Digital SLR Reviews Blog

Posts Tagged ‘Flash Sync’

Precision Design Quick Flip Rotating FB350 Flash Bracket for Digital SLR Cameras and Speedlight Flashes

The Precision Design FB350 flash-rotating bracket is light and compact, constructed entirely of sturdy aluminum and ergonomically designed for comfort, speed and durability. The FB350 Flash Bracket fits all shoe-mount flashes and can be used with both digital and 35mm SLR cameras.

The bracket has a pivoting flash arm that keeps the flash over the lens in both horizontal and vertical positions to eliminate “Red Eye” and drastically reduce side shadows for truly professional-looking results. It has a comfortable foam grip and a tripod mountable base. It allows the user to shoot and advance film as if no bracket were attached.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars hotshoe considerations, but great value flash arm bracket
This is the cheapest and best valued “flash arm bracket” that I could find. I am quite happy with it, however it is my first “flash arm bracket” and I have not yet used it extensively. I find it to be very sturdy and professional looking, the grip is a nice cheap foam but works, and the velcro straps are a plus. The flash arm is held with an allen screw and nut for a firm hold but easily moves under manual pressure and I imagine this may need tightening over time.

Considerations: Only the flash arm rotates while some models have both arms rotate (useful?). Also, the flash shoe mount is all metal (so you may want to use some Hosa 2-inch Gaffers Tape 60 Yards, Black to pad it from the metal hotshoe on your flash). Also the flash shoe did not grip my flash (430exii,540ez) very well… until I added a couple of strips of gaffers tape. I’m also going to try to use this as a cheap “diy steadicam” after some mods and a counter weight.

1 Star Precision Design Quick Flip Rotating FB350 Flash Bracket
The shoe must be removed to add the Flash sync cable, the you must carry a Phillips screw driver (no thumb screw, or room for one). The elbow of the arm is set with a allen screw and is not adjustable, and will flow freely with the flash. As the top horizontal arm is not at 90 degrees to the vertical arm. The arm flops down out of level.

Precision Design Quick Flip Rotating FB350 Flash Bracket for Digital SLR Cameras & Speedlight Flashes

4 Stars Almost 5 stars…
I almost gave this a 5 star review. The only issues I’ve had with it, which were no big deal for me but I could see bothering other buyers are:

1) The nut that goes on the swivel kept coming unscrewed after flipping the bracket a few times. I had a locking nut on hand and replaced it with that and have had no further problems, if you don’t have one on hand and yours has the same issue that could be a bit of an inconvenience.

2) The hotshoe mount would not securely hold the end of my generic ettl cord (don’t know if it would hold the Canon branded one any better). I just unscrewed the mount and used the same screw to directly attach it to the bracket, which would be an inconvenience if I wanted to use the same cord off camera without the bracket.

For me I’m still really happy with it, it serves my purposes well for as often as I need a bracket and I’m glad I didn’t spend the extra money on the more known brand.

5 Stars S-weet!!
I was pretty nervous getting the knock-off version for my flash bracket, but I liked the price, so I decided to go for it. It came the day of one of my scheduled wedding shoots, and I decided to use it cold turkey. It was WELL WORTH THE PURCHASE. It’s incredibly lightweight and moves the flash easily. There are no extra buttons that you have to push to manuever it, just an easy flip with your hand. The padding is perfect for long days of holding your camera. I’d recommend this to anyone looking for a bracket.

4 Stars Great product for the price
The only reason this got a 4 star rating is because the mount on the top of the camera does not close far enough to hold my flash… keep that in mind if you are buying this expecting to use the mount. I, however am not using the mount, as I purchased a hot shoe cord that I just screwed on top using the screw that comes with the bracket.

It’s a nice bracket for the price. It is a sturdy, all metal frame with a nice grip.

If you are a beginner or don’t have a ton of money to spend, this is a nice bracket. The only thing I don’t like about it is it does not have a hinge at the bottom, so it is not easy to store. It takes up a lot of room in my camera bag.

Also when you use the bracket as a Left handle mount you must rotate the camera clockwise for vertical shots. I”m used to rotating the camera counter-clockwise, with my hand on top so its a little akward… I think I can get used to it though.

Next time I’ll definitely invest a little more money and get one that has a hinge at the bottom for more movement of the flash and so it will fold down.

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Pocket Wizard FlexTT5 Transceiver For Canon TTL Flashes and Digital SLR Cameras

The dedicated FlexTT5TM Transceiver, with its built in hot-shoe and ControlTLTM firmware, is the perfect addition to Canon E-TTL II flash systems. The FlexTT5 takes the existing benefits of Canon wireless systems beyond the boundaries of infrared technology. When paired with the Mini TT1TM Transmitter or another FlexTT5 Transceiver, a whole new world of wireless flash freedom opens up. The FlexTT5 is also the perfect Transceiver for your manual triggering needs and works with all MultiMAX channels and many of the MultiMAX advanced functions.

