|
I don't think they could have remotely set groups by radio with the current system just acting like an ETTL cord unfortunately.
Via IR maybe but that mostly defeats the purpose, unless getting the master/transmitter off camera is some advantage to getting line of sight to the slaves.
Posted 29 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
the TR is probably better, but they're also $300.
Already ordered the PT-04. ouch. Maybe when arrives, I'll return it for the RF-602.
Originally posted 29 months ago.
(permalink)
ea83 edited this topic 29 months ago.
|
|
dissapointing in some ways especially considering their price.
RP is vapourware in so many countries it's not funny.
Posted 29 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
Not sure RP will definitely not sell to other countries, but aren't setup for the correct frequencies for those countries. They certainly actively discourage sales outside the US and Canada
UPDATE:
Just re-checked their site, and they've changed their shipping policy since I last checked. Any orders placed for shipping outside the US or Canada will be cancelled.
Originally posted 29 months ago.
(permalink)
Michael A. Sewell edited this topic 29 months ago.
|
|
meh.... If someone gave me some, I'd give it a try. Other than that, I'm cool. I would have to try these in person and be blown away to get this.
Posted 29 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
Hmm tough call... my ebay pocket wizards are pretty cheapo and I'd hate for them to die at a wedding, but I don't want to spend a ton of money... Will the Rp JrX's let you manage power settings remotely for multiple groups? Are they reliable?
Posted 29 months ago.
(permalink)
|
 |
Photon 5000 [deleted] says:
I would recommend avoiding these like the plague!!!
I purchased the first set off eBay and had to return them because they would fire the SB-600 out of sync. At first they were very pleasant and responded to emails promptly. They acknowledged the problem and paid to have them sent back to be replaced by a newer model. I'm pretty sure I just got the same ones back with updated firmware. That process took roughly 3 weeks because of the email communications and transit times.
Upon receiving the "fixed" triggers I went to do a thorough test and headed out to a remote field to shoot some BMX riders. This field is in the middle of nowhere with the closest homes several hundred yards away. I didn't observe any power lines in the immediate area and didn't observe anyone using cell phones. New batteries were installed in all devices.
I set up an SB-800 as the 'Master' and an SB-600 as a 'Slave'. Right away I was concerned as they did not seem to fire dependably. In fact, they never seem to fire the first time the shutter is pressed, whether it's the first time being pressed after turning everything on, or after the flashes wake. I also noticed the SB-800 would occasionally give off a 'blip' on its own while I was waiting for the riders to setup.
At the beginning of the evening the lights were always within 5 to 15 feet of me. Towards the end of the shoot I had one about 30 feet away. Overall I would say they misfired at least 30% of the time, in what I would consider to be 'ideal' conditions. I use the AF button on my D300 to focus and even started tapping the shutter release to make sure the flashes were awake as the rider approached; they still continued to misfire.
The next day I did some more tests and discovered more anomalies. I noticed several times (both with the original and the 'fixed' versions) that when first turning everything on and noticing the SB-800 wasn't firing, that the trigger attached to the SB-800 had turned itself off. Because of the design, I had to turn off the flash and trigger, remove the flash, turn the trigger back on, attach the flash, turn it on and start over. This is not something you want to be doing in front of clients or while magic hour is quickly fading away!
I also could not get both flashes to fire in 'Manual' mode. Yeah, I know, most people are buying these because of the CLS feature, but there are times when manual mode is the best option, and I could not get 2 flashes to fire in manual mode and Pixel could not provide an explanation.
After the NUMEROUS misfires, anomalies and not being able to fire 2 flashes in Manual mode I contacted Pixel and informed them I thought these were still defective and that I'd like to return them for a refund. This is when things started to go south.
I was told I couldn't return them because it was past their 14 day return policy!!! LOL!
Ummmm, HELLO!!! It's past the 14 day return policy because the first units were defective which were returned at their request to be fixed. I notified them of the problem the day I received them and sent them back within a few days (took time to get the required information from them via emails) That whole process (transit there and back) took roughly 3 weeks!!!! Now they want to use that as an excuse not to take the STILL defective units back??? I was dumbfounded. How could any company, especially a startup, be THAT irresponsible?
I ended up having to file a dispute with PayPal and my credit card company. Once the dispute was filed and the funds held, they decided they would take them back; how nice of them.
One thing for you folks in the States to think about is the shipping back to China (if you receive a defective item or decide they're not for you) is a minimum of $25.00 via USPS; UPS would have been over $80.00!!!
I don't recommend USPS and here's why: I sent the items back on 01/02/10 and paid for insurance and delivery confirmation. My tracking number shows they arrived in China on 01/11/10. I emailed Pixel on the 15th and again on the 17th; they have not gotten back to me and the USPS can't give me any more information. USPS claims once the package leaves the US it's out of their hands! So much for the delivery confirmation I paid for!!!
I will eventually get my money back, either from my credit card or through an insurance claim through the post office, but what a pain in the ass!!! My gut tells me Pixel is going to claim they never received them.
Though many times both misfired, here are a couple shots where the SB-600 failed to fire with the TR-331's. In these shots I have an SB-600 about 30 feet away aimed at the kids in the bg. The SB-800 fired, but the SB-600 did not.
This happened several times while the light was going fast. I had time to shut everything down and restart once (as Pixel suggests when there are issues) but I just didn't have time to do it again.
As a footnote, I purchased a set of the RF-602's and couldn't be happier. I've done 2 shoots with them at the same location I tested the Pixel units and the RF-602's have not misfired once! I'm so pleased with them I ordered more to trigger a 2nd body and a couple for more lights I plan on getting down the road.
