Subject:	Hmmmmmmmmm.... (+)
Author:	NLAVD
Date:	2/28/2002 11:14:51 PM
Message:

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drdread wrote:
Have you tried monkeying with the sensitivity setting on the slave sensor? Supposedly, it's not all that critical, although I have noticed that it can cause misfires if it's set too sensitive. I'd try turning it down to minimum, see if the thing still syncs, and turn it up if not. Keep increasing the sensitivity until you get a sync.
I have messed with the sensitivity of the sensor with no noticeable change in results.

Obviously, I don't have a DS-125, but I assume it has a manual power vs. ttl setting, and that you actually have it on TTL?
Yes, I was testing with it in TTL but I've since discovered that it doesn't behave as I would expect in manual mode either. I have seen cases where the smallest aperture and 1/8 power will overexpose from 6-10' away...clearly not right. I can't seem to get consistent enough results to report them as 'this is what I get'.

Other ideas: it's possible that the strobe subsystem is not doing the preflash sync, and then the camera would think it needs a massive blast from the strobe. In fact, mis-aiming the slave sensor would cause this as well. FWIW, the aim is mor critical in air than it is in water; the crud in the water actually helps the sensor because it scatters light in all directions.Have you tried setting the up the whole system on a tripod and then holding the slave sensor directly over the flash deflector?All in all, in this photographic game of Clue, "I accuse" the slave sensor. I'm not sure what its weapon was or where it committed the murder, but I'm pretty confident that it's the culprit.

I have pretty much concluded the same. I really wish I had a TTL camera & cord to test the strobe w/o the sensor. I have done tests with the sensor right on the camera flash and at every angle/distance combination that is feasible. Nothing I've done consistently changes my results. The missing pre-flash theory best explains it because that would also explain the problems with manual flash modes.

BTW, I gotta tell you, I love that sponge shot. I'm immensely flattered that you were trying to copy my style, and hugely impressed that you succeeded so well on so early an attempt. If you want to branch out in that direction in the future, I'd look into purchasing whatever sort of WA adaptor is available for your system. A 35mm lens on a 35mm camera isn't going do a lot for you when it comes to scenics.D

Thank you again! I had no doubt the minute I saw it that it was technically my best shot of the bunch and probably ever. There are clearly two types of photos I'm interested in; ones that capture the feel of the dive and ones that capture things seen on a dive. The former is definitely more artistically challenging and, simply put, produces more of a 'frameable' print. Now that I have a little more capability with the new camera, I'll need some time to settle into what I like to do. I still have that beginner tendency to want to photograph everything on every dive...even though I know better :)

As for lenses, Inon and Sea & Sea both make a w/a lens that will go on this housing (the port is threaded). I'm looking at them but I feel that I have so many other things to get straightened out before I bother...not the least of which is paying for two weeks in Thailand.

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