Trigger flash in Manual mode K110d

Hey,

So I've just been testing my flash off camera with the Cactus V4's in Manual mode.

What settings do i need to make the flash trigger no matter what? At the moment in 'M' mode it doesn't trigger at all. I've got it set to manual flash in the settings and assumed it'd set it off no matter what? What am I doing wrong?

Make sure the TX and RXs are set to the same channel.
There should be a test button on the Tx.
When you press the test button the red light on the Rx should flash, does it?
Does the slave fire if you press the test button?
Which body & lens combo are you using?

It all triggers ok, I just can't seem to find a mode that allows me to use the flash even if the camera doesn't think I should.

I'm using the K110d and a 50 - 200 Pentax lens

I assume from what you've said that the flash fires when you press the Test button on the Cactus triger.

What is your shutter speed? It used to be that anything past the sync speed would cause a portion of the frame to not be illuminated by the flash. To eliminate that problem, Pentax has disabled the hot shoe at shutter speeds faster than the max sync speed (1/180?).

This limitation can be used quite effectively for creative effect when you know how. Sadly, Pentax no longer allows people who know what they are doing to make use of this "feature".
To completely turn off the flash is just irritating!! Argh!!!


Other than that, if you're in Manual mode, the flash should trigger every time you take a photo.

Procedure 1: Mount the flash on the camera and set it up to take a flash shot using Manual exposure mode. Press the shutter.

Q1: Does the flash fire.? It should.

If it doesn't you have a faulty camera or flash or one or both is not setup correctly for manual exposure.

Assuming it does,

Procedure 2: Without changing camera settings, fit the cactus Tx to the camera, fit the Rx to the flash off-camera, set it up such that a press of the test button on the Cactus Tx causes the flash to fire.
Now press the shutter.

Q2: Does the flash fire? It should.

If it does not fire then I suspect you have either a faulty Cactus Tx or there is a connection issue between the Cactus Tx and the hot shoe. Is it pushed fully onto the shoe?

The trigger works fine. When the flash is placed on top of the camera I can see the flash icon in the viewfinder is constantly lit. If I have the trigger mounted and flash off the camera the flash icon isn't lit - unless the camera thinks it needs the flash. There doesn't seem to be any way to make the flash icon lit no matter what, is this true?

Ignore the viewfinder flash Icon, it will not light solid unless a flash is fitted to the camera. It will flash indicating that flash is required for a good exposure, but that's not the issue.

Concentrate on the reason the flash doesn't fire off-camera with your radio triggers.

I've posed some pretty specific questions above but you haven't answered any of them yet.

Ok, I've done your tests. I just left the lens cap on so it'd need the flash.

A1: Yes

A2: Yes

It flashed both on and off the camera everytime I tested.

I guess it just takes some getting used to!

So if you take the lens cap off, does the remote flash setup still work, or does the flash not fire?

Might be a silly question but what flash are you using?

I think it's fine to be honest, just me being a noob.

It's an AF 360 FGZ.

Mannesty - The set up did still work, but only up to a tv value of 180. Is that normal? I think I just need to read up more about it all.

It will only work at 1/180 max m8 as that is your cameras sync speed.

Ah right cheers, explains alot. I suppose I won't need more than that if I'm in good lighting anyway.

Thank you Mannesty as well, You're always around to help out!

I know it can be annoying trying to figure out what someone new to trade is on about!

See my post above.