A couple shots with the RF-602's:
I was really hoping these would be great, but they clearly still have some bugs, and, based on my experience, the company doesn't seem to be completely reputable.
There are too many other options, don't waste you money, or, perhaps more importantly, your time on these...
Originally posted 29 months ago.
(permalink)
Photon 5000 edited this topic 29 months ago.
|
|
|
@ Photon5000 - Thanks for the info, I just sent them an email because that did sound a little out of character from my experience with dealing with them. They actually sent me a battery pack (I bought off ebay) via UPS at their own expense, was here in Oz in 3 days and the shipping cost them a couple of dollars less than the full price of the pack!!
They said they also spent quite lot on UPS shipping back and forth to yourself, I think the problem is they became unsure of things when you reported issues with a second set they had checked well first. So they where just taking precautions now and would refund the money once the items were returned following the ebay policy.
Edit Update - The returned triggers arrived at Pixel and the refund was (or had already been) given.
Originally posted 29 months ago.
(permalink)
elv0000 edited this topic 29 months ago.
|
|
i have one question.
Does it working i-ttl with nikon lower that sb900? like sb600 or sb800..or even sb28?
I want to make the second flash to be in slave mode. i have one sb900 and one sb28. i try it and did not fire the sb28 as a slave mode. in i-ttl mode. when is manual everything yes its fire. or sb28 does not suport i-ttl mode i gues.
if it so, then can be sb800 put like a second slave mode flash?
thanks
Posted 29 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
Photon 5000 [deleted] says:
elv - I got an email last night saying they received them and will issue a refund. I do find it interesting that the same day I post my experience, 8 days after the items arrived in China (and apparently after your email), they decide to return my email to let me know they received them. Coincidence? Maybe, but at least I finally know this is resolved and I can sleep a little better knowing I won't have to fight with the USPS or my credit card company to get my money back.
I was just as surprised as you are that it went so south. As I said, they responded right away at first, apologizing profusely for sending out a defective item, an item they admitted was defective and would require that the item be shipped back for the repair. ANY company worth its salt would pay to send an item back for repair that should have never been shipped in the first place, especially when it's a brand new item to market and the buyer(s) notices the problem(s) the very day they receive the item. To then use that long turn around to and from China to repair the defective item as an excuse not to take it back when it's still defective is inexcusable.
As far as them thoroughly testing the item the second time doesn't mean a whole lot to me. They clearly didn't do a very good job of testing them in the first place as evidenced by the SB-600 issue. That problem was immediately evident to anyone that purchased the first generation units. How did they miss that??? By not thoroughly testing them, that's how. There are clearly still bugs in the firmware that may eventually get fixed over time, but to completely deny the possibility and deciding to just ignore a new customer pointing out these problems is again, unacceptable.
I worked with them as much as i could and wasted hours of my time in the process. As I told them, I could no longer afford to a beta-tester for them and would just like my money back. I should have never had to file a dispute with PayPal and my credit card company to resolve this matter.
Fortunately I'll eventually use the $30.00 worth of CR2 batteries I needed to buy for the 1 Tx & 2 Rx's I purchased or I'd be out $55.00 because of this ordeal.
I gambled on these and I lost. I did however find an excellent product in the RF-602 so it wasn't all bad...
Originally posted 29 months ago.
(permalink)
Photon 5000 edited this topic 29 months ago.
|
|
|
@ Photon - good to hear its sorted out.
I think your spot on about the Sb-600 issue etc but I can see whats happening, its a bit like trying to talk to the service technician at Canon while the information is being conveyed through the lady at the service desk, then add the language barrier on top of that. They believe there is no issue so suspect there may be something suspect on the other end.
They're still beavering away at the Canon verison atleast though so only time will tell how they come out in the end.
Posted 29 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
I'm looking forward to being able to buy the Canon version. Mainly because I have a battery of tests to put it through, and it is one way to occupy myself!
The cost will simply be written off, just as the cost of books are - once you have read them they are rarely referred to again.
Of course, there is the hope that an adequately-featured system will still be there at the end of testing, as a bonus.
And the fun of engaging in discussions on new gear, too.
Posted 29 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
Do we have any idea when the Canon ones will be ready to go ??
Posted 28 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
The last I heard was January 31?
Posted 28 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
Pricey, for a two piece set. Ebay $230 AU. The point of these triggers is to not pay high prices.
Even with Pixel's TTL support, adjustments would still have to be made anyway.
Get the Yongnuo RF602 and take test pics. Or, even the latest iShoot PT04; it's only 433Mhz, but wouldn't need more than that if not using long telephoto for portraits or if not capturing large architecture.
Pixel's dealers have to include four receivers for the present price to be reasonable, even though it supports TTL.
Originally posted 28 months ago.
(permalink)
ea83 edited this topic 28 months ago.
|
|
Hello, I'm a new user and this is my first post. My English is bad so I'm sorry.
I have just bought a TR-331 but don't works fine. I have a Nikon d300 and a SB800 flash unit. If I select i-ttl in the Tx and Master in the Rx and flash is on TTL BL or TTL always shoots the flash with all power, so the picture is always over-exposed and I can't fix this problem with a exposure compensation. Have somebody any idea?
Thanks
Posted 28 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
I'm still waiting on a second generation replacement for my TR-331 units. I've been using the RF-601 triggers and I'm very happy with those for the price. Ihad to send one of those back because someone didn't put the screws in the baseplate.
