Using External Flash with D7

Tony37642 · Mar 14, 2002

Several choices now available to trigger your external flash with the D7/D5.
1) PCT-100 with 122 firmware upgrade( PC cable to studio flash)

2) FS-1100 hot shoe with 122 firmware upgrade (use hotshoe flash as stand alone or to trigger studio flash or use pc connector adapter)

3) Use Minolta 3600/5600HS(D), DigiSlave, Sunpak 355AF or PZ500AF as stand alone or to trigger studio flash.

The post below was copied from http://www.network54.com/Hide/Forum/message?forumid=151930&messageid=1015970642 and contains high voltage caution at the end. (Trigger voltage may damage your camera!)

The Flash hot shoe is the Minolta FS-1100
March 12 2002 at 4:04 PM Tony Wu (Login TonyWu)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

and the firmware upgrade comes with the Minolta PCT-100 on a CD (but have been shared by various people on the web).

Long histry in these two items. The FS-1100 is a hot shoe adapter that goes on the D7 and top is a ISO standard hotshoe. Initial reports that the FS-1100 did not work at all to trigger a hotshoe flash. But with the 121 version firmware upgrade it would trigger a flash but the viewfinder became dim when you set the camera for manual exposure to get proper exposure with the external flash. Now with the latest 122 version firmware, the viewfinger can be switched to remain bright even in manual exposure mode. See my post on using a Vivitar 3500 with the FS-1100 http://www.network54.com/Hide/Forum/message?forumid=151930&messageid=1015726457 .

If you plan to use the FS-1100 with your hotshoe or studio flash you best read about dangers of high trigger voltages thread starting with this post http://www.network54.com/Hide/Forum/message?forumid=151930&messageid=1015800572 Make sure you visit: http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html If your external flash has high trigger voltage, you might want to consider using the Wein Safe Sync module in between your external flash connection and the FS-1100. http://www02.bhphotovideo.com/default.sph/FrameWork.class?FNC=ProductActivator__Aproductlist_html___68605___WESSQ___REG___CatID=3625___SID=EC794F39760

More on flash and studio flash in Bryan's FAQ site (about 1/4 way down) at http://webpages.charter.net/bbiggers/DCExperiments/html/d7_faq.html

Good Luck and ask more questions as they come to you.

Tony

Frank Boellmann · Mar 14, 2002

What about 5500HS? Has anybody already tried to use 5500HS on D7?
Minolta wrote back when I ask about compatibility

Dear Customer,
The question you submitted has been resolved.

Question is : Can I use my 5500HS FLASH with the Dimage 7/7i and what functions are incompatible?

Answer is : Sorry we do not recommend the 5500HS flash with the DiMAGE 7 and DiMAGE 7i.

Does "Do not recommend" mean: can not use it?

Thanks
Frank

Tony said:
Several choices now available to trigger your external flash with
the D7/D5.
1) PCT-100 with 122 firmware upgrade( PC cable to studio flash)
2) FS-1100 hot shoe with 122 firmware upgrade (use hotshoe flash as
stand alone or to trigger studio flash or use pc connector adapter)
3) Use Minolta 3600/5600HS(D), DigiSlave, Sunpak 355AF or PZ500AF
as stand alone or to trigger studio flash.

Maxven · Mar 14, 2002

Hi.

I hope to see the list expanded soon. Metz has an adapter in the works for the Dimage series. My current camera is an Olympus and I'd like a flash that's TTL compatible with both. Once Metz has the adapter ready for Minolta a range of the Metz flashes should be ready for use.

http://www.metz.de

The flashes are called Mecablitz. The 54 MZ-3 is the most common amongst Olympus owners. If you're looking for lots of power (and are willing to pay for it) check out the 70 MZ-5. Remember the guide numbers are in meters.

Regards, Maxven

Tony said:
Several choices now available to trigger your external flash with
the D7/D5.
1) PCT-100 with 122 firmware upgrade( PC cable to studio flash)
2) FS-1100 hot shoe with 122 firmware upgrade (use hotshoe flash as
stand alone or to trigger studio flash or use pc connector adapter)
3) Use Minolta 3600/5600HS(D), DigiSlave, Sunpak 355AF or PZ500AF
as stand alone or to trigger studio flash.

