Need help with RF-603Cs on K-5

Docrwm · 08-15-2012, 03:18 PM

After reading here about remote triggers I thought I'd get a set of RF-603C flash triggers and try them out on my K-5.

I've read the instructions, such as they are, and tried them with my K-5 and off-camera flash.

The Flash works flawlessly with the K-5 when mounted on the hotshoe and when the manual button on the back is depressed for testing the flash.

The RF-603Cs have fresh batteries and the lights turn green on each when I turn them on and red when I depress the button on the triggers themselves.

They are both on the same channel via the dip switch settings.

When I depress the button on one RF-603C its light turns red but nothing happens on the other RF-603C.

When I place one on my camera and one on the flash with both on and I take a picture nothing happens with the units (no change to red when the shutter button is depressed) and no flash goes off.

What am I missing here?

Thanks.

pezmaker · 08-15-2012, 03:27 PM

I think you fell into the same trap I did. I thought I read that the 603c would work (I have a K200D). I misread though - they'd trigger the camera using the trigger cable, but I couldn't get the flash to trigger with them. I ended up getting different triggers. Apparently the 603 does not work with K200D, k5, k7, etc.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-flashes-lighting-technique/179715-...t-working.html

Docrwm · 08-15-2012, 03:51 PM

Originally posted by pezmaker

I think you fell into the same trap I did. I thought I read that the 603c would work (I have a K200D). I misread though - they'd trigger the camera using the trigger cable, but I couldn't get the flash to trigger with them. I ended up getting different triggers. Apparently the 603 does not work with K200D, k5, k7, etc.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-flashes-lighting-technique/179715-...t-working.html

It seems that the RF-602 (that's the TWO at the end) work with the Pentax cameras but the RF-603s do not. Annoying as there was a post that said 603 and raved about them working. Ah well, at least they did not cost much. Now, who do I know with a Canon Camera?

elliott · 08-15-2012, 06:09 PM

The RF-602 isn't perfect, they don't sync properly at 1/180 on a Pentax body. The Nikon transmitters can be modified to work properly, but the Canon version can't.

Docrwm · 08-15-2012, 06:15 PM

Originally posted by elliott

The RF-602 isn't perfect, they don't sync properly at 1/180 on a Pentax body. The Nikon transmitters can be modified to work properly, but the Canon version can't.

Thanks. At least they work at all unlike the RF-603s.

pezmaker · 08-15-2012, 06:19 PM

Originally posted by Docrwm

Thanks. At least they work at all unlike the RF-603s.

Yeah, I had returned mine to seller. I was out shipping, but they at least didn't charge me restocking. The ones joe.penn recommended in that thread I linked to work pretty well, if you're still looking for options. I don't use them much, but they worked at least. I don't think i've been able to trigger the camera from the flash remote; though, that could be all in my own inabilities to figure things out. It's nice they have their own tripod mounts, which is nice. If I recall, the 603s didn't.

elliott · 08-15-2012, 06:21 PM

I think the PT-04 triggers are the cheapest ones that will properly work on Pentax, I have modified RF-602s, but if I was choosing something to buy now I'd probably go for the PT-04.

Docrwm · 08-15-2012, 06:47 PM

Originally posted by elliott

I think the PT-04 triggers are the cheapest ones that will properly work on Pentax, I have modified RF-602s, but if I was choosing something to buy now I'd probably go for the PT-04.

Thanks. I just ordered the trigger and 2 receiver set from Amazon. At least with Amazon if they don't work they can be returned.

L33tGreg · 08-16-2012, 06:33 AM

I like my 602s overall but the sync speed is limited to about 1/125 or so. It really sucks if you accidently roll the front wheel and speed up the shutter!

elliott · 08-16-2012, 09:27 AM

Originally posted by L33tGreg

I like my 602s overall but the sync speed is limited to about 1/125 or so. It really sucks if you accidently roll the front wheel and speed up the shutter!

They will sync at 1/180 if you hold the button on the transmitter half way down while taking the shot, this will work with the Nikon and Canon versions. I have used a rubber band to accomplish this, but if you forget to remove it the battery will go dead. On the Nikon transmitter you can add a capacitor for a more permanent solution.

Docrwm · 08-16-2012, 10:32 AM

Originally posted by elliott

They will sync at 1/180 if you hold the button on the transmitter half way down while taking the shot, this will work with the Nikon and Canon versions. I have used a rubber band to accomplish this, but if you forget to remove it the battery will go dead. On the Nikon transmitter you can add a capacitor for a more permanent solution.

