Slave vs PC Sync

[Andy]

Tried a 2 light set up with my Nissin Speed light and my 180w strobe, I would set the speed light to slave and with a pc sync cord to fire the strobe system. However the Speed light doesn't fire when im using the strobe, its like the slave sensor cant see the flash, but it works fine when I try the build in flash.

So im thinking of buying a hot shoe adaptor with a socket for a pc sync and use the strobe as a flash, but before I buy I don't want to find out later that my strobe wont fire using a slave from my speed light (following me so far? )

So, how come the flash doesn't fire when its set the slave but fires fine when I use the pop up flash? Confusing to me unless im missing something.

 

[HoppyUK]

I suspect your Nissin in slave mode is expecting a pre-flash to trigger its auto-TTL system, which it's not getting from the studio flash.

What you're suggesting will work if your studio light has a built-in optical slave. Sorted. Alternatively, the way you have it now your Nissin should fire if you switch it to manual (slave mode off) and fit an optical slave adapter for about a tenner from Jessops. About the size of an Oxo cube, fits on the hot-shoe.

There are some rare incompatability problems with this method that some Canon guns suffer from (called SCR lock up) but I'm not aware of Nissins suffering from it. To be absolutely sure take your gun to the shop, slip on the optical slave adapter, and fire any flash at it. It will fire, but if it suffers SCR lock up, it will not fire twice. So if it repeat fires, you're okay.

If it does lock up, you need to go with your plan. Or get a set of radio triggers.

 

[Andy]

Cheers bud,