cactus v6 II with pentax firmware and rf 60 latest firmware

are they compatible? I can't make them work together. Please help if you can.

P.S.: is it me or this forum is becoming a bit desolated?

NVM fixed, I should have used the A3 firmware ad not the last one

It's certainly the case that Cactus make it a bit hard to understand all the different firmware versions, plus when to update. There's a few things I haven't been able to get working with my V6IIs (minor features), but it may be that I should just wait for firmware to be updated.


Hey, Seb, I've just posted a thread a couple of days ago about TTL Radio flash work outdoors and some portrait examples . Exactly your field of interest, but you didn't comment about it! You could make things less desolate by heading there and contributing ... The thread is due a bump, and it might even make it to two pages with your help!

Here's the thread .....link

Thanks mc, I never visit the your photos threads. However I noticed that the amount of new posts has lowered a lot. A big indicator is the second hand market forum. I don't come here every day and before I could find pages of stuff on that forum while now is always few posts.

I think I tried everything with the cactus except multi flash support, what didn't work for you?

Hi Seb, it has been quiet recently, you're right .... it seems to come and go a bit, and members disappear for longer.

The two features with the V6II / RF60x and the X-TTL firmware that I have not been able to get working are the 'Flash Compensate' and the 'Flash power lock'. I have tried a few times and it just doesn't happen as I read that it should. It is not helped by the fact that there is no full Instruction Manual for the X-TTL firmware version, only a Quick Guide. However I seem to be experiencing a bug, unless I am doing things totally wrongly.

As I read it, the Flash Power Lock applies to TTL mode, and is supposed to hold a fixed flash output level while the function is active, even when the framing might be changing. So its meant to be like a temporary switch to manual power. ...... But I can't get it to work ....

The 'Flash Compensate' is supposed to apply to Manual HSS mode, and should automatically adjust flash power to compensate for changes shutter speeds ....so you should be able to adjust your ambient exposure without affecting the flash exposure ...... but, I can't get it to work

I tried the exposure lock and unless it was a coincidence it seemed to work for me. I'll do more tests.

Thanks, there's been very little reporting about it on Cactus Forum.... But then there's little evidence that people have been using it successfully either. I'm on the A02 firmware version, there may be later one for the flashes now, so that's worth trying also.

Decided to try and set up and use the Cactus RF60 with the Cactus 6 remotes. It is quite a while since I tried this. Unfortunately have not got either of the remotes to play with the flash and a Pentax K-3. This is probably down to me not understanding any of the settings although I do think I have the flash and triggers on Group A and Channel 1. I was hoping to use the flash for "splash" shots as in the demo on you tube it was lower power = shorter flash duration and therefore eliminate the drops blurring. The instruction booklets that came with this gear is useless to anyone with poor vision so it looks like they will be bound for "classified sales" soon

Hi Stan

Is the flash also on channel 1 ?

Also the trigger on the camera must be set to TX and the others if they have a flash connected to RD. I have one trigger I've set up with a yellow dot on so I always use this trigger on the camera, saves any hassle when I need them on a shoot.

I also switch the triggers on first then the flash as I've found on the odd occasion when I've done it the other way, it's not worked.

Thanks for the info Chris,
As far as I can see I have the triggers set to Group A and Ch1 and have tried the camera in all the modes through to Master and Controller without success. IIRC there was a way to trigger Pentax 360 without the small on camera flash operating but that is something else. On one of the Cactus triggers I get a message Dial Locked and can't seem to find any reference to that. I think I'm going to sit with a note book and write down what I do if I get it working. Maybe a project for the "Dark Nights". Even looking online I have to use ctrl and + to increase the manual to a readable size of font. Am just starting to use flash, for water splashes and the like as I don't get out and about for photography like I used too.

Hi Stan it's not a simple system at all, so stick with it, I'm sure we can sort out the problems between us all.

You mentioned "remotes" ..... Plural. The RF60 flash has the receiver built in, so you only need one V6 on the camera, as Chris said in Tx mode. No V6 receivers are required. The channel and group is set directly on the RF60 flash.

Also don't worry about the camera flash modes .... They have no significance when using triggers. The only thing to be wary of on the camera is not to exceed 1/180th sec (this assumes you are using the older V6, not the V6II.

Thanks for the encouraging words. I'm sure with the help of the forum members I'll get it sorted. I bought two V6 tx/rx as I was thinking one could be used for a second "other brand flash" when I felt this was needed. What I'm looking for is the reduction in power therefore shorter flash duration to try and eliminate blur in water splash shots as seen on you-tube. Must admit it's great fun and frustration trying to get it right

Morning Stan.

Have you downloaded the Pentax software update from the Cactus web site for the 6ii Triggers ?

Settings wise, on TX all I think is required is the select " P " for Pentax. On the RF60x - select " S " for slave and ensure the channel is the same on both the trigger and flash.

On the second trigger, again it'll need the software update, and you'll have to select the flash your using by name, in my case I use a Metz 64AF1

HTH

I'm still not totally sure which triggers Stan has, V6 or V6II ..... The V6 uses generic "multi brand" firmware, and the V6II can use that or the Pentax specific XTTL version.

So far Stan has referred to " V6" ......

Thanks all for the comments. Nigel is correct, I have the RF60 Flash and the V6 triggers. So far I've got the flash to work off camera attached to a V6 and the other V6 on the camera. I will just use it like that as there doesn't seem to be the TX/RX built into the flash. What I'm also looking for now is some "Dressmakers Tracing Paper" for shooting through as per Adorama you-tube. Must be great to have all the gear and a studio to work in. Because of the water factor I was out on the patio with an old duvet cover, to prevent staining, on the ground. Fortunately it wasn't windy. All great fun.