anyone recommend cheap flashes to use as slaves?

Hi

I've read a few posts but still confused lol!

I'm looking for a slave flashgun so something cheap - if cheap enough then maybe two!
I plan to try using them with a round softbox (beauty dish type) for portraits - I'll need a wireless sync system to go with it - My camera does have wireless sync but I don't know much about it at the moment.

I currently have a Pentax K7 and a Metz 58 AF-1 flashgun (I now have a sync cable which connects those if I want to use it with a camera bracket but I do think another back up light (forgot the term) will help with some portrait images.

Thanks for any suggestions




metz...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00007EECW/sr=1-138/qid=1327103781/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1327103781&sr=1-138&seller=

metz... do I need the swivel head as previous example?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00456RFH6/sr=1-124/qid=1327103781/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1327103781&sr=1-124&seller=


cheapy speedlight version.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Electronic-Speedlight-Speedlite-flashgun-Olympus/dp/B003...=pd_cp_ce_1

budget wireless flash...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Channel-Wireless-Flashgun-Speedlight-receivers/dp/B002RD...=pd_cp_ce_0

Years ago, I bought two of the little Pentax slave units (they used to advertise them in the Pentax User magazine), and are still functional to this very day!!... I wonder what happened to these handy little gizmo's??

I think those were optically triggered so may not work with pre flash?

True. They don't work with pre-flash.

I got the extra flashgun and wireless trigger kit but I'm having some problems getting it to work.

if I have the option of wireless mode from onboard flash on then the flashgun works but I'm confused as that means I have to use the tiny flash on the camera all the time?

the trigger unit I assume plugs into the flash socket (the one with the stupidly tiny screw top which will be lost in no time at all!!) which is a very tight fit. and I have the other part on the flash gun but nothing happens - I tried changing slave 1 or 2 etc.

I tried it on my metz 58 as well and it's the same - only will work if in the camera menu I have the wireless flash from on board flash tuned on and use with just the receive on the flashgun without the trigger being used at all.

I'm probably doing something stupid though (been ill today so I'm using that as an excuse! :blush

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002RCUECS
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003RHVUF2

I've tried the camera flash setting to wireless flash mode. I'm assuming it still needs the trigger and receivers though.




(ps: I also ordered a light meter but brought it from a chinese ebayer by mistake so I'll have to wait a month or two to see if it turns up or works I've not had a good week at all!!)

Thanks

Tried that

My Metz has an error & can't take it off slave - and the mode button just beeps and no text above it. (can't find the manual either)

Tried with the other flash but nothing.

I don't know how to change the channel on the speed light (or camera?) the Metz has an option to choose 4 channels but I need to reset that if I can.

Error message on Metz might be with batteries being low so now recharging.
But don't know why speed light now playing?
I tried the appropriate mini switches on receivers (slave /master 1 or 2) it's on the transmitter as well

Just blinded myself!
It was a surprise after so many non fires!!

The test button on the receiver works only if I unplug it from the camera and plug it back in... Works the once only... I have to unplug again... And the flash gun fires only when I press the test button not the camera button.

The test buttons does make the recievers light up & both flashes... Just not the camera button... Getting there slowly

oh and thanks for the manual link - I've deleted the non english pages and added it to my ipad which is more useful than the paper version (where ever that is!?)

so does anyone think I just have a faulty transmitter and return it for an exchange?

try it on the Canon.then

if the Metz works fine in Manual partial mode on the K7 also in manual mode, just flashing once.

if you have fresh batteries

if when you press the transmitter test button it sometimes doesn't work, don't forget the flash needs to recharge so may not work instantly.

then yes , possibly it is dodgy.
It should be easier than you've found.