A1 and flash master /slave problem

[Blindman]

Steves review has a chart on what the various flashes can and can
not do.
Looks like no ratio flash from the camera.

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_reviews/a1_pg2.html

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I have a single Sigma 500DG Super flash unit (very similar to Minolta 5600). If I'm reading the manual correctly, you can perform ratio flash is you have two units (I believe that a wireless Minolta could be used as the second flash). I was able to set the Sigma as a "controller" unit (on the camera) and set it for 1:2 ratio flash. I believe that the second unit (wireless one) would just need to be set for the same channel.

JC

 

[Poulsan]

JC, do you then set ratio on the SIGMA itself or on the camera? If you set it on the camera, you cannot chose WL mode and then you cannot fire the slave unit.

Poul

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I have a single Sigma 500DG Super flash unit (very similar to
Minolta 5600). If I'm reading the manual correctly, you can
perform ratio flash is you have two units (I believe that a
wireless Minolta could be used as the second flash). I was able to
set the Sigma as a "controller" unit (on the camera) and set it for
1:2 ratio flash. I believe that the second unit (wireless one)
would just need to be set for the same channel.

JC

 

[Blindman]

JC, do you then set ratio on the SIGMA itself or on the camera? If
you set it on the camera, you cannot chose WL mode and then you
cannot fire the slave unit.

Poul

I was able to set it on the Sigma flash unit. I can't test it because I only have one flash unit. I have an older Vivitar 285 and a remote flash sensor, but that won't be a true test to see it the 1:2 ratio works.
JC

 

[Craig]

No, the one on the camera becomes the master and you can ratio it, I meant that there woiuld be 2 5600 hsd used....
2/3 or 3/2 it will fire the slave, then you can always adjust the
power setting to 1/2 etc. Correct me if I am wrong.

From Minolta UK:

"You cannot alter the output of one 5600HS(D) and the internal
flash. The
internal flash only releases the external flash. Mostly it is not
visible on the image. The ration can be changed if you are using more
than one external flash (e.g. two 5600HS(D))"

--
robab

Also not to complain but I thing the way the manuals are written, stink..

Very hard to understand and are missiing some explainations.. They don't give very good examples. I guess a lot is lost in the translation from Japanese

 

[Poulsan]

You are absolutely right. I have to re-read it many times and seek for information on the same subject on DIFFERENT places in the book. And I'm still not sure that I understand it 100%...

Also not to complain but I thing the way the manuals are written,
stink..
Very hard to understand and are missiing some explainations.. They
don't give very good examples. I guess a lot is lost in the
translation from Japanese

 

[Hal Guentert]

If anybody else has good advice, you are welcome...

You might check with B & H Photo because they have a diffuser that I think is made by Photoflex that you can velcro on the flash and inflate. It is flat when not being used and looks professional as well as directing the light like a soft box. I cannot remember the model, but I believe there are 2 sizes made for on camera flash untis.

Hal

 

[Poulsan]

Thanks, Hal, will check on that! I like the 'look professional' part...

Poul

You might check with B & H Photo because they have a diffuser that
I think is made by Photoflex that you can velcro on the flash and
inflate. It is flat when not being used and looks professional as
well as directing the light like a soft box. I cannot remember the
model, but I believe there are 2 sizes made for on camera flash
untis.

Hal