Cactus V6 Flash Compatibility -- Profiling Successes and Failures

Class A · 08:34 AM

If you have successfully profiled a TTL flash with the V6, please post about it here.

Information whether remote control of power levels is working is welcome for all flash systems supported (Canon, Nikon, and Pentax) and any flash brand.

If you attempted to profile a flash and it did not work, please post about it here as well. Preferably, elaborate what the hurdle was (e.g., did not test as compatible, did not recycle quickly enough, ...).

I'll updated this first post regularly so that it will stay a summary of the experiences. Hence it will be easy to see which flash models are the awkward ones that refuse to play with the V6. I cannot image there will be many models that won't work, but let's see.

Compatible: (in addition to the predefined profiles; see the review for the original list of predefined profiles)

Canon 420 EX (cannot be profiled, but works with the 430EX* profile)
Canon 430 EZ
Canon 550 EX

Metz 36 AF-4 (for Pentax)
Metz 45CL-4 (analogue version, using the SCA 3000 C cable and the 3702 Pentax module); jury is still out w.r.t. accuracy; using the (strictly speaking wrong) predefined Metz 58 AF-2 profile works in any event, with some level of accuracy.
Metz 45 Digital (with sca 3102m3)
Metz 48 AF-1 (for Pentax)
Metz 54mz3 (with sca3402M6 or sca3102M3 or sca3702M; the switch on the sca3402M6 needs to be set to "off")
Metz 58 AF-1 (for Pentax)

Pentax AF200T
(the respective profile may also be used for the AF280T which on its own does not support profiling due to the lack of a sufficient number of manual levels.)

Pixel X-650 GN60 TTL (for Canon)

Quantum Qflash T & T2 (with QF-13N TTL cord)

Vivitar DF-383 (for Pentax)

Don't Work:

Metz 52 AF-1 (for Pentax and for Nikon): The "for Canon" version is supported, probably through digital communication; this may mean that if the Pentax FGZ II series is ever supported, that the Metz 52 AF-1 will be too.
Nissin Di622 (for Nikon)
Nissin i40 (for Nikon and Canon)
Olympus FL600T and Olympus FL300R
EDIT ~~Pentax FGZ II models:~~ The FGZ II models are supported, starting with firmware V1.1.008.
Pentax AF-500 FTZ
Phottix Mitros (for Nikon) [the "for Canon" version is supported]
Sigma EF-610 DG Super (for Pentax)
Centon FG105D (for Pentax): This flash features analogue TTL but requires communication with the camera. It cannot even be fired by a simple trigger like the Cactus V5 or on another non-Pentax camera.

**maxfield_photo** · 12-06-2014, 08:38 AM

The Metz 64 AF-1 seems to have a light meter on the front, which would indicate that it contains thyristor (or IGBT) quench circuitry. The Cactus V6 should work just fine if this is the case.

GeneV · 12-06-2014, 11:52 AM

Is that different from the 52 AF-1? I have only seen photos of the 52 (I own the 64), but they look very similar and are both the newest generation of Metz flashes.

Class A · 12-06-2014, 01:52 PM

Originally posted by GeneV

I'm assuming that since the Metz 52AF-1 Pentax did not work, the Metz 64 AF Pentax is probably a no-go, but has anyone tried this combo?

Most Metz models seem to work with the V6, the 52 AF-1 seems to be an exception.

Whether a flash for the Pentax system will cooperate depends on whether it supports traditional TTL. The information on the 64 AF-1 is a bit contradictory. On the one hand traditional TTL is said to be supported but the supported modes only show digital modes.

For other systems, the V6 also supports digital protocols and then it depends on the implementation of the digital protocol of the flash whether it will be supported digitally.

GeneV · 12-11-2014, 08:06 PM

Originally posted by Class A

Most Metz models seem to work with the V6, the 52 AF-1 seems to be an exception.

Whether a flash for the Pentax system will cooperate depends on whether it supports traditional TTL. The information on the 64 AF-1 is a bit contradictory. On the one hand traditional TTL is said to be supported but the supported modes only show digital modes.

For other systems, the V6 also supports digital protocols and then it depends on the implementation of the digital protocol of the flash whether it will be supported digitally.

In theory, perhaps, but has anyone tried it?

Class A · 03-15-2015, 06:24 PM

Originally posted by GeneV

In theory, perhaps, but has anyone tried it?

Cactus stated the Metz 64 AF-1 is not supported.

However, given that the Pentax FGZ II models were initially thought to be not supported either but turned out to support analogue TTL after all, I'd say the verdict on the Metz 64 AF-1 is not complete, unless someone tried to profile it with a V6.

glee46 · 06-25-2015, 12:53 AM

It's been @ 3 months since anyone has said anything about it working with the V6. Anyone get it to work?

