Off Camera Flash

[Marc]

I have a Sony HVL-F56AM Flashgun which I use with my a700. I know how to use it off camera wirelessly but it requires using the camera's built in flash to trigger it. Is there any way to use the flashgun off camera without using the built in flash?

 

[blazzar]

Yep, quite a few:
- with a cable attached between the hot shoe and flash
- with some cheap wireless triggers (from ebay often called Cactus triggers)
- with more expensive wireless triggers (Skyports, Pocket Wizards)

Take a look at www.strobist.com for much more explanation (Lighting 101 is the section you want)

 

[Chewy]

If it's the effect of fill in flash from the pop-up you're trying to eliminate, you can 'block' the light to make sure it only hits the receiver on the main flash, but radio triggers are the only sure fire way.

Owing to the minolta hot-shoe you'll also need an adaptor which are about £5 on ebay. Unless you want the OEM adaptor which is about £90.

 

[Marc]

Thanks for the replies

Owing to the minolta hot-shoe you'll also need an adaptor which are about £5 on ebay. Unless you want the OEM adaptor which is about £90.

That's partly the info I was after as I know the hotshoe isn't standard. Nice to know I can get a hotshoe adapter quite cheaply.

 

[Chewy]

The cheaper hotshoe adaptor works fine too, never had a problem.