The post below was copied from

http://www.network54.com/Hide/Forum/message?forumid=151930&messageid=1015970642 and contains high voltage caution at the end. (Trigger voltage may damage your camera!)

The Flash hot shoe is the Minolta FS-1100
March 12 2002 at 4:04 PM Tony Wu (Login TonyWu)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
and the firmware upgrade comes with the Minolta PCT-100 on a CD
(but have been shared by various people on the web).
Long histry in these two items. The FS-1100 is a hot shoe adapter
that goes on the D7 and top is a ISO standard hotshoe. Initial
reports that the FS-1100 did not work at all to trigger a hotshoe
flash. But with the 121 version firmware upgrade it would trigger a
flash but the viewfinder became dim when you set the camera for
manual exposure to get proper exposure with the external flash.
Now with the latest 122 version firmware, the viewfinger can be
switched to remain bright even in manual exposure mode. See my
post on using a Vivitar 3500 with the FS-1100
http://www.network54.com/Hide/Forum/message?forumid=151930&messageid=1015726457 .

If you plan to use the FS-1100 with your hotshoe or studio flash
you best read about dangers of high trigger voltages thread
starting with this post

http://www.network54.com/Hide/Forum/message?forumid=151930&messageid=1015800572 Make sure you visit: http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html If your external flash has high trigger voltage, you might want to consider using the Wein Safe Sync module in between your external flash connection and the FS-1100. http://www02.bhphotovideo.com/default.sph/FrameWork.class?FNC=ProductActivator__Aproductlist_html___68605___WESSQ___REG___CatID=3625___SID=EC794F39760

More on flash and studio flash in Bryan's FAQ site (about 1/4 way
down) at
http://webpages.charter.net/bbiggers/DCExperiments/html/d7_faq.html

Good Luck and ask more questions as they come to you.

Tony

MartyB · Mar 14, 2002

I think your taking about either the 5400xi, 5400hs or 3500xi. I have the 3500xi for my SLRs and the Dimage 7 will fire these flashes without pre-flash and without control of the output. So it fires at the power setting of the flash lo or hi. The 5400's are more sophisticated so they might have more manual mode capability.
Marty

docdryice said:
Dear Customer,
The question you submitted has been resolved.
Question is : Can I use my 5500HS FLASH with the Dimage 7/7i and
what functions are incompatible?
Answer is : Sorry we do not recommend the 5500HS flash with the
DiMAGE 7 and DiMAGE 7i.

Does "Do not recommend" mean: can not use it?

Thanks
Frank

Tony said:

Several choices now available to trigger your external flash with
the D7/D5.
1) PCT-100 with 122 firmware upgrade( PC cable to studio flash)
2) FS-1100 hot shoe with 122 firmware upgrade (use hotshoe flash as
stand alone or to trigger studio flash or use pc connector adapter)
3) Use Minolta 3600/5600HS(D), DigiSlave, Sunpak 355AF or PZ500AF
as stand alone or to trigger studio flash.

Click to expand...

Frank Boellmann · Mar 14, 2002

My bad, I was talking about the 5400HS. Thanks for pointing that out

Frank

Paul vzo · Mar 14, 2002

Tony, you are a real asset to this community. Always mellow, always reliable information. always willing to help and share Thanks!

Tony said:
Several choices now available to trigger your external flash with
the D7/D5.
1) PCT-100 with 122 firmware upgrade( PC cable to studio flash)
2) FS-1100 hot shoe with 122 firmware upgrade (use hotshoe flash as
stand alone or to trigger studio flash or use pc connector adapter)
3) Use Minolta 3600/5600HS(D), DigiSlave, Sunpak 355AF or PZ500AF
as stand alone or to trigger studio flash.

The post below was copied from

http://www.network54.com/Hide/Forum/message?forumid=151930&messageid=1015970642 and contains high voltage caution at the end. (Trigger voltage may damage your camera!)