The turn around time for returns is a big issue so I recommend backups with your first order.
Posted 28 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
Antonella was saying "Chinese New Year" for release of the Canon version, which is this coming weekend, 14 Feb.
@ ea83 - the point is to achieve a certain level of functionality, at a reasonable price. I need E-TTL functionality, so am looking for something less costly than PW or RP.
Posted 28 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
Dennis Dixson - Good point. Even though I presently use three speedlights, I ordered a kit of 5 receivers for future use. Funny coincidence, I'm getting two faulty receivers replaced. Perhaps after I get the replacements, I'll order an extra transmitter.
Posted 28 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
Well, I just want to know this:
could i fire a ST-E2 by TR331, and use ST-E2 to fire my 2 groups of flash use ratio model?
Posted 28 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
Feb 14th has come and gone- any word on the Canon version?
Posted 28 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
Anyone else wondering what happened to the *tested-on-the-way-out* receivers from @Photon5k when they got back to Pixel? Did they work for Pixel? Did they discover a *Doh!* problem? What?
Posted 28 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
PixelHK have re-loaded their eBay Shop since returning from their New Year vacation, but the listings do not include the TR-332.
No reply to email, either. :(
Posted 28 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
Oh man, this is driving me batty! I cannot wait anymore - I have to have a set of TR-332's.
Posted 28 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
I see from a thread in the POTN forum that real, live units have been handled by visitors to PMA.
Latest on-sale date - first week in March.
Expect pricing around $180 for 1 transmitter and 1 receiver. $100 each for extra receiver. Shipping ?
Posted 28 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
Selbosh II [deleted] says:
Shipping would probably be $28, as it is with the Nikon TR-331 ($180 + $28 = $208). That said, pixelhk is about $30 more expensive than most of the other TR-331 sellers.
Originally posted 27 months ago.
(permalink)
Selbosh II edited this topic 27 months ago.
|
|
|
To Selbosh II - AAMOI, the initials of CliveyBoy on the POTN lighting forum are C D B, or "SeedyBee". :)
Posted 27 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
Selbosh II [deleted] says:
heh :-)
Posted 27 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
Looks like the first Canon version have hit Ebay -
cgi.ebay.com/Flashgun-TTL-Trigger-TR-332-for-Canon-5D-5D-...
Originally posted 27 months ago.
(permalink)
elv0000 edited this topic 23 months ago.
|
|
..so it's a wireless substitute for an OC-E3 cord? But only for recent cams & speedlites? But that would include 'Group' instruction sending functionality from any master Ex (11) unit on the receiver - or maybe not? I wish Pixel would just spell out what they can & cannot do. But thanks for the info!
Posted 27 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
@ LayerMask - Sorry no, it works for all speedlights, even does high speed sync with non ETTL flashes and monolights.
They only require Mark II flashes to control remote manual power levels.
But yes its like an ETTL cord, but with atleast one major difference/advantage in that you can connect more than one flash. Also do HSS with monolights etc.
Originally posted 27 months ago.
(permalink)
elv0000 edited this topic 23 months ago.
|
|
|
elv0000 - do you know this from your own testing, or from Pixel literature?
The offering on eBay currently is only for shipping to USA, and seems to be the Knight brand that was shown at PMA. Demo units and NOT new?
The whole settings of the flash are settable from my 50D/580EXII camera menu, which forms the best presentation of all facilites that I have seen. I am still preparing a document of it all, with all its dependencies and enable/disable and item switching. I plan to use it to test compliance of the TR-332. You may find the doc of interest.
Posted 27 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
@ Seedy- No, thats from speaking to the Pixel people :) They said that knowing I don't have MK II flashes from previous discussions.
They also said they are stable this week but did not say when they will be listed on Ebay, I'm guessing soon though.
Your probably right about that Ebay listing above it does look very unusual.
Yes very interested in the camera menu doc! The thing is the camera wasn't designed for mutliple flashes on an ETTL cord so I can only assume it will just treat each flash the same (unless you adjust individualy on the flash itself).
Posted 27 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
I agree with you on the limits of configuring "systems" using the Pixels.
If we can have a "cluster" of 1 Master and X Slaves using Canon light pulse wireless all at a distance from the photog, that will be useful, and may improve daylight operation
Posted 27 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
Selbosh II [deleted] says:
This just in from Pixel:
Dear sir,
Wish everything goes well with you.
The Canon version Flashgun TTL trigger TR-332 product is now finally released and commercial available.
Do you still need to order some of the units? If so ,you can purchasing on ebay .
cgi.ebay.com/Flashgun-TTL-Trigger-TR-332-for-Canon-5D-5D-...
Any question pls feel free to contact me.
Best regards
Phoebe
Posted 27 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
Well, the first Knight pair has been re-listed on eBay. And a TX/2x RX set has been listed by another no-feedback seller at US$220 (Under iPod and MP3!). Both will ship only to USA, but personally I am uneasy about buying from either vendor anyway.
If the units have come via PMA, they may not have the very latest firmware revision.
Originally posted 27 months ago.
(permalink)
SeedyBee2008 edited this topic 27 months ago.
|
|
I'm glad i found this thread. First was going to buy some CTR 301p receivers (to add to the one transmitter and one receiver i currently have), then i learnt about the superior RF-602's and almost hit buy...but then i found out about these. I need to visit here more often! Think I will wait now for a few weeks to see how the Canon version pans-out...
I have 5d2, 40d, 580ex2 and 430ex2 so it's worth me waiting around given that with these bodies and flashes i would potentially have some cool 'in-camera menu-control'. my modded off-camera shoe cord is getting used lots for this very purpose.
