FLASH PROBLEM

[photomad_2007]

Hi Friends,

I am returning the Sigma 500 AF flash as I just dont have any control on this flash.

Wireless mode was the most difficult, the Flash would discharge when the built in flash would preflash to get the exposure, plus when the built in flash actually fires Sigma will not fire even when the built in flash acts only as controller.

The product literature was too diificult to understand and I spent hours on the trial and error method atleast to find out how this flash works. Finally about a few minutes I gave up. No more Sigma for me.

Thinking of the METZ 58 AF P/S. Hope this will solve my misery.

Any comments or advise please let me know. I will be returning the Sigma tomorrow as today is the weekend.

Thanks,
Kris

[D.Rodgers]

I have the same flash.
Its not easy to understand flashes period in my opinion.
I gave up and bought a hot shoe cord to work mine since I had to use the built in flash to fire it remotely.

[dougsmit]

Since this is posted in 'Other' I need to ask:
Are you sure you have the Sigma model for your camera? The one that fits Canon may mount on a Nikon but the auto features don't work.

Be certain to set the flash for wireless only when you actually have a multi flash set up in operation. If the basic flash is set as a sender for wieless but there is no second flash set to receive, the exposure will be off.

Sigma auto works fine on my Canon (I have an EM 140 and EF500 Super). Other brands are unknown to me.

[photomad_2007]

Originally Posted by dougsmit

Since this is posted in 'Other' I need to ask:
Are you sure you have the Sigma model for your camera? The one that fits Canon may mount on a Nikon but the auto features don't work.

Be certain to set the flash for wireless only when you actually have a multi flash set up in operation. If the basic flash is set as a sender for wieless but there is no second flash set to receive, the exposure will be off.

Sigma auto works fine on my Canon (I have an EM 140 and EF500 Super). Other brands are unknown to me.

Thanks for your reply. I also have the EF500 Super, marked P-TTL on the box and also FOR PENTAX SLR AND DSLR CAMERAS.
Can you please let me know how do make this work on Wireless mode, that is the settings on the Flash.
Thanks again,
Kris

[photomad_2007]

Originally Posted by D.Rodgers

I have the same flash.
Its not easy to understand flashes period in my opinion.
I gave up and bought a hot shoe cord to work mine since I had to use the built in flash to fire it remotely.

Thanks for your reply. Are you also using this flash with the Pentax?.
KRIS

[D.Rodgers]

Originally Posted by photomad_2007

Thanks for your reply. Are you also using this flash with the Pentax?.
KRIS

No on a Nikon d300 ittl,but i'm sure the settings on your flash are just as complex took me 2hrs of fussing around to get it to work remotely.

[dougsmit]

I regret that this will require an answer from a Pentax user. On Canon, you must have two flashes to use wireless. One is on the Camera and set as a sender which shows a display on the flash that includes a large lightning bolt with a line connecting it to a smaller bolt. This is set by pushing the Mode button repeatedly to cycle between the various modes. The receiving flash (again for Canon) is set to SL (for Slave) mode and C1 (matching the default of the sending unit). I have no idea if Pentax matches this but I am sure that, like Canon, all the settings must be exact or it will not work. If the receiving flash is not the same model as the sender, be sure to set it according to the instructions for it and not from the instructions from the sending flash.

I hope someone working in Pentax replies with better help. The Sigmas are good flashes but they make different models for every brand and exact operation will vary for each. A problem with having so many features is that the instruction book (in so many languages other than Japanese) can be less than clear.

[photomad_2007]

Originally Posted by dougsmit

I regret that this will require an answer from a Pentax user. On Canon, you must have two flashes to use wireless. One is on the Camera and set as a sender which shows a display on the flash that includes a large lightning bolt with a line connecting it to a smaller bolt. This is set by pushing the Mode button repeatedly to cycle between the various modes. The receiving flash (again for Canon) is set to SL (for Slave) mode and C1 (matching the default of the sending unit). I have no idea if Pentax matches this but I am sure that, like Canon, all the settings must be exact or it will not work. If the receiving flash is not the same model as the sender, be sure to set it according to the instructions for it and not from the instructions from the sending flash.

I hope someone working in Pentax replies with better help. The Sigmas are good flashes but they make different models for every brand and exact operation will vary for each. A problem with having so many features is that the instruction book (in so many languages other than Japanese) can be less than clear.

Thank you Dougsmit.
Will try to send a message to Pentax now.
Kris