Small flash to trigger optical slaves?

**bkpix** · 11-26-2011, 08:30 PM

Hi all,

I use a pair of Vivitar 285 flashes off camera with Wein optical slaves when shooting portraits indoors; I trigger them with an on-camera Pentax 280T.

The system works well for me. (Manual camera settings, dial the ISO up and down for exposure adjustment if necessary.)

My only complaint with this setup is the size of the 280, which is bulkier than it needs to be.

Can anyone recommend a tiny flash unit, available used and cheap, that offers auto and manual settings as well as bounce and swivel?

I know I could use the K-5's onboard flash if I got digital slave triggers, but I like having the ability to direct the on-camera flash away from the subject.

Thanks,

Bob

hoanpham · 11-27-2011, 12:38 AM

Sunpak pz40 for canon or nikon, manual mode, power vary, angle vary, zoom head vary. I bought new for 30 usd a piece. Tiny, uses two AA batt. I use them with radio trigger.
I should get a dozen when available.

**bkpix** · 11-27-2011, 11:06 AM

Thanks. Looks like the Sunpak has no swivel, though; one of the reasons I like the Pentax 280 is that I can direct the flash to one side for a little fill when I want.

GeneV · 12-02-2011, 10:27 AM

When you get into swivel, you get into higher end flash and bulk. I suspect that you may need to take the 280 for that purpose, and use a smaller, 2 AA flash when bulk and weight are more important.

mtroute · 12-02-2011, 10:53 AM

if you set the on-board flash to only act as a trigger (in the settings menu), it should have almost no impact on exposure unless you are doing macro photography. I use it all the time for portraits and never have a problem with the exposure.

SOldBear · 12-02-2011, 11:14 AM

Originally posted by mtroute

if you set the on-board flash to only act as a trigger (in the settings menu), it should have almost no impact on exposure unless you are doing macro photography.

This does not apply to the OP. The preflash strobe of the built-in flash will prematurely trigger the optical slave units. Some optical slaves can ignore the preflash strobe, but I don't think that's the case here.

mtroute · 12-02-2011, 12:40 PM

I guess you're right, my slaves are PTTL...

11-26-2011, 08:30 PM	#1
bkpix Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Creswell, Oregon Photos: Albums Posts: 570	Small flash to trigger optical slaves? Hi all, I use a pair of Vivitar 285 flashes off camera with Wein optical slaves when shooting portraits indoors; I trigger them with an on-camera Pentax 280T. The system works well for me. (Manual camera settings, dial the ISO up and down for exposure adjustment if necessary.) My only complaint with this setup is the size of the 280, which is bulkier than it needs to be. Can anyone recommend a tiny flash unit, available used and cheap, that offers auto and manual settings as well as bounce and swivel? I know I could use the K-5's onboard flash if I got digital slave triggers, but I like having the ability to direct the on-camera flash away from the subject. Thanks, Bob

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11-27-2011, 12:38 AM	#2
hoanpham Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Strand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,366	Sunpak pz40 for canon or nikon, manual mode, power vary, angle vary, zoom head vary. I bought new for 30 usd a piece. Tiny, uses two AA batt. I use them with radio trigger. I should get a dozen when available.

11-27-2011, 11:06 AM	#3
bkpix Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Creswell, Oregon Photos: Albums Posts: 570 Original Poster	Thanks. Looks like the Sunpak has no swivel, though; one of the reasons I like the Pentax 280 is that I can direct the flash to one side for a little fill when I want.

12-02-2011, 10:27 AM	#4
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	When you get into swivel, you get into higher end flash and bulk. I suspect that you may need to take the 280 for that purpose, and use a smaller, 2 AA flash when bulk and weight are more important.

12-02-2011, 10:53 AM	#5
mtroute Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Portland OR Posts: 533	if you set the on-board flash to only act as a trigger (in the settings menu), it should have almost no impact on exposure unless you are doing macro photography. I use it all the time for portraits and never have a problem with the exposure.

12-02-2011, 11:14 AM	#6
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	Originally posted by mtroute if you set the on-board flash to only act as a trigger (in the settings menu), it should have almost no impact on exposure unless you are doing macro photography. This does not apply to the OP. The preflash strobe of the built-in flash will prematurely trigger the optical slave units. Some optical slaves can ignore the preflash strobe, but I don't think that's the case here.

12-02-2011, 12:40 PM	#7
mtroute Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Portland OR Posts: 533	I guess you're right, my slaves are PTTL...