Flash question

JeffieLove · Mar 19, 2010

This is probably a very stupid question.

If a flash says it us a shoe mount, I know that means it gets mounted on tip of the pop up flash.

My question is:

Can a shoe mount flash be used without actually being mounted on the camera? In other words, can I hold the flash in my
hand next to the camera or something other than it being mounted directly on the camera?

NateS · Mar 19, 2010

JeffieLove said:
This is probably a very stupid question.

If a flash says it us a shoe mount, I know that means it gets mounted on tip of the pop up flash.

My question is:

Can a shoe mount flash be used without actually being mounted on the camera? In other words, can I hold the flash in my
hand next to the camera or something other than it being mounted directly on the camera?

Yes and No. With only a Flash and your camera, no. Only Nikons from the D90 up (and older D80/D70s) and the new Canon 7d can do that built in (maybe some other manufacturers but not sure).

You can either buy a ST-E2 from Canon. This mounts on your hot-shoe and can fire the flashes wirelessly. Or...you can buy a sync cord which runs from your hot shoe to the flash...but then they are tethered and not wireless (Canon OC-E3 is the part I believe). The cable runs $70 and the ST-E2 runs $220.

PhotoXopher · Mar 19, 2010

Yes if:

A: If it (and your camera) have wireless ability.
B: You have a wireless trigger/receiver.
C: You have a sync cord.

Dammit, Nate beat me.

JeffieLove · Mar 19, 2010

Okay. Next question.

If I get a flash similar to this one: 3806B002 Canon Speedlite 270EX, Flash for EOS (SLR) Camera Systems with Guide Number of 89 Feet / 27m at ISO 100

will it work for macro? Everyone so far has mentioned that I need an external flash but didn't say wireless or (in this case) "mobile".

NateS · Mar 19, 2010

Should work fine, but you'll need to get the $70 sync cord as well. That flash probably doesn't have a lot of power though (just guessing) so if you try and do some macro during the day using small apertures to block outside light.....that flash may or may not have the power to light the subject (probably will, but I'll let a Canon guy say for sure).

JeffieLove · Mar 19, 2010

I would only need the sync cord though if I want
to be able to use the flash without it being mounted on the camera, right?

Dao · Mar 19, 2010

JeffieLove said:
I would only need the sync cord though if I want
to be able to use the flash without it being mounted on the camera, right?

Yes

JeffieLove · Mar 19, 2010

yay! More questions answered by the TPF elders!

Thanks guys

lol

Dao · Mar 19, 2010

Take a look at this

Strobist DIY Ringflash on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

NateWagner · Mar 19, 2010

one other comment... you can get an off brand sync cord for way less than 70 dollars (between 15-50 depending on length etc.)

JeffieLove · Mar 19, 2010

any specific off brand you can think of?

I only know of like sigma and tamron... and I know they make lenses, but not sure what else...

NateS · Mar 19, 2010

JeffieLove said:
any specific off brand you can think of?

I only know of like sigma and tamron... and I know they make lenses, but not sure what else...

Have you ever been to B&H Photo's site? If not....

www.bhphotovideo.com

you should really spend some time browsing around their camera and photo gear section. For now...here's a link to the flash sync cables.
Dedicated Cords & Modules

Very first one is a 30 dollar cable for Canon that retains TTL.

gsgary · Mar 19, 2010

JeffieLove said:
I would only need the sync cord though if I want
to be able to use the flash without it being mounted on the camera, right?

No you will need one of these
Flash Hot Shoe PC Sync Cord Socket Adapter for Camera on eBay (end time 31-Mar-10 14:02:52 BST)

Has your camera got a sinc socket if not you will need 2 of above

Hardrock · Mar 19, 2010

I just bought one of these [ame="http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-NPT-04-Wireless-Receiver-cowboystudio/dp/B002W3IXZW"]Amazon.com: CowboyStudio NPT-04 4 Channel Wireless Hot Shoe Flash Trigger Receiver for Canon EOS, Nikon, Olympus & Pentax Flashes Other products by cowboystudio: Camera & Photo[/ame] . It allows you to use your flash off camera wireless. I have not got it yet and do not know how well it works . Also ETTL snd TTL do not work. But for the price I thought it was a good deal. Another cheap alternative.