Posted 27 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
Hello:
Please sorry but I dont Speak English very well.
The Pixel TR-332 for Canon have interference problems like the PocketWizard with Canon Speedlite 580EX II.
The following E-Mail was sent from Ms. Antonella on Pixel to my partner Egibaud in Canonistas.com
*************************
Dear Eric,
We’ve tested the device with Canon 580 EXII. Our product also have some interference problems as PW, however, it can be avoid through set different frequency channel. We have 15 selectable channels.
As I know, there’s no any review of our new product at present.
Any of your suggestion will be appreciated.
Best regards
Antonella
*************************
I have sent three E-mails to Antonella but I don´t have received any answer. Copy bellow:
*************************
Dear Antonella:
Many thanks for your reply.
I need to know the prices for one transmitter and two or three receivers.
Please inform if you have Free Shipping to Argentina and if you can ship as a Gift Item or invoiced under U$S 30.00.
How many days will delay the shipment to Argentina. Have your shipments a Tracking Number ???
I will use the transmitter with my Canon EOS 50D and I will use two receivers with Canon Speedlite 580EX II and one receiver with Canon 430EX II. Can you please inform if your TR-332 model is tested with this equipment ???
I know that the PocketWizard triggers have interference problems with Canon Speedlite 580EX II and I need to be sure that yours flashguns TTL triggers will not present the same problem with my 580EX II and 430EX II and it will work fine with my equipment.
Please sorry for all that questions and please sorry but I don´t speak English very well.
Many thanks and Best Regards:
*************************
In a previous E-mail sent to Antonella I ask about the TR-332 Canon availabillity and she confirm that this are available now.
Please sorry for my english. I read your comments and I posted this just only for your information.
Thanks:
Matias from Argentina.
Posted 27 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
Well I found out some good news about the Canon version...
It actually supports 5 manual power flash groups A,B,C,D,& E allowing you to set manual flash power independently for each of those groups directly from the transmitter on camera (thats groups fired via radio signal with a receiver on each flash unit).
Catch is you need to use Mark II Canon EX flashes to allow that.
Still not available on Pixels ebay store yet thought.
Originally posted 27 months ago.
(permalink)
elv0000 edited this topic 23 months ago.
|
|
|
..well that's put my 550s into a big sulk!
Posted 27 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
Hi everybody,
Somebody already tested TR-332 ???
Any problems, any good news?
I want to buy set.
Posted 27 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
Based on recent information I have about Pixel's Knight TR-332 triggers for Canon, the operating of a single flash in E-TTL mode works well, including FEC. Focus-assist and Modelling light work.
Master mode fires and triggers a slave, but at full power - no E-TTL exposure control.
Also, Manual mode does not work - no flash emitted. That means that they cannot be used even as a simple trigger.
So, it seems that they need more time to implement their intentions. Just like Pocket Wizard and RadioPopper! However, there are already many things to like, and I am sure that they will have a very useful product.
Originally posted 27 months ago.
(permalink)
SeedyBee2008 edited this topic 27 months ago.
|
|
I've just e-mail Pixel Enterprise with a stack of questions about the TR-332
regarding my particular gear Canon and Metz flash guns, they do have a site page regarding this but I wanted absolute confirmation regarding my set up, here's the page:
www.pixelhk.com/en/proview.asp?P_ID=1575
@ LayerMask, thanks again for your help on the other thread btw, re radio gear, further investigating has brought me here :O
Originally posted 27 months ago.
(permalink)
framedead edited this topic 27 months ago.
|
|
|
Their website has been the same for some months. For a recent statement of capabilities, look at their eBay listing:
cgi.ebay.com/Flashgun-TTL-Trigger-TR-332-for-Canon-450D-5...
Posted 27 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
Just received a set.
Haven't tested them extensively yet but from what i've seen so far I'm quite pleased.
The two features that most interested me – ettl and high speed sync – seem to function well.
A slight disappointment is that I cannot seem to control the flash via the in-camera menu, so full manual operation seems to require approaching the unit.
I have also not tested it at great range yet.
One thing to note: the transmitter needs to be set on "5D" mode in order for it to work properly with a 5D or 5DmkII. Otherwise it fires out of sync.
(I'm using it with a 5DmkII and 580EXII. Incidentally, It doesn't seem to work properly on a 1Ds.)
Posted 26 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
Hi Meatyokra - thanks for the feedback!
Yes the camera menu doesn't appear to be part of the feature set but they have made remote manual flash power straight from the transmitter for 5 groups. On the transmitter you select a manul flash power instead of TTL or OFF. Does that work at all for you?
Posted 26 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
finally someone with a set!
Meatyokra please let us know how they are working. I am at least very excited to know. Have you tested what elv0000 said? It is very important for me that they work in manual mode and you can adjust the power from the transmitter.
Posted 26 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
Ok a quick update - I've had a few Canon beta sets for a number of weeks but often not the right gear to test them properly, so I have passed them on to a few others for trials. There is still a lot we don't know. The word is out now though and I'm getting emails so I'll try to clear up some of the basics we do know.
Like to say a big thanks to SeedyBee2008 for all the time and patience he has put into trying to get to the bottom of this as well, look out for his detailed review coming.
Firstly a supported camera body is required, currently tested by Pixel - (Last EDIT 1-7-2010 )
1D MkII, 1D MkII N, 1D MkIII, 1Ds MkII, 5D, 30D, 400D and 350D.