Class A · 09-23-2015, 10:08 PM

The Pentax AF200T has been successfully profiled and the respective profile may also be used for the AF280T (which on its own does not support profiling due to the lack of a sufficient number of manual levels).

Last edited by Class A; 09-30-2015 at 10:42 AM.

simon6z · 10-22-2015, 11:46 PM

Sorry to disturb folks, I am holding a K3 and I tried to sync the cactus v6 with my metz 58 2 but to no avail but..... on bulb mode it does fire when I click shutter! Any help on this problem for me?

Class A · 10-23-2015, 12:36 AM

Originally posted by simon6z

Sorry to disturb folks, I am holding a K3 and I tried to sync the cactus v6 with my metz 58 2 but to no avail but..... on bulb mode it does fire when I click shutter!

You might be over the sync-speed (1/180s) with your shutter speed in other modes.

Pentax cameras do not generate a regular trigger signal anymore once the shutter speed exceeds 1/180s.

simon6z · 10-23-2015, 02:44 AM

so what do I do next?How to make it work again? I set it on relay mode is ok other than that none works

Class A · 10-23-2015, 04:30 AM

Originally posted by simon6z

I set it on relay mode is ok other than that none works

Don't use relay mode unless you have at least three V6 and want to remote release a camera while using off-camera flash.

I suggest to do a factory reset of the V6 and use M mode or Tv mode so that you can set the shutter speed to something fixed below or equal to 1/180s. Then you'll be able to trigger the flash every time.

N.B.: Also make sure the transmitter (on the camera) is not too close to the receiver (unless you activate the "SHORT" work range in the sub-menu of the V6 transmitter). With the standard "LONG" range setting, too close a distance between transmitter and receiver may lead to radio signal overload and hence stop the receiver from receiving proper signals.

simon6z · 10-23-2015, 04:53 AM

Originally posted by Class A

Don't use relay mode unless you have at least three V6 and want to remote release a camera while using off-camera flash.

I suggest to do a factory reset of the V6 and use M mode or Tv mode so that you can set the shutter speed to something fixed below or equal to 1/180s. Then you'll be able to trigger the flash every time.

N.B.: Also make sure the transmitter (on the camera) is not too close to the receiver (unless you activate the "SHORT" work range in the sub-menu of the V6 transmitter). With the standard "LONG" range setting, too close a distance between transmitter and receiver may lead to radio signal overload and hence stop the receiver from receiving proper signals.

yes thank you sir it fires and sync in properly now! Thanks alot

Class A · 10-23-2015, 04:54 AM

Originally posted by simon6z

yes thank you sir it fires and sync in properly now! Thanks alot

Awesome!

Glad I could help.

simon6z · 10-23-2015, 05:13 AM

Originally posted by Class A

Awesome!

Glad I could help.

oh yes one more thing that I wanna find out is that the wireless shutter trigger, do I need a normal 3.5mm audio cable to plug into cactus v6 and my k3 or some special 3.5mm cable? Thanks in advanced

Class A · 10-23-2015, 06:34 AM

Originally posted by simon6z

...do I need a normal 3.5mm audio cable to plug into cactus v6 and my k3 or some special 3.5mm cable?

A standard stereo 3.5mm male to 2.5mm male audio adapter cable will work as a shutter release cable for Pentax cameras.

Have a look at my Cactus V6 review for answers to this and many more questions.

Class A
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06-25-2015, 12:53 AM	#51
glee46 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: North of San Francisco, California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 598	Any Luck with Metz 64 AF-1 It's been @ 3 months since anyone has said anything about it working with the V6. Anyone get it to work?

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12-06-2014, 08:38 AM	#46
maxfield_photo Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 1,216	The Metz 64 AF-1 seems to have a light meter on the front, which would indicate that it contains thyristor (or IGBT) quench circuitry. The Cactus V6 should work just fine if this is the case.

12-06-2014, 11:52 AM	#47
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	Is that different from the 52 AF-1? I have only seen photos of the 52 (I own the 64), but they look very similar and are both the newest generation of Metz flashes.

12-06-2014, 01:52 PM	#48
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251 Original Poster	Originally posted by GeneV I'm assuming that since the Metz 52AF-1 Pentax did not work, the Metz 64 AF Pentax is probably a no-go, but has anyone tried this combo? Most Metz models seem to work with the V6, the 52 AF-1 seems to be an exception. Whether a flash for the Pentax system will cooperate depends on whether it supports traditional TTL. The information on the 64 AF-1 is a bit contradictory. On the one hand traditional TTL is said to be supported but the supported modes only show digital modes. For other systems, the V6 also supports digital protocols and then it depends on the implementation of the digital protocol of the flash whether it will be supported digitally.

