D5100 - use with wireless transmitter and external flash

jeffack · Dec 23, 2016

I am trying to use an external flash with a wireless transmitter. The transmitter goes into the hotshoe fine. The issue is that the on-board flash tries to pop up and can't, because the transmitter is in its way. However, this keeps the flash from firing; the flash light (lightening bolt) is greyed out. I've confirmed that this is because the flash can't popped - Without the transmitter attached, the flash pops up and the lightening bolt isn't greyed out. When I gradually push down the flash, when I get about halfway down, the lightening bolt becomes greyed out and the flash refuses to fire.

So, I need some way to force the transmitter to send the "flash" signal, even when the onboard flash can't pop all the way up.

zombiesniper · Dec 23, 2016

Adding camera model and mode used will aid in diagnosing this problem but it sounds like you are in an auto mode and a single pin external flash trigger.
This combo will have two problems. The camera doesn't know that you have a trigger attached due to the single pin. Auto modes will pop up the onboard flash.

jeffack · Dec 23, 2016

Thanks for the help. I have a D5100 and was in manual (M) mode. I get the same issue in Auto mode.

jeffack · Dec 23, 2016

I seem to have solved the problem. I wasn't aware of the difference in the number of pins, and I started looking closer at the bottom of the flash. I think I didn't do a good job of lining the pins up between the hot shoe and the transmitter. I have a better fit now and it seems to be working.

Thanks for the help!