Problem with off camera flash cord ??

[Northman]

I have an EOS 5D MkII, which is a type A camera, and is compatible with ETTL flash, and also have a 580 MkII and 430 MkII flash, and a Jessops off camera extension cord. If the 580 is on the camera, ETTL is displayed, and I can use wireless flash with the 580 as the master and the 430 as the slave. If the 580 is used on the extension cord, the ETTL changes to TTL, and the 580 flashes but won't trigger the 430 slave, ie it seems to behave like a type B camera. It would seem that the extension cord is at fault and makes the flash think it is connected to a type B camera. The extension cord was bought about 18 months ago, well after the introduction of ETTL flash, and so I would have thought it would cater for this. Does anyone know if there are different configurations of off camera cord, as this would explain my problem, or is there any other possible explanation

[Northman]

Re: Problem with off camera flash cord ??

Got an answer to this on the Canon Fodder Forum - so just in case anyone is interested. There ARE different types of extension cord and, apparently, the Jessops extension only supports TTL - so be warned. A cord which supports ETTL must be used if full ETTL functionality is required.

[Trevoreast]

Re: Problem with off camera flash cord ??

Is it an old Jessops off cam cord ?

It's just I have a jessops one and it works perfectly - full ettl 2

Trev

[Trevoreast]

Re: Problem with off camera flash cord ??

Sorry I re-read your post your cord is only 18months old. I’ve used one of these for a minimum of 200 hours shooting. I've only stopped since going wireless radio.

The Jessops cord is marked “TTL off camera cord for Canon” on the bit that attaches to the hot shoe, but it is ettl.
Since I have not used mine for a while, I tested it. I then set it up in the configuration you wrote above, except I used 1 580 as a master and another 580 as a slave.


IMG_8391 by mitch snapper, on Flickr

Sorry Northman, it looks like someone’s feeding you a load of old fodder.

Trev

[Alexam]

Re: Problem with off camera flash cord ??

CUT the cord .......... use these for full E-TTL or Manual http://youtu.be/NTUuFGTHskY

[Nathaniel]

Re: Problem with off camera flash cord ??

I know this post is late but thought I might mention that I too bought a Jessop's cord (E-TTL) and found it just wasn't good enough. There was a small copper pin sticking out which got caught in the small hole on my hot shoe and wouldn't come off. So I had to take my 5D2 with the cord attached to my local Jessops for them to release the E-TTL head which fits on to the camera hotshoe. I gave the local Jessop's Manager an earfull, and have now bought a proper Canon off camera flash cord. I also had problems releasing my flash from the bracket's flash show and this too was released by Jessops. I wouldn't touch the Jessop's off camera flash cord with a barge pole.

[S_J_P]

Problem with off camera flash cord ??

Considering the price of the Canon cord, I'd seriously consider a radio-trigger instead for the convenience and flexibility.

[Trevoreast]

Re: Problem with off camera flash cord ??

Sorry tried to post and my internet connection dropped out due MY ISP problem not the forum

[John27]

Re: Problem with off camera flash cord ??

Considering the price of the Canon cord, I'd seriously consider a radio-trigger instead for the convenience and flexibility.

What radio kit would you recommend? I was thinking about a cable but was thinking a cable could be restrictive, therefore radio kit would be better for flexibility

John

[S_J_P]

Problem with off camera flash cord ??

I tend to use optical triggering (I have a 60D) but am sorely tempted by the Yongnuo 622c for around £65 for the increased flexibility and reliability. There is an active thread at the moment on here talking about the radio triggers.

[John27]

Re: Problem with off camera flash cord ??

I tend to use optical triggering (I have a 60D) but am sorely tempted by the Yongnuo 622c for around £65 for the increased flexibility and reliability. There is an active thread at the moment on here talking about the radio triggers.

Thanks, I'll have a look for the post.

John

[Nathaniel]

Re: Problem with off camera flash cord ??

Considering the price of the Canon cord, I'd seriously consider a radio-trigger instead for the convenience and flexibility.

After I gave my local Jessop's an earful, they offered me an original Canon off Camera cord 2 for £14.99, which I have now bought.

[S_J_P]

Problem with off camera flash cord ??

After I gave my local Jessop's an earful, they offered me an original Canon off Camera cord 2 for £14.99, which I have now bought.

Now that's a bargain Nat. I hope you enjoy using it!

[Nathaniel]

Re: Problem with off camera flash cord ??

Now that's a bargain Nat. I hope you enjoy using it!

I did not get two for £14.99 but only one. This cord goes as "off camera flash cord 2". i know that there is an "off camera cord "3" as well which I presume is for the latest Canon flash guns.

Nat

[Robert Scott]

Re: Problem with off camera flash cord ??

i know that there is an "off camera cord "3" as well which I presume is for the latest Canon flash guns. Nat

Not exactly. The Off Camera Shoe Cord OC-E3 is similar to the Off Camera Shoe Cord 2, but maintains moisture and dust resistance with weather-proofed cameras for off-camera shooting.