The FlexTT5s simple design comes to life through its hot-shoe connection with a camera or flash. Mount a flash or command unit on the FlexTT5 to use the same zone controls and ratio commands as you would normally. The system tracks your changes in ISO, shutter speed and aperture and reacts accordingly to make sure exposures stay right on target. Use the flash compensation dial on your camera or flash just as you would normally and the changes pass seamlessly through the system.

The FlexTT5 has two channel configuration settings; C1 and C2. Each can be programmed as needed with up to 20 ControlTL channels for TTL photography, or 32 standard channels for manual flash photography. The FlexTT5 Transceiver also has a three-zone selector switch for ease of use with Canon zones and ratios.

With PocketWizard HyperSyncTM Technology, the FlexTT5 can precisely advance the timing of your flash trigger so that increased flash sync speeds, up to 1/500th of a second is achievable with many strobes.

User Ratings and Reviews

1 Star I was going to buy this… but
I haven’t purchased this product, but was about too. The reviews on this are frightening to say the least. I own the 5D MkII and 2-580EXII speedlites, I’m a part-time photographer and full-time graphic designer. I’ve been photographing weddings, portraits, and families for about 5 years now, and I’m starting to jump into working with models. I’ve been at a number of photoshoots with Pro’s and have never heard so many horrible reviews about one product as these. I’ve always heard of the pocket wizard, and seen them at different shoots, but never owned one.

They are very pricey items, but after reading the reviews about this particular item, I’m not sure that I would buy this or any of there products in the future. Is there any transmitting and receiving units out there that someone would recommended?

5 Stars Works as advertised!
I don’t shoot everyday but this product does exactly what is says it does. Works seamlessly with your Canon camera and speedlites.

1 Star Don’t waste your time.
This is not ready for the 5DII and 580exII yet. 8 out of 10 times they cannot work(even within 20 feet). I did an upgrade to the latest firmwares for both FlexTT5 and MiniTT1, no help at all. As a wedding photographer, I just can’t rely on them.

2 Stars needs work
The Pros , ETTL works ,flash compensation works from the camera(1DIII & 1DsIII)I am assuming the 5D II as well. There is no need to have a 580exII on top of the flexTT5 for this funtion to work.This is great for those of us who have not yet mastered full manual yet !

The Cons , I could only get my units to fire at 30 feet , seems that infrared output from 580exII prevent radio signals from reaching unit. Pocket Wizard shows you (website) how to overcome (somwhat)this with the use of unit seperating ideas . They explain how to use a longer arm to seperate the 580exII and the flexTT5 and how to connect the two with a cable and the use of a shield over the cable(Speedlite side). I don’t know about you but I don’t want to carry and put together anymore “stuff” than I have to.The flexTT5 looks and feels like a toy (cheap) , be VERY carefull with it ! On my first shoot , I placed the unit on a Manfrotto 5001b stand , the placed the 580exII on top of it (where its supposed to go). The flexTT5 became “unglued” at the shoe between Speedlite and flexTT5. Pocket wizard said they had heard of this happening and would replace it at no cost to me . I actually spoke with a real person when I called the company , and that alone makes for good customer service !

Conclusion , I know that when you have an idea , you test it first before you have it manufactured . Pocket Wizard plans to market a “shield” that keeps I.R. signals from affecting the TT5 , we will just have to see about this one . I purchased four units before any of this info was available and now wish maybe I should have waited for the reviews !

2 Stars Beta Equipment Sucks!!!
WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

First-time owner of this company’s product–2 of the Canon FlexTT5(tm). I am using it with a 580EX II and there isn’t a dull moment!!! Problems, glitches, and now on one of my units the TEST/LEARN button went bad!!! I missed a photo shoot due to this not ready for prime time pay for beta equipment!!! Just when I figured out how to have my Sekonic

Pentax AF 360 FGZ Flash for Pentax and Samsung Digital SLR Cameras w case

The PENTAX AF360FGZ auto flash unit features a large guide number of 30 (at ISO100/m), which allows for effective flash photography over a lengthy distance. This clip-on, bounce auto-zoom flash includes a variety of advanced flash features, such as P-TTL auto flash, high-speed synchronization and wireless P-TTL auto flash, when mounted on a PENTAX digital SLR camera. Zoom Head – 24-85mm (flash automatically senses focal length) Flash sync mode – Leading-shutter-curtain sync, Trailing-curtain-sync, Contrast-control-sync, High-speed-sync, modeling flash, Wireless flash Power Source – Four AA size batteries (alkaline, lithium, Ni-Cd, NiMh) Dimensions W x H x D – 2.8 x 4.3 x 4.5 inches (70 x 110 x 115.5mm) Weight – 9.6 oz. (270g)

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Excellent Product
Perfect addition to my K100D

It uses less battery life than the camera when in a pinch, I’ve been able to switch out the batteries to increase my camera’s life while still being able to use the flash.

