p.4 #1 · Pocket Wizard MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 on the job
is it related to the still-quirky aperture settings that are known to give the 5DII banding? The latest firmware's manual addendum mentions what they are.
p.4 #2 · Pocket Wizard MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 on the job
good hint, didn't think of that.
but I have done a factory reset and for the test i used 2 different 2.8 lenses @2.8 / 4. at these apertures the banding should not occur yet, at least after the description.
p.4 #3 · Pocket Wizard MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 on the job
have you tried a 580EX as master straight on camera controlling the slave in standard Canon fashion? Just to make sure it's not a problem with something else.
p.4 #4 · Pocket Wizard MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 on the job
tried this before, but only regarding one issue (banding, but not shutter speed).
-there is no banding in this setup
-just tested this (never thought of that, you are great): there seems indeed to be some issue related to shutter speed. but here it's worse than with the pw: I get consistant flash-output up to around 1/160th. above that, output weakens considerable, but not as much as with the pw. (compared to: up to 320th fine with pw, after that extreme falloff (like pre-flash).
p.4 #6 · Pocket Wizard MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 on the job
ok, did some more tests, borrowed 2 flashes from a friend (550,430) and inspected them more carefully than just before:
-tested 3 different flashes, all behave the same and correct: loss of about 1 stop when switch to hss; after that with every stop increase in shutter speed,
loss of another stop of flash power
(I was really a bit overhasty just before with my flash-only results (without pw) ... I am sorry for that)
after inspecting all again: without the pw as described just above. with the flex proper flash-output until up to 320; then a very dramatic drop-off of flash-output at 1/400 and above. (from well lit at 320 to nearly not existant at 400, i would say as pre-flash only). same with all 3 flash-types. same with the 5d (not mkII) of my friend
p.4 #8 · Pocket Wizard MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 on the job
yes, i should get the power decrease, gradual, as without the flex. i get this between 200,250,320. but between 320 and 400 it's really between full-power and nearly zero
I will keep on trying.
but thanks a lot for all your help. very grateful. have a nice day.
p.4 #9 · Pocket Wizard MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 on the job
philllie1
I had issues similar with the old firmware. It came down to the PW High Speed sync not working properly. This was fixed within a few weeks with thier new firmware.
I suggest you to try this:
#1. Make sure your have latest firmware installed.
#2. Reset all your settings as PW suggests by holding the reset button while turning it on for 10 sec.+ (4 blinks of green light). This should set everything back to default. Reference the settings I emailed you before but note possible exception below #3.
#3. Make sure your High Speed Sync on the PW is set to start out where your camera sync leaves off.
#4. Set your camera model in PW software - not to "Auto Camera"
#5. All flash units to Normal TTL (or E-TTL) and Master Flash ALWAYS. HSS set off.
#6. Try to get your 580 off the PW with a Canon Cord.
This should give you better chance of success. Wishing you the best!
p.4 #10 · Pocket Wizard MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 on the job
@cphoto1954: thank you very much for your suggestions and trying to help. I hopefully will have the opportunity to try things out tommorrow.
1-3 already before, so will try 4-6
p.4 #11 · Pocket Wizard MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 on the job
I have a 40d and the Mini on camera and a 580EXII on a Flex and find I get about 30 feet away before it becomes unreliable. I use channel 20. I bought some of the EMF Fabric that the one website said to try called VeilShield™. I bought one linear foot and it is plenty. It was also delivered 2 days after I ordered it.
I kept the 580exII on the flex hotshoe and wrapped 2 layers of the VeilShield around it and used a rubber band to hold it in place. The range immediately doubled to around 60 feet. I have a off camera cord ordered and on the way and a ferite choke to put on it and I have a feeling that all will be good then. so for $22 for the fabric, $5 for the choke at Radioshack, and $30 for a cable I should be golden.
The plan is to sew the fabric into 2 "socks" that will cover the entire flash unit and being in 2 pieces will still allow me to swivel and direct the head anyway I want while still filtering the RF noise from the flash.
I know the arguement will be that you shouldn't need to do all of this but the fact of the matter is that if you want ETTL and the widespread use of pocket wizard compatiblity then your options are to spend the extra $55, not use ETTL, or buy something else.
