Problem With External Flash

[UrFavSigma]

I have a Nikon D3000 and I'm using a Sigma EF-610 DG Super flash. Here's my problem: I take candids in fairly dark clubs. I'm shooting in A and the flash on Manual. My flash is only firing about 40%-50% of the time. I noticed that if I'm taking a picture closer to the bar where there is some light it flashes more frequently but not 100% of the time. I'm assuming the lack of light MAY be the cause but I'm not really sure. I understand this is a third party unit, but I have not really seen anyone on the Sigma website have any complaints about the flash.

1- Does it matter what type of batteries I use?
2- Is the light or lack there of affecting the frequency of the flash?
Someone please help.

 

[ahryze]

Try adjusting the iso and shutter speed.

 

[tirediron]

My first thought is that the flash doesn't have time to recycle between discharges. Are you sure that each time you press the shutter release the flashe's capacitor is fully charged? Batteries do a make a difference, but as long as they're fully charged, it should fire each time (assuming you allow enough time for it to cycle). When you say you're shooting in 'A' you do mean 'Apeture Priority' and not 'Automatic', correct?

 

[PatrickJamesYu]

Yeah I agree with tirediron
I think it just needs more time to recycle power.
I have 2 sigma flashes.
They're fairly quick as long as you drop the power down.
But at full, they take quite some time to recycle.
Several several seconds at least.
maybe 5-8 seconds?

 

[UrFavSigma]

My first thought is that the flash doesn't have time to recycle between discharges. Are you sure that each time you press the shutter release the flashe's capacitor is fully charged? Batteries do a make a difference, but as long as they're fully charged, it should fire each time (assuming you allow enough time for it to cycle). When you say you're shooting in 'A' you do mean 'Apeture Priority' and not 'Automatic', correct?

Yes Aperature Priority. I no longer have my manual. How do I adjust the cycle time?

 

[UrFavSigma]

Yeah I agree with tirediron
I think it just needs more time to recycle power.
I have 2 sigma flashes.
They're fairly quick as long as you drop the power down.
But at full, they take quite some time to recycle.
Several several seconds at least.
maybe 5-8 seconds?

Sorry for this NOOB question, but how do I drop the power down? I no longer have the manual for the flash.

 

[tirediron]

You can't adjust the cycle time. It depends on the charge in the batteries and power level. For manuals, try here

 

[PatrickJamesYu]

Sorry for this NOOB question, but how do I drop the power down? I no longer have the manual for the flash.

Tirediron answered with you can't change recycle times
true.
But if you drop the power, naturally, it takes less time for it to recycle.

As far as dropping it I can't answer that through written word
I'd need the strobe in my hands.
But I'd check the link Tirediron posted
Might be able to find it.

 

[cgipson1]

Sorry for this NOOB question, but how do I drop the power down? I no longer have the manual for the flash.

A quick Google found this.. may be helpful: http://flashzebra.com/tips/supersigmamanualmode/index.shtml or http://dpanswers.com/content/sigma_flash_wl.php

Looks like:

From DPAnswers:
It will not fire at all in manual mode without a full i-TTL connection to the camera body (try cleaning your contacts.. might help!)

From FlashZebra:
1 Set the correct mode (step one above) and then hit the SEL button (the select button).
2 C0 for on camera flash
3 The power level will then flash, hit the + or – key to make your power level selection. Just let the selected power level flash so the power level will be ready to accept a change to another level as needed by hitting the + and – buttons.

or call Sigma.. ask for a manual...

Customer Service & Support: 1-800-896-6858
Warranty or Repair: 1-631-227-2036
General Inquiries: 1-631-585-1144

Written Inquiries: Sigma Corporation of America
15 Fleetwood Court
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779

Email : SigmaPhoto.com - Contact Us