The Flash hot shoe is the Minolta FS-1100
March 12 2002 at 4:04 PM Tony Wu (Login TonyWu)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
and the firmware upgrade comes with the Minolta PCT-100 on a CD
(but have been shared by various people on the web).
Long histry in these two items. The FS-1100 is a hot shoe adapter
that goes on the D7 and top is a ISO standard hotshoe. Initial
reports that the FS-1100 did not work at all to trigger a hotshoe
flash. But with the 121 version firmware upgrade it would trigger a
flash but the viewfinder became dim when you set the camera for
manual exposure to get proper exposure with the external flash.
Now with the latest 122 version firmware, the viewfinger can be
switched to remain bright even in manual exposure mode. See my
post on using a Vivitar 3500 with the FS-1100
http://www.network54.com/Hide/Forum/message?forumid=151930&messageid=1015726457 .

If you plan to use the FS-1100 with your hotshoe or studio flash
you best read about dangers of high trigger voltages thread
starting with this post

http://www.network54.com/Hide/Forum/message?forumid=151930&messageid=1015800572 Make sure you visit: http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html If your external flash has high trigger voltage, you might want to consider using the Wein Safe Sync module in between your external flash connection and the FS-1100. http://www02.bhphotovideo.com/default.sph/FrameWork.class?FNC=ProductActivator__Aproductlist_html___68605___WESSQ___REG___CatID=3625___SID=EC794F39760

More on flash and studio flash in Bryan's FAQ site (about 1/4 way
down) at
http://webpages.charter.net/bbiggers/DCExperiments/html/d7_faq.html

Good Luck and ask more questions as they come to you.

Tony

Tony37642 · Mar 14, 2002

Thanks for the kind word, Paul. I've learn so much here and from Bryan's forum that I have to share and help others who are now in the same boat I was in just a few short months ago.
Tony

Paul vzo said:
Tony, you are a real asset to this community. Always mellow,
always reliable information. always willing to help and share
Thanks!

Jeff Tokayer · Mar 14, 2002

Tony said:
Several choices now available to trigger your external flash with
the D7/D5.
1) PCT-100 with 122 firmware upgrade( PC cable to studio flash)
2) FS-1100 hot shoe with 122 firmware upgrade (use hotshoe flash as
stand alone or to trigger studio flash or use pc connector adapter)
3) Use Minolta 3600/5600HS(D), DigiSlave, Sunpak 355AF or PZ500AF
as stand alone or to trigger studio flash.

Unfortunately the 3600HS(D) cannot be used as a triggering flash, since it always preflashes.
That was the main reason I opted for the PZ5000

Jeff

Pabletto · Mar 14, 2002

Tony said:
Thanks for the kind word, Paul. I've learn so much here and from
Bryan's forum that I have to share and help others who are now in
the same boat I was in just a few short months ago.
Tony

I still am.....and I am sinking..........

No, honestly now, I never managed to understand the whole extarnal flash triggering thing very well. I am still struggling! Damn! That's the reason I am not doing a move yet to buy one.
It's a good thing though that I have learnt so many other things.

--Pablettowww.pbase.com/pabletto(samples taken with the MINOLTA DiMAGE 7)Last update 26 February 2002 (MORE food photos)

Pabletto · Mar 14, 2002

Jeff Tokayer said:
Unfortunately the 3600HS(D) cannot be used as a triggering flash,
since it always preflashes.
That was the main reason I opted for the PZ5000

Jeff

Can't you use one of those adaptors that will igore the first flash and only allow the externals to fire at the second flash of the D7?

--Pablettowww.pbase.com/pabletto(samples taken with the MINOLTA DiMAGE 7)Last update 26 February 2002 (MORE food photos)

Tony37642 · Mar 14, 2002

Jeff is right! I goofed! You can't use the 3600HS(D) to trigger the studio flash due to pre-flash but never the less, it is an excellent flash for the D7.

And sure Pabletto, you can use a Digi Slave (flash) that ignores the pre-flash but the studio flash will see the pre-flash anyway and will go off at the first flash. Also you can just use the pop up flash to set off the Digi Slave.

