RF-602 Wireless FLash Triggers

alohadave · 08-28-2009, 09:47 AM

I just got done testing systemA's triggers, and had the same problem on my K100D Super. It worked fine at 1/125 (didn't test 1/160, but from the size of the blockage, it should be fine).

We tested his Vivitar 285, my Sunpak Auto 26SR, on both his camera (K10D), and my camera.

So, either his transmitter is faulty, or there is a general problem with Pentax cameras with this model.

kenyee · 08-28-2009, 12:16 PM

alohadave: I've got a set coming from dealextreme in the next week or so. Will let you know how mine fare. I've got V2s triggers that work fine at 1/180th w/ my K10D/K20D too. You're probably 20min away from me, so we could meet up for some testing if you'd like.

systemA · 08-28-2009, 01:47 PM

Yep, from another post I've read, another Pentax user also had caught the shutter at 1/180th. I'm inclined to say that these initial batch of triggers may only be usable (without cropping) on Pentax dSLRs.

Thanks to Dave for helping me test the triggers! Hopefully we can get some more trials and results from other users here and find a definite answer

Russell-Evans · 08-29-2009, 12:08 AM

Originally posted by alohadave

I just got done testing systemA's triggers, and had the same problem on my K100D Super. It worked fine at 1/125 (didn't test 1/160, but from the size of the blockage, it should be fine).

1/160 doesn't work, there is still a band of dark at the bottom of the photo. I don't have to do any PP to see the issue at 1/160 or 1/180.

Thank you
Russell

EricT · 08-31-2009, 12:20 AM

Originally posted by Russell-Evans

With all new batteries, only 1/125 sync possible with the RF-602 on the K10D and K20D. Metz 48 AF-1, Pentax 360FGZ, and Promaster Nikon 7000M tested. I also have a set of the PT-04M, note the M, and all flashes sync at 1/180 without issue on both bodies.

Thank you
Russell

That's too bad. I'll test mine when they arrive to see if I have the same problem, and post my results here.

WheresWaldo · 08-31-2009, 07:30 AM

This makes me glad I have the CTR-301P instead. Although I did order one set (mainly for the radio remote) from DealExtreme as it was $10 cheaper than eBay.

Russell-Evans · 08-31-2009, 02:40 PM

I tried the mod of wiring the negative of the battery pack to the shoe. It didn't help. This can only sync at 1/125. (edit fixed typo)

Thank you
Russell

Last edited by Russell-Evans; 08-31-2009 at 08:33 PM.

WheresWaldo · 08-31-2009, 07:44 PM

Originally posted by Russell-Evans

I tried the mod of wiring the negative of the battery pack to the shoe. It didn't help. This can only sync at 1/250.

Thank you
Russell

Russ,

What are you trying to say as the sync speed of Pentax is 1/180" not 1/250".

Russell-Evans · 08-31-2009, 08:32 PM

Originally posted by WheresWaldo

Russ,

What are you trying to say as the sync speed of Pentax is 1/180" not 1/250".

typo 1/125.

Thank you
Russell

WheresWaldo · 08-31-2009, 08:53 PM

Originally posted by Russell-Evans

typo 1/125.

Thank you
Russell

OK understood, but the mod is for the CTR-301 not the CTR-301P. I just tested my 301P again and it works fine at 1/180".

Don't know how you will be able to use the RF-602 if it won't sync to 1/180" I only bought one pair and bought it to use specifically as a wireless 2.4Ghz remote so I am not tied by the wired remote or the line of sight or distance restrictions of the IR remote.

Russell-Evans · 08-31-2009, 09:21 PM

Originally posted by WheresWaldo

OK understood, but the mod is for the CTR-301 not the CTR-301P. I just tested my 301P again and it works fine at 1/180".

Don't know how you will be able to use the RF-602 if it won't sync to 1/180" I only bought one pair and bought it to use specifically as a wireless 2.4Ghz remote so I am not tied by the wired remote or the line of sight or distance restrictions of the IR remote.

The mod goes back to the original Cactus triggers. It just gets "reinvented" for every version with an issue with sync by different people.

The RF-602 set works at 1/125 and below, so it's not unusable, just not optimal. If I need the range it's there. if I need the remote shutter, it's there. If I need 1/180, I have a set of PT-04 TM Is and PT-04 TM IIs that work very well for me.

I bought the RF-602 to try to resolve use with a pair of Pentax AF 360FGZ flashes that power off after 3 minutes. The RF-602 can't wake the flashes or keep them from powering down. This is the larger failure of the RF-602s as far as I'm concerned.