5D MkII, 7D, 40D, 50D, 550D, 500D, 450D and 1000D
- High Speed Sync up to 1/8000th is available with ETTL flashes AND manual flashes and studio strobes.
- As well as 1 ETTL group there are 5 manual power flash groups A, B, C, D, & E allowing you to set remote manual flash power levels (1/128th to full in 3rd stops) directly from the transmitter. This requires Mark II flashes (580exII and 430exII).
Pixel appear to have very much simplified these, there's really not much needed to do other than select ETTL or a Manual power setting on the transmitter. High speed sync with ETTL or manual flashes is automatically set once you go over the cameras sync speed (1/250th etc). The in camera flash control menu is not supported.
Now a lot of the possible combinations of flash use still needs to be tested properly but so far it appears safe to say -
- ETTL works quite well at least with one flash. Flash exposure compensation is set from the camera (only 2 stops + or -)
- (Edit - we now know that more than one flash in ETTL all meter as on and fire at the same power level. So moving one flash further away for example will reduce its power compared to the other and produce a rough type of ratio).
- Manual Remote power setting works with Mark II flashes
(FP HSS sync confirmed working to 1/8000th)
- High Speed Sync with fully manual flashes "hypersync" works.
EDIT 1-7-2010 You can now get a full frame up to 1/8000th with speedlights on full power. (Still needs to be tested on more studio strobes at more power levels and shutter speeds).
As far as misfires they appear to be reliable so far, ETTL exposures reported as consistent. The main trick is to hold the half shutter for a second to allow communication between camera and triggers before firing, which eliminates the majority of any misfires.
So far they do look promising if you're after HSS and manual remote settings (provided you have MKII flashes) or simply a replacement for an off camera shoe cord for flash in ETTL.
It's quite amazing (and a little freaky) to see the flash automatically change zoom, ISO, aperture and focus assist as you adjust the camera.
Originally posted 26 months ago.
(permalink)
elv0000 edited this topic 23 months ago.
|
|
|
Nice!
What about Canon 1series? 1D or 1Ds?
Posted 26 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
Tx elv0000! It's great to have more info.
Groups A to E sounds enticing. Remote manual setting - fine.
I'm intrigued to know how Pixel + manual + HSS is going to pan out in detail, because HSS incurrs some efficiency losses that climb with shutter speed. These losses can vary even within a brand ie between Canon's 20D & their 7D, so my guess would be that every user is likely to have to do their own reference card for HSS use. Counterintuitively, shutter speed will again influence flash power captured. Not a biggie with a histogram. Interesting times...
Edit; Well now we know (elsewhere) about Pixel + ETTL + HSS; seems to work. No info on range etc yet, tho'.
Originally posted 26 months ago.
(permalink)
LayerMask edited this topic 26 months ago.
|
|
|
@ LayerMask - Yes manual with and ETTL flash and HSS is exactly like you get now if you put a 580ex etc on the end of an off camera shoe cord and set it to manual. As you know it does drop in power but its simply designed to allow the convenience of opening the aperture in daylight for narrow depth of feild when using flash too (just like on camera fill flash). I think ETTL HSS does squeeze more power out than manual HSS though.
There is also the full manual HSS supported though ("hypersync") for manual flashes and studio strobes. From the old days of testing I think that was a stop ahead of FP HSS at some shutter speeds, so it could be possible to attach an ETTL flash via a sync cord so the receiver thinks its a manual flash and goes into "hypersync" instead. All that needs to tested though in a direct comparison.
The first part of SeedyBee2008's review is also here -
www.flickr.com/groups/strobist/discuss/72157623797323770/
Originally posted 26 months ago.
(permalink)
elv0000 edited this topic 23 months ago.
|
|
First of all, thanks for all the information and reviews.
Some things are still somewhat unclear to me and I hope someone can clear those up: can these triggers be used on non-TTL flashes like old vivitars? Can you set the power of remote TTL flashes from the camera?
I'm trying to decide between these triggers and the cheaper RF-602s.
The ETTL feature is less interesting to me, but the remote setting of flash power would be extremely cool.
How does the zoom and focus-assist work when the flash is off-camera?
Posted 26 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
@ thaber - yes these can be used with non-TTL flashes, you can even do HSS with non-TTL flashes. BUT - the flash trigger voltage must be under 24volts, RF-602 will only allow 12 volts! So old Vivitars may be out of the question for either.
You can only set the remote manual power of Canon ETTL Mark II flashes from the camera (via the Knight transmitter), not with any old TTL flash (SB-26 etc) like Radiopopper JrX.
I think the zoom and focus assist are mainly only usefull if you have a flash mounted on an on-camera flash bracket. Otherwise you generally set the flash zoom to manual to stop it zooming all the time. You could use the focus assist off camera if the flash is pointing at the spot your focusing on though.
You can't go wrong with a set of RF-602's though (provided the trigger voltage is ok as stated above), or even Radiopopper JrX if HSS is not a priority.
A set of these may be a good compliment to the RF-602 etc just for 1 or 2 light location portrait/wedding style photography, crosslighting with the sun etc and getting simple HSS for narrow depth of field, or any other time you need HSS or ETTL.
Posted 26 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
Thaber - remote power control of older thyristor Vivitars is possible with RadioPopper JrX triggers and this easy mod.
www.flickr.com/groups/strobist/discuss/72157623496811780/...
I've seen a minor improvement in sync speed with most of my cameras (if you can work around a bit of shadow curtain at higher speeds)
Posted 26 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
I've had many problems with 'no fires' with 580EXIIs - I suspect much of this is interference problems as per PWs.
