Triggering a cactus trigger by wire

**bobbotron** · 11-29-2016, 08:47 PM

Hey all.

Is there a way to fire a Cactus V6 trigger via a PC cable? I tried to fire one via one my my 4x5 lenses, couldn't figure it out...

**lithedreamer** · 11-30-2016, 12:44 AM

Originally posted by bobbotron

Hey all.

Is there a way to fire a Cactus V6 trigger via a PC cable? I tried to fire one via one my my 4x5 lenses, couldn't figure it out...

I haven't, but after your question I read the manual. You could fire the trigger with another V6, or you might be able to use one of the Camera Shutter release cables they sell on their site.

Class A · 11-30-2016, 09:14 AM

Originally posted by bobbotron

Is there a way to fire a Cactus V6 trigger via a PC cable?

A cable with a PC connector at one end and a 3.5mm stereo connector at the other end should do the job.

The V5 came with such a cable included and I trust Cactus still sell them separately. Maybe you can create your own cable?

The V6 will have to be in TX mode.

What exactly did you try when you attempted to trigger the V6 with a lens? Did you use a cable of the sort I suggested?

**bobbotron** · 11-30-2016, 10:32 AM

Originally posted by Class A

A cable with a PC connector at one end and a 3.5mm stereo connector at the other end should do the job.

The V5 came with such a cable included and I trust Cactus still sell them separately. Maybe you can create your own cable?

The V6 will have to be in TX mode.

What exactly did you try when you attempted to trigger the V6 with a lens? Did you use a cable of the sort I suggested?

I'll retest when I get the chance. I believe I had it in TX mode, using cactus's cables. PC socket to 3.5 stereo. Even shorting the cable didn't seem to cause a fire event, but honestly my memory is vague, I'll try again.

**bobbotron** · 11-30-2016, 06:58 PM

So I hooked my cactus v6ii to my LF lens. Tried in both RX and TX mode, it wasn't fired. To make sure the cable was ok, I hooked the lens directly to a RF60 flash, it triggered it reliably no problem. Attached is a photo of the setup.

**lithedreamer** · 11-30-2016, 07:05 PM

Originally posted by bobbotron

So I hooked my cactus v6ii to my LF lens. Tried in both RX and TX mode, it wasn't fired. To make sure the cable was ok, I hooked the lens directly to a RF60 flash, it triggered it reliably no problem. Attached is a photo of the setup.

Hmm, not sure. I'm curious to know what you find out, though. I want to use my Cactus triggers if I ever move to 4x5.

**bobbotron** · 11-30-2016, 07:17 PM

Originally posted by lithedreamer

Hmm, not sure. I'm curious to know what you find out, though. I want to use my Cactus triggers if I ever move to 4x5.

I'll let you know! I figure I'll fall back to optical triggering if nothing else, or a hot shoe adapter or something.

I should probably upload the other photo I took of the RF60 setup to be totally clear what I tested there as well.

Attached Images

View Picture EXIF

paulster · 11-30-2016, 07:31 PM

What firmware are you on? If I recall correctly you need at least 1.1.103 for it to allow you to use the trigger port as an input trigger.

mcgregni · 11-30-2016, 07:33 PM

I'm not entirely convinced about the whole 4x5 lens plus radio trigger compatibility theory. I would have thought you'd be better with a P-TTL trigger .... perhaps the Acon one can do that, although surely with a new firmware version. Which port on the lens were you using for that cable? I think one way to check if there's a good connection would be to see if the flash head zooms when you turn the focus ring, although that functioning would only apply to the V6II.

**bobbotron** · 11-30-2016, 08:05 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by mcgregni

I'm not entirely convinced about the whole 4x5 lens plus radio trigger compatibility theory. I would have thought you'd be better with a P-TTL trigger .... perhaps the Acon one can do that, although surely with a new firmware version. Which port on the lens were you using for that cable? I think one way to check if there's a good connection would be to see if the flash head zooms when you turn the focus ring, although that functioning would only apply to the V6II.

I'm trying to fire a flash with a PC port for firing my large format lenses and spotmatics. I was using the flash port (PC Sync) on that lens, like any older leaf shutter lens. I'll probably just go to optical triggering before buying a new system.

---------- Post added 11-30-16 at 10:06 PM ----------

Originally posted by paulster

What firmware are you on? If I recall correctly you need at least 1.1.103 for it to allow you to use the trigger port as an input trigger.

That's a fine question, I'll check thanks!

mcgregni · 11-30-2016, 08:38 PM

You've educated me, that's for sure .....

I'm guessing the PC Port on the lens is to allow a flash sync beyond the cameras own one? From what I'm reading from a quick web search most Leaf shutter lenses can sync up to around 1/1600th, but without the power output drop associated with focal plane type HSS ....

**lithedreamer** · 11-30-2016, 08:47 PM

Originally posted by mcgregni

You've educated me, that's for sure .....

