How to prevent external flash from firing

[BlueFightingCat]

I recently invested in a Nissin Di866 Mark II flash unit for my 550D. I've been experimenting and learning the basics of flash photography. One feature I think would be useful (at least for me) would be to have the option to prevent the flash from firing without actually turning it off. As a beginner it would be great to be able to compare shots with and without the flash firing.

I was wondering whether this is possible or do I just need to turn of the flash each time I don't want it to fire. I checked the manual and I just can't seem to find a solution.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

BFC

 

[Chris R-UK]

I think that you just have to turn it off but check the flash manual.

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Chris R

 

[Hugowolf]

I recently invested in a Nissin Di866 Mark II flash unit for my 550D. I've been experimenting and learning the basics of flash photography. One feature I think would be useful (at least for me) would be to have the option to prevent the flash from firing without actually turning it off. As a beginner it would be great to be able to compare shots with and without the flash firing.

I can’t see a way of doing this unless the camera or flash unit has a way of reading your mind. How do you imagine implementing this without an on/off switch? (Isn’t that what on/off switches do?)

There is always the ‘flash off’ setting on the top mode dial, but that simply puts you into fully auto without flash.

Brian A

 

[BlueFightingCat]

It's just that turning off the flash takes about 1-2 seconds and turning it on again takes the same amount of time. I guess I'm just inpatient and want a quicker way to do it.

 

[beagle1]

It's just that turning off the flash takes about 1-2 seconds and turning it on again takes the same amount of time. I guess I'm just inpatient and want a quicker way to do it.

Look at the custom functions, I believe there are some options for using the IR focusing in the flash but not firing

 

[Leswick]

Just install an on/off switch on the line or design dark dark cover for the flash unit, so it does not emit any light even when it does fire.

Leswick

 

[Hank3152]

It's just that turning off the flash takes about 1-2 seconds and turning it on again takes the same amount of time. I guess I'm just inpatient and want a quicker way to do it.

1 or 2 seconds.......and you think, if there was a way to turn it on/off somewhere in submenus, it would be quicker.....??

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Regards,
Hank

 

[clanthar]

 

[bikinchris]

Nikon cameras have an option where the programmable button below the aperture preview button can keep the flash from firing. I am sure Canon has the same option.

--
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Chris, Broussard, LA

 

[slowhands214238]

You can use a light blocker (Gobo) between the flash and subject.

It could be as simple as a piece of black craft (fun foam) mounted on your flash head by any means (rubber band, tape, velcro) so that it can be out of the way for the flash to fire, or, can be flipped down to block the light.

It could be a "black" cap or container you slip over the flash head to contain the light and prevent it from hitting the subject.

It could be a large black panel you place between your flash and subject.

Any of the above can be easily created by any resourceful DIY or fool with money and a catalog...and all should take no more than 1-2 seconds or so...to put in place or remove.

BTW - I do admire your desire to try with/without and compare results. Sounds like you want to learn and understand rather than just point and shoot.