Posted 26 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
I have, too, but have been able to determine that each misfire has occured after I have changed a setting on the camera or flash.
Either: switch flash off then on again after making a flash setting change; or switch camera off then on again after changing a camrera setting.
Or, take a shot, knowing that it is a throwaway. It seems that the Knights re-initialise while the camera is writing the file.
I have the same mis-fires with 550EX, which does not have a significant EMF problem.
Posted 26 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
@ SeedyBee2008 - ssbuchanan is using 2 580ex in ETTL, so not changing flash settings.
As mentioned the issue may be we're still not sure they are designed for more than one flash in ETTL. They only have one ETTL group, but 5 manual groups.
I don't think RF interference like PW would be an issue either as they are on 2.4ghz which is completely different than the noise affecting the PW frequency. (also why RF-602 etc work with Canon).
Posted 26 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
I have found that a 580EX II on Knight Group A set to TTL, and one 550EX on Knight Group B set to TTL works as a set, with no mis-fires. I expect that each group can have just one TTL device operating in TTL mode. I cannot test 3 or 4 as I have only two RX units.
As the Manual Power settings in a group act as simple triggers (unless driving Mk 2 Speedlites) all your other lights can be in one group, leaving 4 for TTL units.
I think that one TTL device in group A and another in Group B will work, because the Knight TX can differentiate between the feedbacks from the A device and the B device. If it is getting TTL feedback from two devices in one group, which will it listen to? Likely, it will throw up its hands and say "do what you like"!
Although we talk of TX and RX, it describes their roles, and Canon's Master and Slave may be better terms. But that may be confusing, as they function differently than Canon's features. Or Controller and [what? Remote?]. This has the advantage in representing how they act in practice.
But, either way, both Controller Knight and Remote Knight are operating as radio transceivers - two-way communication. This opens up a path to much more innovative programming.
Just what Pixel has done, and what we can do with it is yet to be discovered. It is certainly not disclosed in the Product Manual, which gives few clues as to how a photographer may make use of their devices.
Posted 26 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
@ elv0000 - Changing FEC on the camera seemed to work ok, but changing shutter speed seemed to require a refresh.
Posted 26 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
Yeah, I just pulled the Knights out of the box and slapped 580EXIIs on in ETTL :)
Without OC-E3 cords, I got a 50% failure rate.
Testing again with OC-E3 cords (one being a few meters long, so there's some good separation :) ) there was one no-fire out of 51 shots, and that was probably flash recycle time, not the triggers.
Even though they're on a different wavelength to the PWs, I'm going to hazard a guess that the 580s put out interference across the spectrum.
In both cases I've been on full manual, and haven't changed settings.
Posted 26 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
@ elv0000 - "They only have one ETTL group, but 5 manual groups"
Each of the groups A to E (five groups) can be set to:
Off
TTL
Manual 1/1 to 1/128
That makes a possible 5 TTL groups. Tests with two groups have proved successful. How the commander Knight handles multiple TTL flashes is still to be uncovered, because the camera is issueing only one preflash for exposure evaluation. (Three exposure preflashes are emitted, one for each group, only under full Canon Wireless operation. The Knights have disabled that whole section.)
The Knight commander can issue different setting instructions for each of the 5 groups.
Posted 26 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
@ SeedyBee - Ah I see what you mean!
But there is still only one TTL group under the cameras FEC, as in you can't change seprate FEC on each TTL group to create a ratio etc (from the TX that is, it may possibly work directly on the flash).
So are you saying your getting a different result in some way putting each ETTL flash in a different group as opposed to leaving them both on in group A?
Posted 26 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
Can anyone confirm me is the EOS 1D MkIII supported (It does have a flash control menu, but I haven t seen it mentioned anywhere). Im also interested in reliability of these units there have been some contradictory statements about fire/no-fire triggering. I m mostly shooting in manual within the 30m range and have 3 MkII flashes and the thought of having 5 groups and to be able to control the power of each group individually really appeals to me. But from what I ve read nobody confirmed the function really works. Also the tought of having to turn off the camera or the flash every time I would change the power setting is disturbing. Any comments appriciated.
Posted 26 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
@ Photoenigma - you will find your camera mentioned in
www.flickr.com/groups/strobist/discuss/72157623797323770/
There are no-fires and late-fires, but they could be due to operator error.
Tests at 55m were fine, including with a building in between.
You could set Group B to Manual 1/8, Group C to Manual 1/32 and Group D to 1/16th. Put one Mk II flash into each group. I can confirm that my only Mk II flash adopts the setting for the specific group, and ignores the setting for other groups.
The need to reset, and the best way to do it, is still being investigated. There is so much data to interchange for a refresh, that it cannot be done at full shutter time.
Having said that, as the power settings are made on the Knight commander itself, it knows about those changes, and seems to not need to be forced to rest. It's early days, yet.
Posted 26 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
Thx for the answers. They helped a lot. I m nearly convinced and will probably buy them right after part 2 of the review ;)
But just for the record an that s why I asked 1D MkIII is not in your listing ;)
COMPATIBILITY
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Canon EOS Cameras 1D IV, 1Ds III, 7D, 5D II, 5D, 50D, 40D, 30D, 550D/T2i, 500D/T1i, 450D/XSi, 1000D/XS.
Posted 26 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
Sorry, you are right. That list is provided by Pixel, and I do not have one to test.