I'm guessing the PC Port on the lens is to allow a flash sync beyond the cameras own one? From what I'm reading from a quick web search most Leaf shutter lenses can sync up to around 1/1600th, but without the power output drop associated with focal plane type HSS ....

From what I've seen, most Copal #0 lenses only go up to 1/500s, so that's their sync speed.

**bobbotron** · 12-01-2016, 06:27 AM

Originally posted by mcgregni

You've educated me, that's for sure .....

I'm guessing the PC Port on the lens is to allow a flash sync beyond the cameras own one? From what I'm reading from a quick web search most Leaf shutter lenses can sync up to around 1/1600th, but without the power output drop associated with focal plane type HSS ....

Sorry, I probably sounded annoyed mcgregni; I thought you knew about these old style cables and it was late in the night. I was actually quite confused by your reply!

PC sync cables are an old standard, they're low profile but besides that newer stereo jacks are better (and not proprietary). Sadly, it's the standard we have to deal with, with older gear, almost everything has a pc port. My old spotmatics have a flash shoe, but it's cold, you need to run a cord from the pc sync port to the flash even if it's mounted in the flash shoe!

Yeah, my LF lenses go up to a "blazing" 1/500 or 1/400 shutter speed, depending on the lens. The apertures are not very large with those lenses, f16 or f22 is a pretty common working aperture. I'm working with 100 ISO film, and be using flash indoors, so even 1/125 will be lots to cut out ambient light.

I tried some experiments using HSS on my spotmatic - it would fire the flash, but the exposures came out blank, I'm guessing the timing is off.

---------- Post added 12-01-16 at 08:44 AM ----------

Ps: sorry for posting this mostly non-pentax Q on a pentax forum... folks here are just too knowledgeable!

**bobbotron** · 12-01-2016, 07:31 AM - **1 Like**

Success! Thanks for the tip @paulster. I updated the trigger firmware and it works great, I fired my flash via the trigger. So cool. It trigger just like it should now.

Interestingly, if I set my lens to a long shutter speed like 1/4, it will fire the flash multiple times, I guess it keeps that circuit "closed" for the duration of the exposure.

@lithedreamer, looks like it's totally possible.

mcgregni · 12-01-2016, 04:48 PM

Originally posted by bobbotron

Sorry, I probably sounded annoyed mcgregni; I thought you knew about these old style cables and it was late in the night. I was actually quite confused by your reply!

Just me having a little joke .... no I wasn't aware of the leaf shutter types with their PC Port. Very interesting to take a look at some of that old tech, and I'm glad you've got the syncing working now.

11-29-2016, 08:47 PM	#1
bobbotron Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Ottawa, ON Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,349	Triggering a cactus trigger by wire Hey all. Is there a way to fire a Cactus V6 trigger via a PC cable? I tried to fire one via one my my 4x5 lenses, couldn't figure it out...

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11-30-2016, 12:44 AM	#2
lithedreamer Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,799	Originally posted by bobbotron Hey all. Is there a way to fire a Cactus V6 trigger via a PC cable? I tried to fire one via one my my 4x5 lenses, couldn't figure it out... I haven't, but after your question I read the manual. You could fire the trigger with another V6, or you might be able to use one of the Camera Shutter release cables they sell on their site.

11-30-2016, 09:14 AM	#3
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251	Originally posted by bobbotron Is there a way to fire a Cactus V6 trigger via a PC cable? A cable with a PC connector at one end and a 3.5mm stereo connector at the other end should do the job. The V5 came with such a cable included and I trust Cactus still sell them separately. Maybe you can create your own cable? The V6 will have to be in TX mode. What exactly did you try when you attempted to trigger the V6 with a lens? Did you use a cable of the sort I suggested?

11-30-2016, 10:32 AM	#4
bobbotron Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Ottawa, ON Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,349 Original Poster	Originally posted by Class A A cable with a PC connector at one end and a 3.5mm stereo connector at the other end should do the job. The V5 came with such a cable included and I trust Cactus still sell them separately. Maybe you can create your own cable? The V6 will have to be in TX mode. What exactly did you try when you attempted to trigger the V6 with a lens? Did you use a cable of the sort I suggested? I'll retest when I get the chance. I believe I had it in TX mode, using cactus's cables. PC socket to 3.5 stereo. Even shorting the cable didn't seem to cause a fire event, but honestly my memory is vague, I'll try again.

11-30-2016, 07:05 PM	#6
lithedreamer Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,799	Originally posted by bobbotron So I hooked my cactus v6ii to my LF lens. Tried in both RX and TX mode, it wasn't fired. To make sure the cable was ok, I hooked the lens directly to a RF60 flash, it triggered it reliably no problem. Attached is a photo of the setup. Hmm, not sure. I'm curious to know what you find out, though. I want to use my Cactus triggers if I ever move to 4x5.

