Control and manufacturer

Lightning can be controlled via automatic (TTL), middle contact, synchronous cable, photodiode, infrared signal and radio – and all methods are common in practice, with the cable solution being replaced more and more by radio control. The exact course of TTL flash measurement is described in the guide TTL flash measurement.


How do I control flash units?


The center contact has been installed in the center of the flash shoe for all flashes for decades. It is short-circuited at grounding moment by the camera or by a synchronous cable (PC cable) attached to the lightning foot. This control option is mainly used by strob- tists - but also by many hobbyists who want to synchronize light barriers or special trigger systems with a flash. This simple control only works when the flash is set to manual. Some manufacturers have now stopped the simple center-contact tripping.


Which manufacturers are there - must it be a system flash?


In the case of the PC cable, the classic flash sync cable, which can be found both in more expensive system cameras, as well as on top flash units and on every flash unit. In this case, too, the center contact of the plug with the external contact (ground) is short-circuited for ignition. There are distributors, which allow to light several flashes by cable. But most of the time, the flash cable only goes to the master flash, which then controls the other flash units. Cameras without a socket use a TTL flash cable with connection for the accessory shoe for connection to the main flash. For the most part, this is not to sit directly on the camera.


Les Tips


The ability to control multiple flash units via a master plug-in flash, and several dependent flashes (called slaves or slave flashes), are mainly used to save the photographer's way of travel. Anyone who is looking for a remote flash for a tenth time to change his attitude, knows what the speech is about.


What trends are observed?


Previously, an expensive flash was needed, which had a master control to independently address and trigger free slave flashes. The lightning did this by pre-flashes, about which he communicated the slaves, divided into groups, when they had to work as hard. For some time now, a few photoapparates have also been able to do this by using the built-in flash.


For Canon, the models D4, D3x, D3s, D3, D2x, D700, D300s, D300, D200, D7000, D90, D200, D700, D70D, D80 and D800, as well as the most recent successors.


Some of these models do not have built-in flash, but the control device. These and other ETT-capable cameras need a wireless TTL flash trigger, which is called Canon ST-E2. There are also many accessories manufacturers such as Yongnuo. Advantage: High-speed synchronization or flashing to the second shutter for the TTL flashes of the slave groups is also possible.


Each flash that can be used as a slave has a photodiode built in, which detects pre-flashes and also triggers in the right moment. If simple flashing is required - without pre-flash control, then the flash unit should have a pre-flash suppression so as not to shoot too early. If you want to control exactly, the master flashes or the camera set which slave flashes in which group together. These then all have the same intensity that is pre-programmed on the master. Slaves should have a clearly visible readiness indicator, usually a red LED on the front side flashes. Three, in rare cases four groups are so controllable.


Instead of the pre-flashing method, infrared transmission can also be used. However, the infrared receiver does not have all the flashes. These are then not "slave capable". The advantage of infrared is the reduced susceptibility to interference in a lighter environment. A radio connection can also be used to control flashes. This is suitable over longer distances and without visual contact - but more the domain of mobile flash systems, since each slave needs its own receiver. This is where the strobists come in, who spend little money on lightning - but more for controlling their lightning families.


In general, a camera from a manufacturer can only match its own flashes. There are different strengths. With the strength generally also the abilities decrease. Top models cost around 700 euros and are designed so that there are hardly any alternatives for creative photographers who want to use many of the functions described above. Medium class flashes are under price pressure from China and are now available at prices between 200 and 300 euros. Today, there are just a handful of specialists in this sector in addition to the system flashes of the camera manufacturers.


Besides the only really up to date flash manufacturer Metz (Mecablitz), these are the Japanese manufacturers Sigma, Sunpak and Nissin, who have their headquarters in Japan. While these three manufacturers focus on additions and alternatives to the camera flashes, the Chinese, especially Yongnuo, are not idle and bring fresh air into the prestigious business with cheap radio controls and clever ideas.


Basically, Metz and Co bring their flashes in any case suitable for Canon and Nikon. Here, you should also pay attention to a 100% transfer of the current TTL automatic programs. Sony is also increasingly supported. The Fourthirds system from Panasonic / Olympus is already rarely offered by accessory manufacturers. For this, the flashes of these manufacturers are largely compatible with one another.


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However, the qualities of the Chinahersteller are very different and the sales sometimes adventurous - repairs excluded. There are purchasers of Chinese lightning technology with American brand names such as Fotowalser, Big, Dörr or Bilora.


But also the quality of the offered flashes is very different. Frequently the mechanical processing is very weak - especially with regard to battery compartment cover, reflector motor or fold-out diffuser. Metz is once again mentioned: the manufacturer offers expensive flashing devices which can be adapted to different manufacturers' systems using an adapter (SCA).


Some manufacturers, which also accentuate the filming with system cameras, build in their flashes power LEDs and thus produce continuous light and high-speed illumination - albeit at a fairly low intensity. They dispense with the inconspicuous red light focusing auxiliary LED. Now is focused by Power-LED, which can be quite unpleasant for slotted people. Quick-release feet and ever-simpler operation via four-directional jogging with a rotary wheel continue.


Colored displays with a better set-up economy have mainly presented Metz. With Nissin, the color display rotates 90 degrees with the camera for high-angle shooting. More and more plug-in diffusers and color conversion filters are already included.


The large flashes expand the abilities of their reflectors and can now narrow the illumination angle up to focal length 200mm. This results in higher guide numbers. Top flashes are distinguished by splash protection, which is indispensable for cameras that also have this feature.


Canon has integrated a wireless remote release with the Speedlite 600 EX RT. Instead of optical master / slave synchronization by means of pre-flashes on a visual connection, it is now possible to flashlight to 30 meters in daylight and direct visual connection. However, this only works with flashes that support the new protocol or the separately available ST-E3-RT plug-in radio control.