windshoppe Loc: Arizona

I hope someone can shed some light on this issue (pun intended.) I've done some research, but have been unable to find an answer to this question. I don't often use flash, but when I do I prefer having the flash off camera. I bought an Opteka flash sync cord for that purpose to use with my older 580EX speedlight and Canon 5DII camera. What I've discovered is that, while the speed light "talks" to the camera while attached to the Opteka cord, I'm unable to change any of the settings of the speed light while on that cord. It needs to be either in the camera's hot shoe or detached from the cord in order to change settings: e.g. manual to ETTL, FEC, FEB, HSS, etc. I'm wondering if the same holds true for the far more expensive Canon flash sync cords or if it's a characteristic of the Opteka cord and I'm paying the price for my misguided false economy. The speedlight's manual does not address the issue of flash sync cords at all.

twowindsbear

First off - compare the contacts on the camera's hot shoe to the contacts on the cord where the flash attaches. Perhaps there is another circuit that is needed for those 'missing' functions?

Just a WAG on my part.

Good luck!

windshoppe Loc: Arizona

Thanks, I'll take a look at that.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

I can maybe take a look later, but I'm assuming you want to set the functions on the camera and have the cord function in the same manner as the flash would on the hot shoe.

I have a T3i and some 580 EX flashes plus a Vello cord and a Canon cord. I haven't noticed any difference between them except that the Canon cord is a little more robust. I got the Canon cord along with one of the flashes used. I'll see if I can check them out, but a cord that claims to support ETTL-II should function properly I believe.

Dan Copeland Loc: Hamilton Ontario Canada

Just a thought here I have had this happen and only because I did not take notice of how I attached the cord to the camera.

Make sure the cord is inserted into the camera hot shoe the correct way Wire facing frontward I had mine backward and had the same non communication.

Dan

EoS_User Loc: Oshawa, Ontario Canada

Based on my experience I'd look at the cord. I use a 430 EX II speedlite with my EOS 40D and EOS 50D. I am able to make any flash setting changes I need to from the camera's menu or the flash itself.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Is it a "sync cord" or an "off camera shoe cord"? They are two very different things.

If you were to go in a store and ask for a "sync cord", you'll typically get a simple two-conductor cord. An off camera shoe cord for modern Canon flash has at least 6 conducting wires, to provide a whole lot more communication between camera and lens. The former might merely fire the flash and give limited control/access (no TTL metering), while the latter should allow the flash to behave exactly the same as if it were directly mounted to the camera.

If an off camera shoe cord, there may be some different designs. Prior to the current and recent EX series Speedlites, there were earlier EZ flashes for EOS that function a bit differently and use different accessories (I have no idea if the same OCSC could be used with both). Even earlier A-series Canon flashes used with the FL/FD mount cameras prior to EOS used an entirely different flash connectivity.

That aside, assuming it's an OC shoe cord... that's supposed to support full functionality, but buying cheaper third party gear always comes with a bit more risk. Yes, the Canon OCSCs are a lot more expensive, but I've never had any problems with them either. I've got two or three each Canon OCSC 2 and OCSC 3 (the latter has neater lock and some additional rubber seals). The flash works exactly the same on the Canon OCSCs as it does in the hot shoe, which really should be the case with all such cords regardless of manufacturer. If not, return it and get a replacement.

Actually, I think I do recall a minor problem with one or the other of my Canon shoe cords... The screws holding one end or the other together loosened up a little over time. I ended up removing each screw and putting a little Locktite (the correct, type... blue or green) on the threads, reinstalled and haven't had any problems in the years since. As a precaution I've since done that with all the screws on each of my OCSC.

windshoppe Loc: Arizona

Thank you. That occurred to me, too. It is, however, inserted correctly.

windshoppe Loc: Arizona

Thanks for your response. Yes, it is a sync cord. ETTL functions fine when attached to the cord. As a matter of fact, all of the functions seem to WORK while attached to the cord. The problem is that the functions themselves can't be changed on the flash unit while it is attached to the cord - e.g. going from ETTL to manual. I also discovered that if I slide the flash unit into the Opteka hot shoe attached into the hot shoe on the camera I CAN change the functions, but that rather defeats the purpose of the cord. Guess I may need to go with a Canon cord if I want that capability.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

It may be complicated. Just because the Opteka cord doesn't work does not mean another brand will not. However, if your need is good enough, buy Canon and absorb the cost....

windshoppe Loc: Arizona

Yup, I'm afraid that is where this is going.