2 Stars Mechanical Quality Stops At the Surface
If I could, I RATE THIS PRODUCT 2.5 Stars.

I agree with an earlier review in that this Pentax flash unit is mechanically very disappointing and certainly not worthy of the Pentax name. In no way does this product represent the Japanese Quality and Solid Designs of the 80’s that we have all become sentimental about. With this flash unit, Pentax has taken the low road to profit in place of working towards brand loyalty by producing a quality product, and making sure their dealers stand behind the product without sniveling.

The Pentax flash I received was assembled in the Philippines and judging from the rough mold quality of the battery door and surround plastics used to secure the battery door are reminiscent of parts that come from a place with little QA. With the flash unit I have, when all four AA batteries are out, the battery door is difficult to open. With all four batteries in place, the battery door is easily knocked ajar, leaving a 1.5-2 mm gap at the top of the battery door. From this slight open position, the battery door can and does with little force, pop open letting the batteries to spill out. I had the flash in my hands for just 3-4 minutes before that event happened and when I need my flash the last thing I want happening is for the batteries to fall out into my camera bag or on to the floor.

If you are right handed like myself, because of the natural area where a person tends to grab the flash, to release the flash head position lock button, by default causes the battery cover on my flash unit to pop partially open. Only once in 3 attempts was I able to till the flash head without disturbing the placement of the battery compartment cover and knocking the cover partially open. I have been using flashes of this similar design and nature since the old Vivatar 283 days of the late 70’s and never have I seen a case where the act of tilling a flash head could cause a battery compartment to open.

The second area of concern is the flash shoe. Like another review stated the shoe uses a small metal pin to help keep the locking mechanism align while the user moves the compression collar. The compression collar on my shoe is not well registered mechanically. I can see this device failing and perhaps cracking in the field.

Also the flash unit, with hot shoe locking collar released, fits much too tightly in the camera hot shoe. For this reason, the flash unit is difficult to remove from the K20D hot shoe and always requires close attention during the process as I need to use both hands, one placed near the flash hot shoe, and one placed near the camera hot shoe. Then I have to wiggle the flash unit back and forth till I unseat the flash.

If not, I get the impression that over torquing during this process could lead to serious mechanical damage to both the flash unit and camera body. I’m use to using just one hand to perform this task, of seating and unseating a flash unit atop a prism housing, and this is the most difficult flash unit I have ever mounted.

In fairness, I thought I should make sure that the mounting issue was with this Pentax flash, so I tried to see how a backup Vivatar 2000 flash unit would sit on the K20D camera hot shoe, and I was able to seat and unseat the Vivatar flash on the camera hot shoe with a single hand. Hence the fitting (mechanical tolerance) issue rest with the Pentax flash itself. From feel, I estimate the Pentax flash hot shoe pad to be about 0.005″ of an inch too think.

Today, all of my photo shooting is done for fun, but that does not preclude my desire to still use and operate equipment that is reliable and robust enough that I can operate in the field and not be overly concerned about the state of my equipment or if the equipment will even survive little more than casual use. From what I have seen of the Pentax 360 Flash, makes me wonder if an investment in other Pentax gear is such a wise move. If Pentax is incapable of doing the very basic mechanical functions well like keeping a simple battery cover closed tight, then how can they be trusted to be any better with the more complex tasks?

From this product if not already, Pentax needs to initiate a Technical Lessons Learned (TTL) database, so this sort of fiasco in elementary mechanical design does not surface in a future product.

This sight unseen purchase, should I return the item will costing me $35 dollars for a 180 dollar sale. Beach Camera wants to charge a 10% restocking fee to take what I see as an inherent design and manufacturing flaw plus cost to return ship. Maybe, Beach Camera should not sell what they are not willing to stand behind, or they would take a defective product return without conditions. Also, why would you need to restock a defective item? Because of their return policy towards Amazon customers and the fact that they are not open on Saturday, I give a neutral recommendation for Beach Camera.

Minus one star for battery door design, function & quality of parts used.

Minus half star for hot shoe design & material selection.

Minus half star for casual use & field reliability.

4 Stars Nice flash.
Easy to use. Fast enough recharge. Affordable. Able to go wireless.

2 things. While I haven’t used the 540, I’d probably buy it over this one due to the lack of swivel alone. If you don’t find yourself taking portrait oriented photos in low light, its not an issue at all though.

also, i find turning the autozoom off in most low light situations. set to around 50mm, and keep the pttl on, makes a huge difference.

5 Stars Great product
Perfect product to carry with you! Low weigh and very compact, ideal for parties and other uses that you don’t want to carry a big accessory bag!

Plus: Very economic for the batteries!

5 Stars It’s a Fair product for the price
It have done all was it have promise, is well built and perform very good also it have a reachable price. I recommended a lot for any Pentax camera it also give great results with my Lumix LX3 of camera flash, tough it took a wile to make it work.

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