But, some good news - I took the camera outside (pushed by elv) and just took shots on camera manual with the flash at arms length. Bright sun, backlit, frontlit, deep shadow. Not a single misfire in 105 shots, and exposures about what I would expect from an on-cam Speedlite. Also, FEC and Shutter were changed, without the camera being restarted. I used a 550EX for that series.
Very usable, IMO.
Posted 26 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
After reading this thread, thanks, but I'll stick with my PW TTL5's and their new extended triggering-range pajamas sent free from PW. I can't wait for the PW Zone Controller which should be out sometime in June.
Posted 26 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
My 2c here:)
Posted 26 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
If you want to remotely set/control the flash power then perhaps you should look into this article (it can remotely set the power level for some older flash):
strobist.blogspot.com/2009/04/diy-remote-trigger-debuts.html
code.google.com/p/strobist-project-opensource-trigger/wik...
Originally posted 26 months ago.
(permalink)
Creative Lightworks edited this topic 26 months ago.
|
|
any one know if the tr-332 for canon works with Nissin Di866. will it be able to control the manual flash power remotely. or any of the TTL function works thanks
Posted 26 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
Another Di886 question, but with the TR-331 and a Di866.
If the these triggers are just "wireless cords" will the Di866 do HSS?
I just want these triggers for one light wireless TTL (w/HSS) shots. It seems that If they will do HSS with Di866 they would be perfect for my needs.
Posted 26 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
I emailed Pixel, here is their answer to the Nissin question.
I guess I'll nix the Nissin purchase until a later date, or just pop for the SB900. Unless a cheap SB800 falls in my lap. :)
To Pixel------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi,
I have a question about the use of your TR-331 triggers with a Nissin Di866.
I would like to know if HSS is possible when using these triggers with this flash in TTL mode.
Reply---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Sir,
Thank you so much that you are interesting of our product.
Actually as our testing result, the trigger is not compatible with Nissin flash.
Thanks and best regards!
Pixel Enterprise Limited
Originally posted 26 months ago.
(permalink)
stickyshutter edited this topic 26 months ago.
|
|
|
Transmitter/receiver combo now available on UK eBay for around 112GBP/170USD but no separate receiver option for now.
Originally posted 26 months ago.
(permalink)
Photoenigma edited this topic 26 months ago.
|
|
Is this setup possible with 3 Pixel Receivers and one Pixel Transmitter?
I want to use this setup and still control my off camera flashes like I used to with CLS!
Posted 25 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
@ Sergiu - do you mean in ITTL? If ITTL then I think yes, but you have to set the exposure compensation on each flash directly to control any ratio between them. You can only adjust the overall exposure comp. from the camera.
As far as I understand the Nikon version don't really do manual unless you connect the speedlights to the Receivers by a PC sync cord making them fully manual flashes.
(So you loose FP High Speed Sync, but they do still work in "hypersync" though that may not cover all shutter speeds and flash power like the FP HSS).
Posted 25 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
@Sergiu Bacioiu - SB900 at CLS master right? if so don't need the receivers to be attached with SB800s.
Posted 25 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
Anyone test the 30D with HSS?
Posted 25 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
@elv0000 - Thank you
@michaelchaint - I forgot to mention that the 800's will not be in line of sight
Now I have to choose between RadioPopper and future Poket Wizard for Nikon.
Now the balance is in favor of RadioPopper because of this DIY Radio Popper Splitter
Thanks again.
Posted 25 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
I found this thread useful and it form of payment I'd like to offer this review comparing thr Pixel TR-332 with other wireless triggers.
commercialprphotographer.blogspot.com/2010/05/wireless-tr...
cheers Guys
Posted 25 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
Thanks for the review Doug!
A couple of things that keep comming up -
- These are not currently compatible with the 5D Mark One. EDIT - The second version are now compatible with the orignal 5D now as well as many other older bodies.
- More than one flash/receiver in ETTL - all meter as one and fire each flash at the same power level!
So moving one flash further away for example will reduce its light on the subject compared to the other flash. This is still quite usable as the brightest flash will expose (close to) properly and any others will only expose the same or less. So a rough ratio can be acheived by placing an ND filter on one flash for example, or moving one back.
With a moving subject you would have to try and keep both lights the same distance away but the worst case scenario is you get a 1:1 ratio which is not going to completely ruin an image (like a blowout etc).
Otherwise setting a ratio (other than manual) can not be done other ways like setting FEC direct on each flash as the Nikon version allows.
Originally posted 25 months ago.
(permalink)
elv0000 edited this topic 23 months ago.
|
|
|
Another review...
digitalpinoy.multiply.com/journal/item/4244/Pocketwizard_...
Posted 25 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
can you use the ttl funtion of camera or will it only work if the flash is on manual setting? please advise thx
Posted 25 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
just tested 5DMKII body with 580EXII, no problem all the way up to 1/8000,but strangely noticed that the black bar appear at 1/160 and 1/200.and its consistent at 1/200, anybody encounter?
Update: now prob has been solved,noticed that hold the flash and covered the sensor was the cause.
Originally posted 25 months ago.
(permalink)
michaelchaint edited this topic 24 months ago.
|
|
TR-332 does NOT work with 1D Mark III. I've just tried my new set with 1D3 and 40D. With 1D3 when I press the auto focus button or the half press the shutter release (I have auto focus function on AE-ON) the 580EXII started flashing in short interval continuously but didn't flash with shutter release. I've used TTL mode.
The set works very well with 40D.
Posted 25 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
My 332RX keeps freezing and giving a 'err 20' code. Used it on a job today for the first time after my skyport tx was run over by a forklift (due to having no lock on hotshoe and my knocking it off :(...)