12-11-2014, 08:06 PM	#49
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	Originally posted by Class A Most Metz models seem to work with the V6, the 52 AF-1 seems to be an exception. Whether a flash for the Pentax system will cooperate depends on whether it supports traditional TTL. The information on the 64 AF-1 is a bit contradictory. On the one hand traditional TTL is said to be supported but the supported modes only show digital modes. For other systems, the V6 also supports digital protocols and then it depends on the implementation of the digital protocol of the flash whether it will be supported digitally. In theory, perhaps, but has anyone tried it?

03-15-2015, 06:24 PM	#50
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251 Original Poster	Originally posted by GeneV In theory, perhaps, but has anyone tried it? Cactus stated the Metz 64 AF-1 is not supported. However, given that the Pentax FGZ II models were initially thought to be not supported either but turned out to support analogue TTL after all, I'd say the verdict on the Metz 64 AF-1 is not complete, unless someone tried to profile it with a V6.

09-23-2015, 10:08 PM	#52
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251 Original Poster	The Pentax AF200T has been successfully profiled and the respective profile may also be used for the AF280T (which on its own does not support profiling due to the lack of a sufficient number of manual levels). Last edited by Class A; 09-30-2015 at 10:42 AM.

10-22-2015, 11:46 PM	#53
simon6z Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 84	Sorry to disturb folks, I am holding a K3 and I tried to sync the cactus v6 with my metz 58 2 but to no avail but..... on bulb mode it does fire when I click shutter! Any help on this problem for me?

10-23-2015, 12:36 AM	#54
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251 Original Poster	Originally posted by simon6z Sorry to disturb folks, I am holding a K3 and I tried to sync the cactus v6 with my metz 58 2 but to no avail but..... on bulb mode it does fire when I click shutter! You might be over the sync-speed (1/180s) with your shutter speed in other modes. Pentax cameras do not generate a regular trigger signal anymore once the shutter speed exceeds 1/180s.

10-23-2015, 02:44 AM	#55
simon6z Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 84	so what do I do next?How to make it work again? I set it on relay mode is ok other than that none works

10-23-2015, 04:30 AM	#56
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251 Original Poster	Originally posted by simon6z I set it on relay mode is ok other than that none works Don't use relay mode unless you have at least three V6 and want to remote release a camera while using off-camera flash. I suggest to do a factory reset of the V6 and use M mode or Tv mode so that you can set the shutter speed to something fixed below or equal to 1/180s. Then you'll be able to trigger the flash every time. N.B.: Also make sure the transmitter (on the camera) is not too close to the receiver (unless you activate the "SHORT" work range in the sub-menu of the V6 transmitter). With the standard "LONG" range setting, too close a distance between transmitter and receiver may lead to radio signal overload and hence stop the receiver from receiving proper signals.

10-23-2015, 04:53 AM	#57
simon6z Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 84	Originally posted by Class A Don't use relay mode unless you have at least three V6 and want to remote release a camera while using off-camera flash. I suggest to do a factory reset of the V6 and use M mode or Tv mode so that you can set the shutter speed to something fixed below or equal to 1/180s. Then you'll be able to trigger the flash every time. N.B.: Also make sure the transmitter (on the camera) is not too close to the receiver (unless you activate the "SHORT" work range in the sub-menu of the V6 transmitter). With the standard "LONG" range setting, too close a distance between transmitter and receiver may lead to radio signal overload and hence stop the receiver from receiving proper signals. yes thank you sir it fires and sync in properly now! Thanks alot

10-23-2015, 04:54 AM	#58
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251 Original Poster	Originally posted by simon6z yes thank you sir it fires and sync in properly now! Thanks alot Awesome! Glad I could help.

10-23-2015, 05:13 AM	#59
simon6z Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 84	Originally posted by Class A Awesome! Glad I could help. oh yes one more thing that I wanna find out is that the wireless shutter trigger, do I need a normal 3.5mm audio cable to plug into cactus v6 and my k3 or some special 3.5mm cable? Thanks in advanced

10-23-2015, 06:34 AM	#60
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251 Original Poster	Originally posted by simon6z ...do I need a normal 3.5mm audio cable to plug into cactus v6 and my k3 or some special 3.5mm cable? A standard stereo 3.5mm male to 2.5mm male audio adapter cable will work as a shutter release cable for Pentax cameras. Have a look at my Cactus V6 review for answers to this and many more questions.