Comments on: GadgetInfinity “ebay” Radio Flash Slaves Review

By: Topmach

Topmach — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The random problems with the Canon 430EX and the Gadget Infinity triggers can be reduced somewhat quite easily. Based on discussions I’ve seen on this topic, i believe the problem is that the 430ex emits E-M radiation that builds up in the triggers and fires them. Based on that assumption, I have configured one of my receivers to shield the receiver from the radiation.

My technique is quite simple. Place a piece of electrical or gaffers tape over the PC port. Then cut a 4-5 inch long, 3/4 to one inch wide piece of aluminum foil. Tape one end to the receiver and then wrap the foil around the receiver taking care not to cover the switch or little red trigger light. It seems to be all right to have the foil touching the actual flash shoe receptacle.

Immediate problem. You have to take it apart to change the battery or set the wireless channel. The Radio Shack 3 volt AAA battery packs can take care of the battery change problem. The channel switching shouldn’t be a problem unless you change channels more than on setup.

How well does it work. Pretty well, but far from perfectly. Shielding EM radiation is not an exact science. If any readers have further insights, Please post or write me directly at walkerwg@yahoo.com BTW, I apologize for the formatting. I drafted this with paragraphs but am unfamiliar with PHP code.

By: Chris Garrett

Chris Garrett — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Seems the 580ex, or at least mine, doesn’t exhibit this problem thankfully but thanks for posting as I am sure it might help others

By: Rob

Rob — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Hi
I have a 580 EX and been reading about all the problems with the canon flashes. Did you did any modification to 580 like you mention for the 430? have you try using the 16 channel?

Thanks

By: Chris Garrett

Chris Garrett — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Personally I got everything out of the boxes and tried it, all worked first time. The only one with random firing was on an Nikon SB-28 when it got too close to the other Nikons ..

By: Max Cascone

Max Cascone — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I like this writeup. What about cheapo eBay flashes? Are any of them any good? Wouldn’t it be worth it to get a few cheapo flashes to experiment with? Which ones are good, and which ones should be avoided?

By: Chris Garrett

Chris Garrett — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The cheap ebay flashes dont seem a lot cheaper than used SB-24,25,26 or 28s?

By: Max Cascone

Max Cascone — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I’m a canon guy right now… although i’ve heard nikon flashes can be retrofitted for canon?

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I am a canon guy (350d/rebel xt), I do have a 580ex for on-camera use but my favourite flashes are my three nikons (1xsb-26 and 2x sb-28s). As you would use manual when the flash is off camera anyway they are far better bang for buck than any canon flash you might use (canon flashes with manual operation tend to be way more pricey and no better performing).

For on camera use you are stuck with canon but off camera, world is your oyster. Here is how I connect canon dslr to nikon flashes.

By: Max Cascone

Max Cascone — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I was thinking along those lines but wasn’t sure I was correct – thanks for clearing it up. So an SB-26/28 with an ebay remote trigger would be pretty slick huh? All for less than a 430EX?

By: Chris Garrett

Chris Garrett — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Yup :O)