11-30-2016, 07:31 PM	#8
paulster Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 159	What firmware are you on? If I recall correctly you need at least 1.1.103 for it to allow you to use the trigger port as an input trigger.

11-30-2016, 07:33 PM	#9
mcgregni Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Surrey, England Posts: 2,603	I'm not entirely convinced about the whole 4x5 lens plus radio trigger compatibility theory. I would have thought you'd be better with a P-TTL trigger .... perhaps the Acon one can do that, although surely with a new firmware version. Which port on the lens were you using for that cable? I think one way to check if there's a good connection would be to see if the flash head zooms when you turn the focus ring, although that functioning would only apply to the V6II.

11-30-2016, 08:05 PM - 1 Like	#10
bobbotron Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Ottawa, ON Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,349 Original Poster	Originally posted by mcgregni I'm not entirely convinced about the whole 4x5 lens plus radio trigger compatibility theory. I would have thought you'd be better with a P-TTL trigger .... perhaps the Acon one can do that, although surely with a new firmware version. Which port on the lens were you using for that cable? I think one way to check if there's a good connection would be to see if the flash head zooms when you turn the focus ring, although that functioning would only apply to the V6II. I'm trying to fire a flash with a PC port for firing my large format lenses and spotmatics. I was using the flash port (PC Sync) on that lens, like any older leaf shutter lens. I'll probably just go to optical triggering before buying a new system. ---------- Post added 11-30-16 at 10:06 PM ---------- Originally posted by paulster What firmware are you on? If I recall correctly you need at least 1.1.103 for it to allow you to use the trigger port as an input trigger. That's a fine question, I'll check thanks!

11-30-2016, 08:38 PM	#11
mcgregni Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Surrey, England Posts: 2,603	You've educated me, that's for sure ..... I'm guessing the PC Port on the lens is to allow a flash sync beyond the cameras own one? From what I'm reading from a quick web search most Leaf shutter lenses can sync up to around 1/1600th, but without the power output drop associated with focal plane type HSS ....

11-30-2016, 08:47 PM	#12
lithedreamer Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,799	Originally posted by mcgregni You've educated me, that's for sure ..... I'm guessing the PC Port on the lens is to allow a flash sync beyond the cameras own one? From what I'm reading from a quick web search most Leaf shutter lenses can sync up to around 1/1600th, but without the power output drop associated with focal plane type HSS .... From what I've seen, most Copal #0 lenses only go up to 1/500s, so that's their sync speed.

12-01-2016, 06:27 AM	#13
bobbotron Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Ottawa, ON Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,349 Original Poster	Originally posted by mcgregni You've educated me, that's for sure ..... I'm guessing the PC Port on the lens is to allow a flash sync beyond the cameras own one? From what I'm reading from a quick web search most Leaf shutter lenses can sync up to around 1/1600th, but without the power output drop associated with focal plane type HSS .... Sorry, I probably sounded annoyed mcgregni; I thought you knew about these old style cables and it was late in the night. I was actually quite confused by your reply! PC sync cables are an old standard, they're low profile but besides that newer stereo jacks are better (and not proprietary). Sadly, it's the standard we have to deal with, with older gear, almost everything has a pc port. My old spotmatics have a flash shoe, but it's cold, you need to run a cord from the pc sync port to the flash even if it's mounted in the flash shoe! Yeah, my LF lenses go up to a "blazing" 1/500 or 1/400 shutter speed, depending on the lens. The apertures are not very large with those lenses, f16 or f22 is a pretty common working aperture. I'm working with 100 ISO film, and be using flash indoors, so even 1/125 will be lots to cut out ambient light. I tried some experiments using HSS on my spotmatic - it would fire the flash, but the exposures came out blank, I'm guessing the timing is off. ---------- Post added 12-01-16 at 08:44 AM ---------- Ps: sorry for posting this mostly non-pentax Q on a pentax forum... folks here are just too knowledgeable!

12-01-2016, 07:31 AM - 1 Like	#14
bobbotron Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Ottawa, ON Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,349 Original Poster	Success! Thanks for the tip @paulster. I updated the trigger firmware and it works great, I fired my flash via the trigger. So cool. It trigger just like it should now. Interestingly, if I set my lens to a long shutter speed like 1/4, it will fire the flash multiple times, I guess it keeps that circuit "closed" for the duration of the exposure. @lithedreamer, looks like it's totally possible.

12-01-2016, 04:48 PM	#15
mcgregni Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Surrey, England Posts: 2,603	Originally posted by bobbotron Sorry, I probably sounded annoyed mcgregni; I thought you knew about these old style cables and it was late in the night. I was actually quite confused by your reply! Just me having a little joke .... no I wasn't aware of the leaf shutter types with their PC Port. Very interesting to take a look at some of that old tech, and I'm glad you've got the syncing working now.