Thanks. After purchasing RE-603C flash transceivers based on a glowing report here on PF and finding out that they actually do not work on Pentax cameras, I purchased a CowboyStudio NPT-04 1+2 set that has very good reviews here. I'm just getting into off camera flash and could not justify $60 for the Cactus v5s or even more for the $340 for a pair of PocketWizards. The nice part of having the 1+2 set is that my old manual flashes can also be triggered remotely thereby giving me a 2 flash setup with more options.

elliott · 08-16-2012, 12:32 PM

Would be interesting to see exactly why they don't work, there might be a simple modification for the RF-603s to make them more universal. I think it has to do with the sensing, since either can be a transmitter or receiver, it is supposed to figure it out whether it is in a hotshoe or not. If it isn't seeing the proper signal from the hotshoe, it is thinking it is a receiver.

Docrwm · 08-16-2012, 12:36 PM

Originally posted by elliott

Would be interesting to see exactly why they don't work, there might be a simple modification for the RF-603s to make them more universal. I think it has to do with the sensing, since either can be a transmitter or receiver, it is supposed to figure it out whether it is in a hotshoe or not. If it isn't seeing the proper signal from the hotshoe, it is thinking it is a receiver.

From what I have been able to find out I think you are on the right track. The alignment of the pins on the Canon are a bit off from the Pentax.

elliott · 08-16-2012, 12:57 PM

There might be a permanent modification that will make it always think it is a transmitter. Looking at the pinout of a Canon hotshoe, I would bet it could be done by pulling the ID pin in the trigger high.

Docrwm · 08-16-2012, 01:18 PM

Originally posted by elliott

There might be a permanent modification that will make it always think it is a transmitter. Looking at the pinout of a Canon hotshoe, I would bet it could be done by pulling the ID pin in the trigger high.

I'd be happy to modify one to always be the T and the other always be the R. Just mark them and use them in those roles consistently. I can't return mine and at present they will just sit and gather dust unless I sell them or give them to a Canon shooter.

08-15-2012, 03:18 PM	#1
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Need help with RF-603Cs on K-5 After reading here about remote triggers I thought I'd get a set of RF-603C flash triggers and try them out on my K-5. I've read the instructions, such as they are, and tried them with my K-5 and off-camera flash. The Flash works flawlessly with the K-5 when mounted on the hotshoe and when the manual button on the back is depressed for testing the flash. The RF-603Cs have fresh batteries and the lights turn green on each when I turn them on and red when I depress the button on the triggers themselves. They are both on the same channel via the dip switch settings. When I depress the button on one RF-603C its light turns red but nothing happens on the other RF-603C. When I place one on my camera and one on the flash with both on and I take a picture nothing happens with the units (no change to red when the shutter button is depressed) and no flash goes off. What am I missing here? Thanks.

08-15-2012, 03:27 PM	#2
pezmaker Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Madison, WI Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 276	I think you fell into the same trap I did. I thought I read that the 603c would work (I have a K200D). I misread though - they'd trigger the camera using the trigger cable, but I couldn't get the flash to trigger with them. I ended up getting different triggers. Apparently the 603 does not work with K200D, k5, k7, etc. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-flashes-lighting-technique/179715-...t-working.html

08-15-2012, 03:51 PM	#3
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285 Original Poster	Originally posted by pezmaker I think you fell into the same trap I did. I thought I read that the 603c would work (I have a K200D). I misread though - they'd trigger the camera using the trigger cable, but I couldn't get the flash to trigger with them. I ended up getting different triggers. Apparently the 603 does not work with K200D, k5, k7, etc. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-flashes-lighting-technique/179715-...t-working.html It seems that the RF-602 (that's the TWO at the end) work with the Pentax cameras but the RF-603s do not. Annoying as there was a post that said 603 and raved about them working. Ah well, at least they did not cost much. Now, who do I know with a Canon Camera?

08-15-2012, 06:09 PM	#4
elliott Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: North Carolina Photos: Albums Posts: 1,720	The RF-602 isn't perfect, they don't sync properly at 1/180 on a Pentax body. The Nikon transmitters can be modified to work properly, but the Canon version can't.

08-15-2012, 06:15 PM	#5
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285 Original Poster	Originally posted by elliott The RF-602 isn't perfect, they don't sync properly at 1/180 on a Pentax body. The Nikon transmitters can be modified to work properly, but the Canon version can't. Thanks. At least they work at all unlike the RF-603s.