I know all this is confusing...even I couldn't get it streight! Hang in there, it'll clear up after a while.
Tony

Pabletto said:
Pabletto said:

Unfortunately the 3600HS(D) cannot be used as a triggering flash,
since it always preflashes.
That was the main reason I opted for the PZ5000

Jeff

Click to expand...

Can't you use one of those adaptors that will igore the first flash
and only allow the externals to fire at the second flash of the D7?

--
Pabletto

http://www.pbase.com/pabletto
(samples taken with the MINOLTA DiMAGE 7)
Last update 26 February 2002 (MORE food photos)

Jeff Tokayer · Mar 14, 2002

I started using flashes when you had to change the F stop on the lens every time you changed the distance to the subject (and you had to be quick in making those calculations).
So when I bought my first Auto Thyristor flash, Vivitar 292, I was in heaven.
Today, the PZ-5000 is a piece of cake to master.

I'm sure in a not so distant future, the independent flash manufacturers like Metz & Sunpak will have a fully compatible version for the D7.

Jeff

Tony said:
Pabletto said:

Tony37642 said:

Unfortunately the 3600HS(D) cannot be used as a triggering flash,
since it always preflashes.
That was the main reason I opted for the PZ5000

Jeff

Click to expand...

Can't you use one of those adaptors that will igore the first flash
and only allow the externals to fire at the second flash of the D7?

--
Pabletto

http://www.pbase.com/pabletto
(samples taken with the MINOLTA DiMAGE 7)
Last update 26 February 2002 (MORE food photos)

Click to expand...

Photoney · Mar 14, 2002

Anyone know if running a Metz 45CT1(230v trigger voltage) through a Quantum radio slave off of the FS1100 would make it safe?There are two ways. One is hooked up directly to the radio slave(main light ) or using both transmitter and reciever.(second light).

David Grabowski · Mar 15, 2002

forumid=151930&messageid=1015800572 Make sure you visit: http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html If your external flash has high trigger voltage, you might want to consider using the Wein Safe Sync module in between your external flash connection and the FS-1100. http://www02.bhphotovideo.com/default.sph/FrameWork.class?FNC=ProductActivator__Aproductlist_html___68605___WESSQ___REG___CatID=3625___SID=EC794F39760

Tony37642 said:
More on flash and studio flash in Bryan's FAQ site (about 1/4 way
down) at
http://webpages.charter.net/bbiggers/DCExperiments/html/d7_faq.html

Good Luck and ask more questions as they come to you.

Tony

If this FS- 1100 can trigger studio lights ( one consideration of mine), then it should also work for my Q flash without ttl. My goal has been to find a prosumer digital that will link in ttl to the Q-flash, but so far not much luck other than for the G2. The second choice is pc or hot shoe- household connection or use a 283/285 flash ( i have a multitude of flashes from 283/285- Q and including studio lights).

If Quantum made a D module this would be great because the Q in auto only is a bit variable on it's output ( though manual is accurate), ttl would be better, but I'm told they do not and that the D connection is what is needed for the Dimage 7 .

So next up, I would imagine that the 7i would come through with the 122 upgrade installed ? How about later production model 7 cameras.Since I haven't purchased the camera yet, but need one very soon, it would make sense to me if I got one with the upgrade already made.

The final question, since many digital accessories seem slow to come to production, where do we get the connector from, any word on that?

David

Tony37642 · Mar 15, 2002

David, Please see my comments below yours.
Tony

David Grabowski said:
forumid=151930&messageid=1015800572 Make sure you visit:
http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html If your external
flash has high trigger voltage, you might want to consider using
the Wein Safe Sync module in between your external flash connection
and the FS-1100.

http://www02.bhphotovideo.com/default.sph/FrameWork.class?FNC=ProductActivator__Aproductlist_html___68605___WESSQ___REG___CatID=3625___SID=EC794F39760

David Grabowski said:

More on flash and studio flash in Bryan's FAQ site (about 1/4 way
down) at
http://webpages.charter.net/bbiggers/DCExperiments/html/d7_faq.html

Good Luck and ask more questions as they come to you.

Tony

Click to expand...

