Blocking off camera's flash for use with strobe?

[tlmainer]

I just got a A570IS for Christmas and have a Sea & Sea YS-60TTL strobe that I bought on a close out last year. I have ordered the HW adapter which will arrive today. I have read in the past that some people tape off or block off the camera's flash when using a strobe. Is this common practice? Should I turn down camera's flash, use diffuser, or block off camera's flash?
I will probably spend the first couple of days learning the camera's settings...UW, White balance etc then add the strobe the last couple of days.
Any help is appreciated!

 

[under water]

If you are using a fiber optics connector with an external strobe, you only need the internal flash to trigger the strobe. You can turn the flash down to 1/3 and it should still work and will save the batteries. Tape the internal flash off (over the FO) so that you eliminate the backscatter (white spots) from the internal flash.
If you are using a TTL connector, the internal flash should not fire, so you are all set.

You will not need the diffuser in either case unless you want to use that to block the flash by taping it.
I can't say if it's common practice, but it's a good practice.
Have fun!

 

[RoyN]

Inon has that option where you can put the black tape over the flash to prevent any backscatters. You can find it here.

 

[under water]

.....

 

[under water]

Inon has that option where you can put the black tape over the flash to prevent any backscatters. You can find it here.

Here is an alternative at about 1/10th price

Gorilla Glue 1" Gorilla Tape Roll - RadioShack.com

I actually found some "Gaffers tape" that works really well.

Gaffers Tape | Low Gloss Finish

 

[RoyN]

Very interesting, would the fiber optic cable detect the flash through the tape?

 

[scubajunkee]

Here is an alternative at about 1/10th price

Gorilla Glue 1" Gorilla Tape Roll - RadioShack.com

I actually found some "Gaffers tape" that works really well.

Gaffers Tape | Low Gloss Finish

That (duct) tape will block everything out. Inon's clear photo system, blocks the visible light and allows the fiberoptic cable to see IR "signal" from the flash.

-eR

 

[randini]

I just use plain old electrical tape and put the HW sensor on the top of the housing. THis way all the light from the strobe to the subject is blocked off, but plenty of light is shot upwards to trigger the flash.

 

[under water]

That (duct) tape will block everything out. Inon's clear photo system, blocks the visible light and allows the fiberoptic cable to see IR "signal" from the flash.

-eR

It would if you put it between the flash and the FO cable, but you don't do that .. you put it on top of the FO attachment. Protects it as well.
I'm sure the other stuff (IR passsthrough filter) would work OK. I am curious if it works at 1/3 flash level.

 

[Choyster]

I can confirm that the Inon clear photo system absolutely works with the flash on the A570is turned all the way down.