Would I recommend the RF-602 for a Pentax camera like you did, no.

Thank you
Russell

K-9 · 09-01-2009, 08:07 AM

I have a 500FTZ. Does anyone know if the RF-602, CRT-301, or CRT-301p will work with my flash? I also have a few older Vivitar Thrystors.

systemA · 09-02-2009, 10:26 PM

First couple of times I tested 1/160, it was OK. Now it fluctuates - I do get banding sometimes so I will stick for 1/125th.

**cheekygeek** · 09-03-2009, 12:06 PM

Forgive my ignorance, but I'm an old-skool film shooter who is just getting up to speed with these new-fangled

DSLRs and flashes.

Do I understand this correctly? The RF-602 work fine on the Pentax but only if you sync at 1/125th and not the usual 1/180th? If so, I'm not understanding why is this a big negative? (But I'm still learning to use my K200D and don't have a flash for it yet.) I have an old Bowens Monolight and would like to plug a receiver into it and then use it to fire my Novatron optical slave. (Told you I'm old skool).

Will this work?

(I'm also planning on getting a Metz 48-AF1 for on camera flash in the near future.)

alohadave · 09-03-2009, 01:03 PM

Originally posted by cheekygeek

Forgive my ignorance, but I'm an old-skool film shooter who is just getting up to speed with these new-fangled

DSLRs and flashes.

Do I understand this correctly? The RF-602 work fine on the Pentax but only if you sync at 1/125th and not the usual 1/180th? If so, I'm not understanding why is this a big negative? (But I'm still learning to use my K200D and don't have a flash for it yet.) I have an old Bowens Monolight and would like to plug a receiver into it and then use it to fire my Novatron optical slave. (Told you I'm old skool).

Will this work?

(I'm also planning on getting a Metz 48-AF1 for on camera flash in the near future.)

It depends on where you are shooting. 1/180th is 1/2 a stop faster than 1/125. When you are shooting outdoors and need to restrict the ambient as much as possible just to balance with the flash, every little bit helps. Indoors, it's not as critical, but it's an extra 1/2 stop of ambient light that you have to expose for.

08-31-2009, 09:21 PM	#41
Russell-Evans Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 1,553	Originally posted by WheresWaldo OK understood, but the mod is for the CTR-301 not the CTR-301P. I just tested my 301P again and it works fine at 1/180". Don't know how you will be able to use the RF-602 if it won't sync to 1/180" I only bought one pair and bought it to use specifically as a wireless 2.4Ghz remote so I am not tied by the wired remote or the line of sight or distance restrictions of the IR remote. The mod goes back to the original Cactus triggers. It just gets "reinvented" for every version with an issue with sync by different people. The RF-602 set works at 1/125 and below, so it's not unusable, just not optimal. If I need the range it's there. if I need the remote shutter, it's there. If I need 1/180, I have a set of PT-04 TM Is and PT-04 TM IIs that work very well for me. I bought the RF-602 to try to resolve use with a pair of Pentax AF 360FGZ flashes that power off after 3 minutes. The RF-602 can't wake the flashes or keep them from powering down. This is the larger failure of the RF-602s as far as I'm concerned. Would I recommend the RF-602 for a Pentax camera like you did, no. Thank you Russell Last edited by Russell-Evans; 08-31-2009 at 09:27 PM.

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08-28-2009, 09:47 AM	#31
alohadave Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Quincy, MA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,024	I just got done testing systemA's triggers, and had the same problem on my K100D Super. It worked fine at 1/125 (didn't test 1/160, but from the size of the blockage, it should be fine). We tested his Vivitar 285, my Sunpak Auto 26SR, on both his camera (K10D), and my camera. So, either his transmitter is faulty, or there is a general problem with Pentax cameras with this model.

08-28-2009, 12:16 PM	#32
kenyee Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Boston, PRofMA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,026	alohadave: I've got a set coming from dealextreme in the next week or so. Will let you know how mine fare. I've got V2s triggers that work fine at 1/180th w/ my K10D/K20D too. You're probably 20min away from me, so we could meet up for some testing if you'd like.