If this FS- 1100 can trigger studio lights ( one consideration of
mine), then it should also work for my Q flash without ttl. My goal
has been to find a prosumer digital that will link in ttl to the
Q-flash, but so far not much luck other than for the G2. The second
choice is pc or hot shoe- household connection or use a 283/285
flash ( i have a multitude of flashes from 283/285- Q and including
studio lights).

Some older 283s have really high trigger voltages. But those made in China and Korea are sofe? See http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

David Grabowski said:
If Quantum made a D module this would be great because the Q in
auto only is a bit variable on it's output ( though manual is
accurate), ttl would be better, but I'm told they do not and that
the D connection is what is needed for the Dimage 7 .

So next up, I would imagine that the 7i would come through with the
122 upgrade installed ? How about later production model 7
cameras.Since I haven't purchased the camera yet, but need one very
soon, it would make sense to me if I got one with the upgrade
already made.

I would think so but if not, it is only a 4-5 minute simple upgrade you can do yourself. People have been sharing the 122 firmware upgrade here and elsewhere.

David Grabowski said:
The final question, since many digital accessories seem slow to
come to production, where do we get the connector from, any word on
that?

It is available right now. People have been posting here that they have received theirs (about 7-10 days now).

David Grabowski said:
David

Tony37642 · Mar 15, 2002

Best to call or email Quantum and ask what the trigger voltage of these devices are. They probably would be in the safe range.
Tony

Photoney said:
Anyone know if running a Metz 45CT1(230v trigger voltage) through a
Quantum radio slave off of the FS1100 would make it safe?There are
two ways. One is hooked up directly to the radio slave(main light )
or using both transmitter and reciever.(second light).

Andrew Borland · Mar 15, 2002

Jeff,

Jeff Tokayer said:
Unfortunately the 3600HS(D) cannot be used as a triggering flash,
since it always preflashes.

Thank-you for that vital snippet. My options list is one item shorter and the 3600 specifications are now in the bin!--Regards, Andrew Borland (UK) http://www.whitemill.org.uk/

dale84307 · Mar 15, 2002

I currently use a sunpack 355af to fire my studio lights, works great. Only prob is I only have the on camera flash for any other situation since the 355 fires full power in all modes. Im updating my firmware soon to the pct-100 firmware and just ordered a fs-1100. Ill be using my trusty vivitar 285hv on it with my stroboframe and see how that works. I love that flash, I use them all the time on my medium format cameras with excellent results, the exposure is very accurate on vivitars most legendary flash.

Tim--Download free photoshop plugins/actions at http://www.image1studio.com in our webstore!

Jeff Tokayer · Mar 15, 2002

V122 opened up the door for a vast array of flash choices.

What bothers me is that Minolta is trying to make money out of their mistake by bundling this firmware with their PCT-100.

Jeff

dale said:
I currently use a sunpack 355af to fire my studio lights, works
great. Only prob is I only have the on camera flash for any other
situation since the 355 fires full power in all modes. Im updating
my firmware soon to the pct-100 firmware and just ordered a
fs-1100. Ill be using my trusty vivitar 285hv on it with my
stroboframe and see how that works. I love that flash, I use them
all the time on my medium format cameras with excellent results,
the exposure is very accurate on vivitars most legendary flash.
Tim
--
Download free photoshop plugins/actions at
http://www.image1studio.com in our webstore!

Pabletto · Mar 15, 2002

Jeff Tokayer said:
I started using flashes when you had to change the F stop on the
lens every time you changed the distance to the subject (and you
had to be quick in making those calculations).
So when I bought my first Auto Thyristor flash, Vivitar 292, I was
in heaven.
Today, the PZ-5000 is a piece of cake to master.
I'm sure in a not so distant future, the independent flash
manufacturers like Metz & Sunpak will have a fully compatible
version for the D7.

I wonder when. The D7i will be out soon and I do not think there will be such a great need for future users. IMO, if they do not make a D7 dedicated flash now, they never will.

--Pablettowww.pbase.com/pabletto(samples taken with the MINOLTA DiMAGE 7)Last update 26 February 2002 (MORE food photos)

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