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)

• Nikon SB-25
• Nikon SB-26
• Nikon SB-28DX
• Nikon SB-80DX

• 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.

[Obin Robinson]

I tried an older firmware version and it did not work either. For what it's worth I am getting this message with a brand new Metz 64AF-1 that I purchased as well. This message pops up regardless of the firmware version on either the Metz flash or the Cactus V6. When I use the Pentax Metz 64AF-1 profile on the Cactus V6 I can't control the power output using the Cactus V6. All I can do is simply trigger the flash and control the output manually on the back of the flash.

Any idea as to what's going on?

obin

[Class A]

I tried an older firmware version and it did not work either.

Too bad.

The only explanation I have left is that Metz removed analogue TTL support with their latest firmware update. Or, of course, the V6 unit you have been attaching to the flash could be defective. Have you tried swapping your V6 units?

For what it's worth I am getting this message with a brand new Metz 64AF-1 that I purchased as well.

The source of the problem could be the same as above.

Note that the Metz 64 AF-1 was not supported by all but the very latest firmware. I noticed that even in the latest firmware there is no "P" against the "Metz 64 AF-1" profile while there is against all other Metz (for Pentax) profiles.

I don't have that flash model so I can't test the profile, but the missing "P" might be worth asking Cactus about.

[Class A]

BTW, when you start profiling, do you see two flashes of different intensity being emitted?

If not, that means the V6 cannot control the power level of the attached flash.

If you do, you need to make sure that you are following the instructions regarding the reflective surface. If the V6 sensor does not see any bounce back from the flashes, it will just state "flash not supported" instead of "no light sensed" or similar.

[nono]

Hello,

I'm still around, still have my V6es (did not upgrade anything ever) and Metz 48 AF-1 (latest firmware, K-1 compatible), and it looks like the V6es can no longer control the power of the 48. I guess they (Metz) broke analogue TTL in the latest firmware.

[Class A]

I guess they (Metz) broke analogue TTL in the latest firmware.

Definitely looks like it.

Thanks a lot for helping to solve the puzzle.

[Obin Robinson]

Thanks for solving that mystery! I thought I was doing something wrong. My "solution" is that I'm just going to buy the RF60s and possibly sell the Metz 48 AF-1. It works great otherwise.

obin

[Obin Robinson]

I just returned from my first shoot using the Cactus V6 and I have to say that I am a bit disappointed with the performance. Here's what happened and I'm really hoping it is just a user error or something obvious I am overlooking:

1) I set up a remote flash with my Canon Metz 58AF-1. This is a flash which the Cactus V6 is designed to work with.
2) I had the master on top of my Pentax K-1. I tested the flashes and pressing the button on the master Cactus V6 would trigger the remote flash every time. I figured I was good to go.
3) I would click the shutter and the remote flash would fire. Once. That's it. Every follow up shot would not work.
4) I could manually fire the flash from the master on the K-1 and it would work. If I clicked the shutter again the flash would NOT fire.
5) After 5 minutes or so the remote flash would fire after clicking the shutter. Of course follow up shots would not work.

What the heck is going on here? Why will the flash fire once and then it won't fire again for another time when I click the shutter? No settings were changed at all on the flash or the camera. EVERYTHING is running the latest firmware: camera, Cactus, and Metz flashes.

Is this a Metz problem? Is it a Pentax problem? Is it a Cactus problem? Why will the flash only fire once and then not again? For what it's worth I am going to try everything using my Canon 60D and see if the problem pops up.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

obin

[Class A]

Is this a Metz problem? Is it a Pentax problem? Is it a Cactus problem?

I can't say, but I do know that I've never experienced anything like this and also have never heard of any other V6 user experiencing this.

I don't have any experience using the latest V6 firmware (V2.1.001), though. The latter was released to make the V6 compatible with the V6II. Could you try downgrading the firmware on your V6 to version 1.1.019 and see whether that makes a difference?

Make sure you change the firmware on both V6 units.

P.S.: One general tip: Set the "WORK RANGE" to "SHORT" unless you are working with large distances to your off-camera flashes. Sometimes the transmitter being too close to the receiver can affect the radio communication if the "WORK RANGE" is set to "LONG". It does not look like that you are suffering from a radio communication breakdown, but it is good to rule out this potential error source.

P.P.S: Did you make sure that your shutter speed did not exceed the sync-speed? The K-1 allows the sync-speed to be configured (up to 1/200s) and your shutter speed must never exceed the set value, otherwise the camera stops generating a trigger signal on the hot-shoe.

