Off camera help

[BeckyC]

I recently purchased a set of pocketwizard plus II transceivers. I have one on my camera's hot shoe, the other on my 580ex flash. But, I'm so frustrated. The wizards are only triggering the flash about one out of every 5 attempts, indoors or out. What am I doing wrong? I heard the wizards were foolproof, so it must be something I'm doing.

[Eero Makela]

What make/model of camera?

How fast are you shooting, is there enough time for the flash to recycle?

[BeckyC]

I'm using a Canon 5D. Shutter speed varys depending on where I'm shooting, ususally between 125 and 200.

[Eero Makela]

Try connecting the PW using the sync cable (could be a hot shoe issue) and also stay at 1/125 of second speed or lower to make sure it is not sync speed. Also try lower speeds 1/60 as a test.

[Jacco]

I heard the wizards were foolproof

That's reassuring! Well, you're being a fool can't be the cause then, can it?

Originally Posted by ecto69

is there enough time for the flash to recycle?

Ecto had a good question. Again: "Is there enough time for the flash to recycle?"

And/or might the pre-flash signal be triggering your off-cam flash gun so that it is already spent when, a split second later, the shutter opens for the real exposure?

[BeckyC]

Originally Posted by Jacco

Ecto had a good question. Again: "Is there enough time for the flash to recycle?"

And/or might the pre-flash signal be triggering your off-cam flash gun so that it is already spent when, a split second later, the shutter opens for the real exposure?

Yes, I'm giving it enough time to recycle, but maybe it is the preflash. Is there a solution?

[BeckyC]

If my flash batteries are not fully charged, could that cause the problem?

[cyclohexane]

but maybe it is the preflash. Is there a solution?

All of your flashes are in manual, right?

[Ed Shapiro]

Troubleshooting sequence for PW radio triggers.

Theses may seem too simple but oftentimes little things cause big problems.

1. Check to see of batteries are fresh and in good physical condition.
2. Make sure battery terminals and the terminals inside the battery compartment are clean and making good contact. If terminal have a bit of corrosive material from a leaky battery, dirt or other stains, clean them with an emery board and a Q-tip lightly moistened with isopropyl alcohol.
3. Sure all transceivers are set at the same channel and tat all switches and selectors are firmly in position.
4. Be sure that any connector cords are firmly connected and that there is not excessive strain on the (female) jacks on the units. Wiggle them gently to see of contact is restored.
5. If you are using a protective device which protects your camera from high trigger voltages when using on camera flash- remove it as long as no on camera flash is used. PWs have no trigger voltage issues and can be made to work intermittantly or not at all when protective devices are used.
6. There are instances where pre-flash systems will "spook" radio triggers". If there is any way of by-passing that system or using a PC cord- do it!
7. See that you antennas are not damaged and a upright and not comming in contact with light stands or camera brackets.
8. Use the open flash button on the unit which by-passes the camera and see how things work. If there are no problems, the problems in in the cameras synch mechanism or on that bothersome pre-flash system.

I have been using remote synch units for over 40 years- photoelectric, IR and radio- the PWs are the best I have ever used. For weddings- I now have 8 of them in use and there never let me down. If there are further problems, contact the manufacturer- they are really helpful and can assist you in terms of further trouble shooting or guarantee repair or replacement of any defective unit.

Ed

[Songman45]

Originally Posted by BeckyC

If my flash batteries are not fully charged, could that cause the problem?

Yes. But you said the flash is recycling before you attempt to fire then again. However, you should eliminate power issues from the diagnosis. Put fresh batteries in everything (camera, flahs, and PWs). The only times (in tens of thousands of cycles) I've ever had trouble with PWs is when the batteries are depelting. Try firing your flash with the PW's test button (bypassing the camera). If the flash doesn't fire, check the reciever's confirmation light (that checks communication between the two units). And as previously suggested, connect the transmitter to the camera with a sync cord to rule out a hot shoe problem.

[BeckyC]

I'm really bummed now. I tried all your suggestions. Even had my husband, who knows nothing about photography, try it and even he said it was the most aggravating thing he had ever seen. It still only triggers occasionally. So, today I emailed the manufacturer and they said I should send them back to BH photo for replacements. I really didn't want to do that, because I have an outdoor shoot this weekend but I have no other choice. Oh, what a sad mess.

[dch]

How are you connecting the PW to the 580EX? With a Paramount hotshoe cord?

Did you try triggering without the PW on the camera?

Was your PW backwards on your camera hotshoe?

[BeckyC]

Well, I took the wizards to a camera shop in a nearby town and the wonderful man behind the counter informed me that I was using the wrong cord to connect it. He showed me what I needed and I am now properly wired and flashing beautifully. I feel pretty stupid, but at least I don't have to send it back. Thanks for all your help. You're all great.

Becky

[oldugly]

Stupid would have been not admittling you could make a "misteak" and not asking for help. In many years as an aircraft mechanic I found the problems that were often the hardest to find, were the simplest. Glad to hear you found a local resource.