bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

I just received my second YN 685. The first one had the exact same issue, been through the manual (in other words, I did RTFM)

First, I love my other Yongnuo products, I use the 622 tx and Rx's, have several of their other flashguns, and leave my Nikon flashes in the bag most of the time, so I'm really frustrated right now.

The 685's claim to fame is that it has a built in receiver. No matter what I do, I can get the blue flash to show that it connected when the shutter is pressed, or when the test button is pressed, so I know that the radio is on, and receiving. I've updated the firmware, etc... Still, other than the "communication" light shows blue, the best I can get is beeps out of the flash that tell me the image is underexposed. I've tried all the 622 receiver modes, TTL, manual, 622 screen, Etc. Same result. (iTTL is the only one that gives me the sound prompt, the others just get the "communicating light"._)

With both units, I put the flash on the camera, works perfectly, lots of light output. I also put them on the 622n rx units, also work fine.

I really don't want to send back another unit if it is operator error. Seems like it should work fine if it is "communicating" and also that it does seem to work perfectly on the receiver and on the camera body.

Anyone want to take a stab at pointing out how stupid I am, and that there is one simple thing that I've missed? Like I said, I've been through the (not very good) manual, and can't find anything at all on why it isn't working.

I appreciate any and all help/suggestions. (unless the suggestion is to not use the Yongnuos) I was hoping to get a "fleet" of them, and put my flashes that require a separate receiver out to pasture (along with the old receivers)

Thanks a lot
Bob

MtnMan Loc: ID

Unfortunately the people who write manuals often skip steps that seem completely obvious to them and then fail to test their writing with a number of clueless users.

High probability it is something like that.

FJT Loc: Delaware

I found this helpful when I was setting up mine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKlhmc1Ivhg

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

I agree. Was just looking through the manual again, and there is absolutely nothing there. The closes thing to mentioning what is going on, is to make sure it's on the same channel. That was the first thing I did. No other suggestions on why the flash isn't firing.

I'm hoping someone else here stumbled across the answer. I did see where a wire comes loose sometimes, and a youtube video shows how to fix it relatively easily, but that is for the "overheat protection thinking it is constantly overheated, even when it is first turned on" Other than that, not finding anyone else with the same problem. I just don't want to have paid extra and still need another YN622 receiver to make it work. Would have been cheaper to stick with the 565s for $75, which would save about $30 towards the $40 receiver. (but it all takes up space, and more batteries)

I REALLY wanted this to work.

PaulR01 Loc: West Texas

I think you need the YN-622C-TX Trigger for Nikon. I use the canon equivalent of the same unit.

4OX

I did EXACTLY the same thing! You have to get the $75 trnansmitter for the hotshoe. I thought the camera was transmitting...apparently not the case. I'm finding it more difficult of a learning curve than expected using an external flash. I wish there was an easier way to learn rather than just youtubing etc. I know whay i want, how to set up, but need set up settings! I think I've figured it out finally. Would have taken 5 mi utes if I had someone just SHOW ME! Like learni g a computer...

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

Actually, I do have the correct transmitter for it. That's what I use with my other flashes (with the receivers that are supposedly the part you don't need when the receiver is built in)

Thanks, though.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

I do have the YN-622n TX. That's what I've been using to trigger all the YN622 transceivers.

Love the system, for me 1000 times easier than my old pocket wizards, and every bit as reliable, except for with this one flash.
With the great luck I've had with Yongnuo, I can't believe that I received 2 defective flashes in a row. That's why I'm suspecting that it is a combination of operator error, and poor owner's manual translations.

Thanks

Dano Loc: North Carolina

Bob, are your 685's for canon (silver print on the flash) or nikon (gold print on the flash)? I shoot canon with the exact same setup and have had absolutely no issues... even right out of the box (although the manual really does suck). However, about a year ago I found a great deal on a nikon version of the 685 and figured since I always shoot off camera, it would be a great deal. WRONG! I tried everything and couldn't get the dang thing to pair with the rest of my system. Finally sold it. But I agree with you, it's probably a simple setting or some type of compatibility issue... but once you figure it out, you'll love the system. Hope this helps. (I'd drop an email to the company... they've actually answered a number of my questions over the years)

EnglishBrenda Loc: Kent, England

If I am right in thinking your problem is with using the flash off camera then this may help. When using the flash on the hot shoe you have the setting M with a little gun shape before it (on the left). When you use the flash off and separate from the camera you use the 3rd button along to move the M to the right to S1 then through S2 until the end setting. Then you have to have a trigger on the hot shoe and the flash will receive instructions from that trigger. I take it you have both the trigger and the speedlight on the same wavelengh. That was difficult to explain without diagrams so I hope it was reasonably clear.

fetzler Loc: North West PA

My 685's work great. I suspect that the settings on the flash are not correct. Check the group and Channel numbers. The must be in the proper mode as well.
The video mentioned above is good as well. The Manual explains all but requires CAREFUL reading.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

Boy, I'll say that with all these issues, as well as others on here, it does NOT sound easier than anything else. My best advice is you get what you pay for. I've played with these and I consider this a very unreliable system. Inexpensive it it! YMMV. Best of luck.

docdish Loc: Saint Petersburg, FL

I ended up with the Canon model for my Nikon camera. iTTL vs eTTL problem. Would only shoot as a manual flash. Correct model did the trick.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

Dano,
The box says Nikon, and the lettering is gold, so I'm guessing that it is correct, but the thought has crossed my mind. The pin layout looks like my other flashes, and I am 90% sure that Canon is different.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

I've never had an issue with a Yongnuo, except for the one I dropped, which of course was nobody's fault but mine. I thought about an email, but figured since they are in China, I'd never hear back. Do you know the email address you used? Was it maybe with an importer, or a US branch?

We had an exchange student from China, and we can no longer get emails to or from her. Only phone calls (EXPENSIVE) I guess I just never thought about sending an email, especially there.

Thanks