[Obin Robinson]

I think I had the range set to "long" and that may have caused an issue. I should note that I put the flash in manual mode and it worked fine but I just can't adjust the level at all even though there is a profile in the Cactus V6.

I'll test a few different other scenarios. I eventually would like to set some RF60s or monolights but before I do that I want to make sure I have the simple problems ironed out.

obin

[Class A]

I should note that I put the flash in manual mode and it worked fine but I just can't adjust the level at all even though there is a profile in the Cactus V6.

For the remote power level control to work, the flash needs to be in TTL mode.

When choosing the flash profile on the V6 to which the Metz 58AF-1 is mounted to select "Canon" first (as your flash is for "Canon", not for "Pentax", right?) and then "Metz 58 AF-1".

Turn the flash on first and set it to TTL. Then turn on the V6 in Rx mode. Leave the flash mode like that and you'll be able to change power levels.

[Obin Robinson]

For the remote power level control to work, the flash needs to be in TTL mode.

When choosing the flash profile on the V6 to which the Metz 58AF-1 is mounted to select "Canon" first (as your flash is for "Canon", not for "Pentax", right?) and then "Metz 58 AF-1".

Turn the flash on first and set it to TTL. Then turn on the V6 in Rx mode. Leave the flash mode like that and you'll be able to change power levels.

I did exactly that and that's when the flash would only fire once and then not fire again for several minutes. It will flash when I press the button on the Cactus V6 master. My K1 was set to 1/100 second and F8 aperture. In TTL mode it's not working right but in Manual mode it will fire but I have to manually control the level.

obin

[Class A]

I did exactly that and that's when the flash would only fire once and then not fire again for several minutes.

Have you tried V1.1.019 on both V6 units?

If you still have problems then I promise I'll check with my K-1 and V6 units whether they still work with my 58 AF-2. I never had issues with the K-5 II and the V6 plus the 58 AF-2 but

1. that was before I upgraded the firmware on my 58 AF-2 to the very latest V5.0 firmware version, and
2. the K-1 may behave differently compared to the K-5 II.

I'm very busy right now, otherwise I'd just do the test anyhow. However, if you are stuck even with V1.1.019 then I'll try to confirm that the K-1 and V6 can at least work with a Metz 58 AF-2 for Pentax (with the latest V5.0 firmware for the Metz).

It could still be possible that Metz broke something with a firmware update on the Metz 58 AF-1 for Canon with respect to analogue TTL (remember, they removed analogue TTL completely for the 48 AF-1) but at least, if my test is successful, we can rule out the K-1 and V6 transmitter as problem sources.

[chrisca70]

Hello guys,

I am planning to buy a flash set up for my camera Pentax K-5IIs. I plan on using 3 off-camera flashes triggered wirelessly from the camera using the V6.

A very cheap and solid flash is the canon 430EZ. However this flash goes to sleep mode after 1.5 min, Do you know if the V6 signal will be able to wake up the 430ez flashes off camera?

[Class A]

Do you know if the V6 signal will be able to wake up the 430ez flashes off camera?

I'm pretty sure the V6 is unable to wake up flashes.

I'd choose a flash model that allows the sleep mode to be disabled. Also, while older flashes like from the Canon EZ series are OK in principle and may be available for low prices, bear in mind that back then flashes had significantly longer recycling times. Modern flashes need about 3s to recycle after a full power flash while the 540 EZ needs 6-7s, IIRC. Considering that you'd need one V6 for each off-camera flash, you may want to check whether buying RF60s as off-camera flashes is not a viable alternative (and would give you more options, such as HSS, if you ever decide to go for a V6II as a transmitter).

[acoufap]

Hello guys,

I am planning to buy a flash set up for my camera Pentax K-5IIs. I plan on using 3 off-camera flashes triggered wirelessly from the camera using the V6.

A very cheap and solid flash is the canon 430EZ. However this flash goes to sleep mode after 1.5 min, Do you know if the V6 signal will be able to wake up the 430ez flashes off camera?

I also own a 430EZ. Did a short test using two V6 with flash set to TTL. Fired the flash remotely via camera / V6 and waited more than 5 minutes. I don't know if the 430EZ really fell asleep because the indicator still showed red. I can say that further camera triggering triggered the flash remotely. So no problem with 430EZ after the 90 seconds. Maybe the V6 doesn't let it sleep