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Is my L358 light meter working properly?
Sep 1, 2014 19:32:17 #
CaptainC wrote:
I have to agree with rpavich. If you want to use N... (show quote)
I have to agree as well. I will try some radio triggers to see if that resolves the meter problem. The meter works fine for ambient light. I hope I can find some inexpensive triggers that will allow me to adjust the flash power from the camera.
Dennis
Sep 1, 2014 19:53:22 #
rpavich wrote:
A way to eliminate that possibility is to just hold the flash in one hand, hold the meter in the other and pop the flash with the test button...you should get a reading.
Tried this and yes I got a good reading. At this point, I am fairly certain that the infrared is the problem and so I will look for some radio triggers. Thank you very much for your help! I guess the PM won't be necessary at this time.
Thanks to all who replied to my question.
Dennis
Sep 1, 2014 19:58:24 #
JohnSwanda wrote:
Are you sure it is set to meter flash? In the upper left of the display there are three symbols - a sun for ambient light, a lightning bolt for non-cord flash, and a lightning bolt with a "c" for a pc cord. You need to select the middle one, push the button on the side, and then set off the flash.
Thanks for the help, but yes I was using the correct symbol. It seems the commander and the flash may not be compatible with the meter.
Dennis
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Sep 1, 2014 19:59:11 #
BigDen wrote:
I have to agree as well. I will try some radio triggers to see if that resolves the meter problem. The meter works fine for ambient light. I hope I can find some inexpensive triggers that will allow me to adjust the flash power from the camera.
Dennis
Dennis
"Inexpensive" and "adjust from the camera" don't go together...lol.
Can I ask why you don't want to adjust from the flashes themselves?
Sep 1, 2014 20:03:58 #
rpavich wrote:
"Inexpensive" and "adjust from the camera" don't go together...lol.
Can I ask why you don't want to adjust from the flashes themselves?
Can I ask why you don't want to adjust from the flashes themselves?
"inexpensive" may be a relative term!
With the flash raised on a light stand, it may not be too easy to adjust by hand. I guess that is what "apple boxes" are for.
Sep 1, 2014 20:10:15 #
BigDen wrote:
"inexpensive" may be a relative term!
With the flash raised on a light stand, it may not be too easy to adjust by hand. I guess that is what "apple boxes" are for.
With the flash raised on a light stand, it may not be too easy to adjust by hand. I guess that is what "apple boxes" are for.
Got it.
I've found it's not that big of a deal...even if the light stand is pretty high...after shooting this way, you'll be able to "know" just about what the flash should be at and you'll be doing "repeatable" set ups so there won't be many mysteries.
You might have to adjust once...possibly twice but remember...with a meter, it's like a digital watch vs an analog watch...there isn't any "just a bit more..." now you are working in hard numbers.
If you pop the flash and meter f/5.6 but need f/8...that's one click on the flash power; 1/4 to 1/2 and you are good to go...no wondering.
Make sense?
Sep 1, 2014 20:16:22 #
rpavich wrote:
Got it. br I've found it's not that big of a deal.... (show quote)
Thanks Bob. That does make sense. Actually it is one of the reasons to use a meter. Meter once and you have it right.
Dennis
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Sep 2, 2014 09:54:09 #
Before you spend the money on triggers, you might try having an assistant trigger the flash for you, using the test button on the flash or taking a photo, to see if that solves the problem.
BigDen wrote:
Thanks for the research. This sounds very much like my problem. I will pick up
some radio triggers and see what happens. I still have the SU-800 if I don't need to meter or if I want to use ITTL.
Dennis
some radio triggers and see what happens. I still have the SU-800 if I don't need to meter or if I want to use ITTL.
Dennis
Sep 2, 2014 10:18:11 #
BigDen wrote:
"inexpensive" may be a relative term!
With the flash raised on a light stand, it may not be too easy to adjust by hand. I guess that is what "apple boxes" are for.
With the flash raised on a light stand, it may not be too easy to adjust by hand. I guess that is what "apple boxes" are for.
As for cheaper triggers,
I am using Canon gear, same light meter....and am having good luck with the Yongnuo YN622 Wireless ETTL Flash Triggers...One on Camera, one on flash (inside softbox), and I can adjust flash from back of camera (Manual-ttl-zoom & Power).
Just recently added the YN-622C -TX, which mounts on the camera, and can use the other trigger on a second flash.
My Pockets wizards are expensive, And for me these work alot better ( My Main flash and Pocket wizards have noise problems, and dont play nice).
On Amazon, the Nikon Triggers:
Yongnuo YN-622N-TX i-TTL Wireless Flash Controller for Nikon $50
Yongnuo YN-622N, $79
Sep 2, 2014 19:47:04 #
Old Redeye wrote:
Before you spend the money on triggers, you might try having an assistant trigger the flash for you, using the test button on the flash or taking a photo, to see if that solves the problem.
Hi Old Redeye
My frustration is because when I use the camera (SU-800 trigger) to light the off camera flash, the meter indicates insufficient light to get a reading. This is why I thought there might be a problem with the meter.
Based on the suggestion from rpavich, I also tried just using the test button on the flash (I should have thought of that!). In this case, I am getting appropriate aperture readings from the meter. This is certainly an indication that the meter is working correctly. I can only conclude then that the SU-800 trigger and the meter are not compatible.
As infrared may not be reliable in sunshine, it will probably be a good idea to move to radio in any event.
Thanks for your suggestion.
Dennis
Sep 2, 2014 19:54:35 #
BermBuster wrote:
As for cheaper triggers, br I am using Canon gea... (show quote)
Hi Bermbuster
Phil Steele highly recommends the Yongnuo triggers, but I can't seem to locate any locally (online search). One of the camera stores here have the Cactus V5 and V6 units available. Phil has highly recommended previous versions of this unit and I have only seen good ratings for it online. ( I can get a transmitter and three receivers for about $250 Cdn). I will head to the store tomorrow and see what they have.
Thanks for your recommendation. I will have a look at the Yongnuo if they have them in stock.
Dennis
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