where are you getting 1/180 sec?
try as I might, I'm not getting anything between 1/160 sec and 1/200 sec(as in I can't set 1/180 sec, only the p-ttl flash sets that speed).
(I'm using first curtian sync and manual mode and no black band at the bottom of the frame.) (also 1/160 in trailing curtian sync).
to get 1/180 sec you'd have to have a p-ttl flash set to green first curtian sync, and to go higher, set to hs high speed sync mode.....

list all your camera settings? I'd like to try to replicate the problem, but so far, haven't had any luck.

as for range, I'll try some tests tomorrow....but so far had no problems.
I live in a rural area, in wide open, flat (think mars) prairie. not too likely to get much in the way of interference here..... So I should be able to get the maximum range, and would be very surprised if I came up as short as what you're getting!

you do know that the slaves won't go faster than your camera's fastest synch speed right?
if the fastest (normal not hs sync) is 1/160 then the slave won't make your flash go any faster than that.
my understanding is that the elinchrom slave will go to 1/1000 sec on certian cameras (read medium format, compact/rangefinder, or very high end slrs that can reach those speeds.)
(interesting read on strobist, about that issue re canon g9 today)......

also check for second curtian sync on your flash.
I tend to use flash indoors and at night mostly so I'll have to go experiment some, to see if I can replicate your problem....
is it possible, that you have your camera set up to only fire when the flash is fully charged? what settings are you using for flash and camera? using full power pops would in practice slow down things.....
but as far as I know 1/160 or 1/180 (I can't remember which) should be doable........


a quick look in aperture shows many studio shots at 1/160 mostly at f8, with studio strobes...and no black stripes...all shot in manual mode.....

hi there.
if you use the search function, you'll find that is an oft asked question.
(I own 2 k10's and a ds2).
one thing to consider...how new is oyur computer? unless you have a powerful computer, you may have trouble working with 10-14 mp files from the k10-k20. if that's the case, you won't be disapointed in the *ist series cameras (or any 6 mp dslr from pentax).
your old lenses will be usable ( again try searching for specifics on this oft asked question).

I make decent money using the cameras I have, and would certianly not hesitate to recomend ANY Pentax d-slr. The k10 is being cleared out cheap at alot of places so grab one if you can find one!

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Motorcyclists travel on thier stomachs. We only stop for gas (petrol too...while we're eating).

I actually keep my slr in a tank bag (modified tamrack camera bag) on my trusy old fj1200...... safe and easy to get to......

well there is one easy way.... if one remembers to do it during import...
I can sort the files by import session, and then tag them that way....
but I was just thinking there must be a simple, set and forget, setting in the pentax software, to get around this.

here's one I've not yet tried!
I have more than one k10.
on a photoshoot, recently, Gerri asked me to show her which shots were hers.
I did a smart album, sorting by lenses, and viola!
my question:
is there a way to name the camera, that allows the camera to tag the images? Ie k10-1 and k10-2, or Don's and Gerri's?

Sorry to hear things didn't work out.
Hope you continue moving forward with lots of success.
Hope you keep coming back to the forum...



***note to self:***
....(must apply for Ben's old Job).....
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a simple headphone jack adaptor works.
I forgot I got tonnes of stuff, some modded.
cheap Kaiser brand pc to hotshoe adapters (about ten bucks) have the pc plugs replaced with headphone jacks work perfectly for me.
(all though using it with high voltage flash units might not be safe)

the cable you mentioned has a plug that fits older elinchrom radio slaves