Off camera flash issues

[beaz]

Have Sony A99 camera , HVL 43 and HVL 56 flashes and adapters for camera. Want to use one flash as off camera and the other as controller on camera since A99 had no pop/up . Manual directions don't make sense to me. I cannot adjust settings to make them work. Can anyone help with the settings of both flashes?

Is there a trigger/receiver that would work so as not to use a flash on the camera? I have the cyber sync set which works great with the Paul Buff strobes, but can't lug those around at an event. Got the Wescott Rapid Box for that purpose, but can't get the flash to work off camera. See no way to use the cyber sync receiver with the flash.

Seems nothing is compatible with anything as Sony constantly changes, so I'm suffering from SDUS (Sony Disgruntled User Syndrome) right now.

Any help is appreciated. I've Googled all afternoon. Thanks.

 

[Maxxuman]

If TTL and having remote control over flash power isn't essential you can use dumb RF triggers such as Cowboy Studios. That's what I'm currently doing at wedding receptions. Eventually I'll switch to Godox, Cactus or Phottix but for now the dumb triggers are doing the job for me.

 

[lehill]

Have Sony A99 camera , HVL 43 and HVL 56 flashes and adapters for camera. Want to use one flash as off camera and the other as controller on camera since A99 had no pop/up . Manual directions don't make sense to me. I cannot adjust settings to make them work. Can anyone help with the settings of both flashes?

Is there a trigger/receiver that would work so as not to use a flash on the camera? I have the cyber sync set which works great with the Paul Buff strobes, but can't lug those around at an event. Got the Wescott Rapid Box for that purpose, but can't get the flash to work off camera. See no way to use the cyber sync receiver with the flash.

Seems nothing is compatible with anything as Sony constantly changes, so I'm suffering from SDUS (Sony Disgruntled User Syndrome) right now.

Any help is appreciated. I've Googled all afternoon. Thanks.

I'm trying to get a 42AM and Phottix Mitros+ to work together. I'll have something that, in theory, should work this coming weekend (Odin II transmitter +Odin I receiver +receiver built-in to Mitros+). I won't know until I try it out so I can't recommend it right now.

Otherwise, Phottix Odin I transmitters and receivers are still in stock most places. Not the Odin II, there's no separate Odin II receiver available (yet?). I heard there will be but that's only hearsay. The Odin I uses the old Minolta Autolock shoe so you may need some adapters if you don't have enough.

Also look here. There may be something that meets your needs. You can also try the Dyxum Lighting forum, there's some experienced Sony flash guys there.

I wonder if you reset both flashes if they'll both have default settings that will allow them to work together with less fuss. I agree, the directions for setting them up is completely un-intuitive and a disaster.

I picked up a 26" Rapid Box and used it for the first time this past weekend. My first non-umbrella flash modifier. I like it.

--
Lance H

 

[Glenn]

Both of those flashes can be used wirelessly as controler for the other flash and it shouldn't be that hard to do. set them both to the same ctrl setting, the camera to wireless and it should work if your adapters are any good

 

[Glenn]

Also don't the cybersyncs have a pc connector?

 

[beaz]

Thank you. I will try this.

 

[beaz]

Hadn't thought of resetting to default on flashes. Will try this. Thanks. Anxious to try the Rapid Box, too.

 

[beaz]

All Somy adapters, so should be good.

 

[beaz]

Checked all cables in the box . None would work. Thanks.

 

[Chris Malcolm]

Both of those flashes can be used wirelessly as controler for the other flash and it shouldn't be that hard to do. set them both to the same ctrl setting, the camera to wireless and it should work if your adapters are any good

 

[beaz]

Thank you all for the input. I have again been searching using the valuable info you've given. I've spoken with the Paul Buff Cyber Sync store and Sony support online. My issue is narrowed down to this.

Since A99 doesn't have a pop-up flash to use as a controller, I must have either a flash system or a trigger in the hot-shoe of the a99. Prefer trigger and I do have the Cyber Sync. My flash is the HVL 43 (which is a good flash) but has no pc or 1/8 port to connect the receiver.

So I'm thinking I need an adapter with a pc or 1/8 port to connect the receiver to the flash. Must be compatible with the center pin for proper firing too. Nikon has them, Canon has them, but can't find anything compatible with Sony a99 and hvl 43 flash.

Is this Sony's way of saying purchase the 3rd flash or another camera? My disease has progressed to SOS (Sick of Sony).

So sorry. I'm no rocket scientist, but this seems rather odd. Any other answers?

 

[sybersitizen]

... I'm thinking I need an adapter with a pc or 1/8 port to connect the receiver to the flash. Must be compatible with the center pin for proper firing too. Nikon has them, Canon has them, but can't find anything compatible with Sony a99 and hvl 43 flash.

HVL-F43M or HVL-F43AM?

If you're talking about the F43AM, you can use this adapter:

Pixel TF-324 adapter

If you're talking about the HVL-F43M, you should be able to use any generic adapter like this.

Seagull SC-2 adapter

 

[RE Alpha]

There are various trigger/receiver systems that can be used with Sony, including Pixel and Phottix. They have both dumb triggers and TTL triggers, so there is a wide choice. Also Sony recently issued their own trigger/receiver system. I do not own the A99 but on the A900 these Pixels and Phottix work perfectly.

 

[beaz]

Thanks. I did find this Pixel adapter and ordered it. However, I didn't notice the difference in the AM and M. My flash is the HVL 43 M, so I don't know if it will work or not. Hope so. Also found a cable through Flash Zebra to use with my old flash. Maybe one of the two will work.

Thank you for taking the time to look into this for me

 

[beaz]

Thank you. I really am trying to avoid purchasing another trigger / receiver since I have the Cyber Sync already.

I spent an hour on tech support with Sony, and they have nothing that will put these to items together with trigger/receiver. Weird. They told me to look for 3rd party.

 

[sybersitizen]

Thanks. I did find this Pixel adapter and ordered it. However, I didn't notice the difference in the AM and M. My flash is the HVL 43 M, so I don't know if it will work or not. Hope so.

The Pixel TF-324 adapter will not mount on the F43M foot. For that flash you need a generic adapter like the SC-2 that I showed.

 

[beaz]

Thanks. Didn't do enough homework. Sony has too many variables to keep up.

 

[Glenn]

Really curious as to why your stuff isn't working wireless as is. The cables are readily avalabe to hook up your triggers. I'm not home so hopefully SS or someone can post the part numbers.

 

[beaz]

So now I've ordered the SC 2 adapter which you mentioned. It is very inexpensive. It does state that it's for Nikon and Canon but doesn't mention Sony. Will the pins line up with the Sony flash?

 

[beaz]

Sony will have its own trigger receiver system available in September with TTL AND HSS to the tune of $348.00.