. I ended up using my trust st-e2.... Life!
Originally posted 25 months ago.
(permalink)
Doug Jackson Photography edited this topic 25 months ago.
|
|
|
Anyone help with the Err20 code. nothing on tinterweb anywhere.
Originally posted 25 months ago.
(permalink)
Doug Jackson Photography edited this topic 25 months ago.
|
|
|
michaelchaint - I have not detected that problem with my 50D, but I wonder if it is due to the camera.
(I presume that you are pausing on half-shutter to give the Knights time for the initial transmission, as visible on the TX controller.)
Canon says that speeds like 1/60th or 1/125th may be needed with non-speedlites. This is due to a mismatch of propagation times - the flash is taking too long to generate light, so the shutter must be kept open to wait for the flash.
1/160th and 1/200th are within the problem band.
Posted 25 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
compucat - I have seen that continuous flash in other circumstances. Others have reported random flashing. The first thought is that it is a mounting/contact problem.
In my case, the spurious flashes were in time with the follow-on transmissions - after the long initial block on half-shutter, the TX Controller transmits a regular blip, which matched the flash firing.
I did wonder if re-allocating camera buttons would cause problems. Could you change the C.Fn just to test if the Knights work with AF back on the shutter button?
Posted 25 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
Doug Jackson - I have not seen an error code on the Knights. I suggest that you write to Pixel HK. I, too, will ask. If error codes are displayed, they should be described in the manual.
Posted 25 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
Yes SeedyBee...I've emailed them too. Will let you know.
Posted 25 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
In 5D II and under 1/200, my shots have half dark black. I think it can't sync. I tested 5D mode but still have problem.
How can fix it?
Posted 24 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
What mode was the flash's group on the TX controller set to? TTL?
How was the flash connected to the RX Remote - shoe or PC cable?
What flash were you using?
Posted 24 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
Rx was in hotshoe.
"What mode was the flash's group on the TX controller set to? TTL?"
I don't understand. I set in 5D mode.
Posted 24 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
The Pixel Knights behave differently, depending on how they are configured.
You had the TX Controller in the 5DII hotshoe, with group 5D set to "On" and, presumably, groups A to E on default "TTL". The flash always belongs to a group (A to E), as well as 5D if needed.
You had the flash in hotshoe of the RX Remote.
The flash was a Speedlite, presumably.
If that is all true, then you should not have got any shadowing, unless you were too fast on the shutter button.
When you half-shutter to get focus, the Knight TX Controller wakes up if needed, and communicates with any remotes, for almost a second. If you press full shutter during that time, you interrupt the setup commands and can get various misfires, depending on where you interrupted.
Try watching the blue transmission light and waiting until the first long burst is complete. There will be blips after that while half-shutter is held - they don't matter.
Posted 24 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
Do not buy these.... They are a first generation product. Poor quality and no tech support. Save your money!!!
Posted 24 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
Doug - this is a surprise, in light of your blog review! What has changed?
I was going to ask if you can get +/- 3 stops FEC with the Knights on your 5DII. My 50D can only do 2 stops.
I understand that Pixel have a fix prepared for the 5D compatibility issue.
Posted 24 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
I have done a short blog post about my final thoughts when using these triggers....it's not too positive.
dougjacksonphotography.blogspot.com/2010/06/problems-with...
Posted 24 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
Thanks, Doug, and sympathies!
Posted 24 months ago.
(permalink)
|
|
|
EDIT ! - I was in contact with Pixel today (3 July 2010) and it turns out they have held back orders for the second version due to the new sleep mode issue we had also experienced with the samples, and possibly new features.
So its unlikely people have actualy purchased the v2 models yet! (you can tell as they scroll through the group menu on the Tx with a quick press of the power button).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Version 2 of the Canon TR-332 is now out and selling in Pixels ebay store! [ NOT - SEE EDIT ABOVE ]
The main difference is much better battery life and compatibility with more cameras. Now also compatible are -
1D MkII, 1D MkII N, 1D MkIII, 1Ds MkII, 5D, 30D, 400D and 350D.
as well as the original
5D MkII, 7D, 40D, 50D, 550D, 500D, 450D and 1000D.
Still go be tested - 1D, 1Ds MkIII, 1D MkIV, 10D, 20D
The other main change is they now go into sleep mode after 30 seconds. I'm not sure yet if thats a good thing. To wake up half press the shutter for 1/2 a second and watch the blue transmission light and wait until the first long burst is complete.
Upgrades - Quote from PIXEL - if the new version is released on the market, we allow to change if someone want to change their old version.
But we will not afford the return shipping cost. For more information, the user can send e-mail to support@pixelhk.com
One great thing I have found is they now hypersync all the way to 1/8000th with a manual speedlights with full coverage of the frame (on full power).
@ Doug Jackson - I had not heard anything from them for a week or so as they have been very busy. I just received a reply though and your already on their list and will receive an email regarding your issues. I've not seen an error message like that before either :-o
Originally posted 24 months ago.
(permalink)
elv0000 edited this topic 23 months ago.
|
|
@elv0000
Would you mind giving me the link of pixel store in ebay? I have searched but it seems that lots of seller sell these triggers.
do you know how to distinguish TR-332 v1 and v2 ? I use 5D want to make sure that these triggers work with my camera.
Here in germany, bit difficult to get these things (v2), order directly maybe a solution but must add 19% taxes :)
thank you
Posted 24 months ago.
(permalink)
|
Strobist.com /
Discuss
Feed – Subscribe to Strobist.com discussion threads