08-15-2012, 06:19 PM	#6
pezmaker Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Madison, WI Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 276	Originally posted by Docrwm Thanks. At least they work at all unlike the RF-603s. Yeah, I had returned mine to seller. I was out shipping, but they at least didn't charge me restocking. The ones joe.penn recommended in that thread I linked to work pretty well, if you're still looking for options. I don't use them much, but they worked at least. I don't think i've been able to trigger the camera from the flash remote; though, that could be all in my own inabilities to figure things out. It's nice they have their own tripod mounts, which is nice. If I recall, the 603s didn't.

08-15-2012, 06:21 PM	#7
elliott Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: North Carolina Photos: Albums Posts: 1,720	I think the PT-04 triggers are the cheapest ones that will properly work on Pentax, I have modified RF-602s, but if I was choosing something to buy now I'd probably go for the PT-04.

08-15-2012, 06:47 PM	#8
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285 Original Poster	Originally posted by elliott I think the PT-04 triggers are the cheapest ones that will properly work on Pentax, I have modified RF-602s, but if I was choosing something to buy now I'd probably go for the PT-04. Thanks. I just ordered the trigger and 2 receiver set from Amazon. At least with Amazon if they don't work they can be returned.

08-16-2012, 06:33 AM	#9
L33tGreg Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Charleston, SC Photos: Gallery Posts: 369	I like my 602s overall but the sync speed is limited to about 1/125 or so. It really sucks if you accidently roll the front wheel and speed up the shutter!

08-16-2012, 09:27 AM	#10
elliott Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: North Carolina Photos: Albums Posts: 1,720	Originally posted by L33tGreg I like my 602s overall but the sync speed is limited to about 1/125 or so. It really sucks if you accidently roll the front wheel and speed up the shutter! They will sync at 1/180 if you hold the button on the transmitter half way down while taking the shot, this will work with the Nikon and Canon versions. I have used a rubber band to accomplish this, but if you forget to remove it the battery will go dead. On the Nikon transmitter you can add a capacitor for a more permanent solution.

08-16-2012, 10:32 AM	#11
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285 Original Poster	Originally posted by elliott They will sync at 1/180 if you hold the button on the transmitter half way down while taking the shot, this will work with the Nikon and Canon versions. I have used a rubber band to accomplish this, but if you forget to remove it the battery will go dead. On the Nikon transmitter you can add a capacitor for a more permanent solution. Thanks. After purchasing RE-603C flash transceivers based on a glowing report here on PF and finding out that they actually do not work on Pentax cameras, I purchased a CowboyStudio NPT-04 1+2 set that has very good reviews here. I'm just getting into off camera flash and could not justify $60 for the Cactus v5s or even more for the $340 for a pair of PocketWizards. The nice part of having the 1+2 set is that my old manual flashes can also be triggered remotely thereby giving me a 2 flash setup with more options.

08-16-2012, 12:32 PM	#12
elliott Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: North Carolina Photos: Albums Posts: 1,720	Would be interesting to see exactly why they don't work, there might be a simple modification for the RF-603s to make them more universal. I think it has to do with the sensing, since either can be a transmitter or receiver, it is supposed to figure it out whether it is in a hotshoe or not. If it isn't seeing the proper signal from the hotshoe, it is thinking it is a receiver.

08-16-2012, 12:36 PM	#13
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285 Original Poster	Originally posted by elliott Would be interesting to see exactly why they don't work, there might be a simple modification for the RF-603s to make them more universal. I think it has to do with the sensing, since either can be a transmitter or receiver, it is supposed to figure it out whether it is in a hotshoe or not. If it isn't seeing the proper signal from the hotshoe, it is thinking it is a receiver. From what I have been able to find out I think you are on the right track. The alignment of the pins on the Canon are a bit off from the Pentax.

08-16-2012, 12:57 PM	#14
elliott Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: North Carolina Photos: Albums Posts: 1,720	There might be a permanent modification that will make it always think it is a transmitter. Looking at the pinout of a Canon hotshoe, I would bet it could be done by pulling the ID pin in the trigger high.

08-16-2012, 01:18 PM	#15
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285 Original Poster	Originally posted by elliott There might be a permanent modification that will make it always think it is a transmitter. Looking at the pinout of a Canon hotshoe, I would bet it could be done by pulling the ID pin in the trigger high. I'd be happy to modify one to always be the T and the other always be the R. Just mark them and use them in those roles consistently. I can't return mine and at present they will just sit and gather dust unless I sell them or give them to a Canon shooter.