 580's.

Feb 23, 2007 at 04:31 AM

Ariel Bravy
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p.2 #12 · 580ex off-camera mod

dirb9 wrote:
Thats the flash sensor that allows the flash to be used on any camera. The PC socket is located on the side of the flash, under the rubber flap.

Ah, I stand corrected. Thanks.

Feb 23, 2007 at 04:31 AM


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