08-28-2009, 01:47 PM	#33
systemA Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: New York, NY Posts: 385 Original Poster	Yep, from another post I've read, another Pentax user also had caught the shutter at 1/180th. I'm inclined to say that these initial batch of triggers may only be usable (without cropping) on Pentax dSLRs. Thanks to Dave for helping me test the triggers! Hopefully we can get some more trials and results from other users here and find a definite answer

08-29-2009, 12:08 AM	#34
Russell-Evans Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 1,553	Originally posted by alohadave I just got done testing systemA's triggers, and had the same problem on my K100D Super. It worked fine at 1/125 (didn't test 1/160, but from the size of the blockage, it should be fine). 1/160 doesn't work, there is still a band of dark at the bottom of the photo. I don't have to do any PP to see the issue at 1/160 or 1/180. Thank you Russell

08-31-2009, 12:20 AM	#35
EricT Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 484	Originally posted by Russell-Evans With all new batteries, only 1/125 sync possible with the RF-602 on the K10D and K20D. Metz 48 AF-1, Pentax 360FGZ, and Promaster Nikon 7000M tested. I also have a set of the PT-04M, note the M, and all flashes sync at 1/180 without issue on both bodies. Thank you Russell That's too bad. I'll test mine when they arrive to see if I have the same problem, and post my results here.

08-31-2009, 07:30 AM	#36
WheresWaldo Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: North Carolina Photos: Gallery Posts: 498	This makes me glad I have the CTR-301P instead. Although I did order one set (mainly for the radio remote) from DealExtreme as it was $10 cheaper than eBay.

08-31-2009, 02:40 PM	#37
Russell-Evans Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 1,553	I tried the mod of wiring the negative of the battery pack to the shoe. It didn't help. This can only sync at 1/125. (edit fixed typo) Thank you Russell Last edited by Russell-Evans; 08-31-2009 at 08:33 PM.

08-31-2009, 07:44 PM	#38
WheresWaldo Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: North Carolina Photos: Gallery Posts: 498	Originally posted by Russell-Evans I tried the mod of wiring the negative of the battery pack to the shoe. It didn't help. This can only sync at 1/250. Thank you Russell Russ, What are you trying to say as the sync speed of Pentax is 1/180" not 1/250".

08-31-2009, 08:32 PM	#39
Russell-Evans Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 1,553	Originally posted by WheresWaldo Russ, What are you trying to say as the sync speed of Pentax is 1/180" not 1/250". typo 1/125. Thank you Russell

08-31-2009, 08:53 PM	#40
WheresWaldo Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: North Carolina Photos: Gallery Posts: 498	Originally posted by Russell-Evans typo 1/125. Thank you Russell OK understood, but the mod is for the CTR-301 not the CTR-301P. I just tested my 301P again and it works fine at 1/180". Don't know how you will be able to use the RF-602 if it won't sync to 1/180" I only bought one pair and bought it to use specifically as a wireless 2.4Ghz remote so I am not tied by the wired remote or the line of sight or distance restrictions of the IR remote.

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09-01-2009, 08:07 AM	#42
K-9 Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: USA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,971	I have a 500FTZ. Does anyone know if the RF-602, CRT-301, or CRT-301p will work with my flash? I also have a few older Vivitar Thrystors.

09-02-2009, 10:26 PM	#43
systemA Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: New York, NY Posts: 385 Original Poster	First couple of times I tested 1/160, it was OK. Now it fluctuates - I do get banding sometimes so I will stick for 1/125th.

09-03-2009, 12:06 PM	#44
cheekygeek Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Kearney, Nebraska USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,261	Forgive my ignorance, but I'm an old-skool film shooter who is just getting up to speed with these new-fangled DSLRs and flashes. Do I understand this correctly? The RF-602 work fine on the Pentax but only if you sync at 1/125th and not the usual 1/180th? If so, I'm not understanding why is this a big negative? (But I'm still learning to use my K200D and don't have a flash for it yet.) I have an old Bowens Monolight and would like to plug a receiver into it and then use it to fire my Novatron optical slave. (Told you I'm old skool). Will this work? (I'm also planning on getting a Metz 48-AF1 for on camera flash in the near future.)

09-03-2009, 01:03 PM	#45
alohadave Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Quincy, MA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,024	Originally posted by cheekygeek Forgive my ignorance, but I'm an old-skool film shooter who is just getting up to speed with these new-fangled DSLRs and flashes. Do I understand this correctly? The RF-602 work fine on the Pentax but only if you sync at 1/125th and not the usual 1/180th? If so, I'm not understanding why is this a big negative? (But I'm still learning to use my K200D and don't have a flash for it yet.) I have an old Bowens Monolight and would like to plug a receiver into it and then use it to fire my Novatron optical slave. (Told you I'm old skool). Will this work? (I'm also planning on getting a Metz 48-AF1 for on camera flash in the near future.) It depends on where you are shooting. 1/180th is 1/2 a stop faster than 1/125. When you are shooting outdoors and need to restrict the ambient as much as possible just to balance with the flash, every little bit helps. Indoors, it's not as critical, but it's an extra 1/2 stop of ambient light that you have to expose for.