DS-51 won't fire when A590is set on Manual... Help!

[mofongo_max]

Finally got all my gear together and when I attempted to test fire the strobe, it won't fire when my Canon A590is is set on Manual mode. I'm using the EV manual controller to sync the camera's internal flash with the strobe. It'll fire fine when set to Tv or Av, but when set to Manual I feel I've tried every combination of settings on the camera and strobe and nothing's working. Am I missing something?

 

[Nemrod]

This is easy and is a regular mistake.

When you set your 590IS to manual or set the internal flash to manual control (yes, you can do that and then turn it down to 1/3 power level to conserve batteries and decrease cycle time) the camera pre-flash is canceled! Yes, it is true. The pre-flash does not fire in manual or when the camera strobe is set to manual (in manual, Av or Tv). For your Ikelite strobe to sync you will have to set it for no pre-flash when in manual exposure control. I suggest you set your camera strobe to 1/3 to begin with and then you can set your Ikelite strobe for no pre-flash and still cycle between manual, Av and Tv. But, if you select camera to full auto then it overrides the strobe 1/3 manual setting and reverts to pre-flash mode until you go back to manual, Av or Tv.

BTW, in Av, Tv or auto the flash in the camera will fire a pre-flash (because it is set to default auto) unless you select manual and 1/3 or 2/3 or 3/3 in the menu. Then the pre-flash will only fire in camera exposure auto.

Your 590IS strobe has a manual setting (1/3, 2/3 or 3/3 power levels) and an auto setting.

Read your manual to see this information.

N

 

[mofongo_max]

OK, instructions weren't found in the strobe's manual. But I was able to find information on the EV controller/sensor. After opening it up and flipping the no pre-flash/flash switch, it's now firing in Manual with no pre-flash.

Thanks Nemrod!

 

[Nemrod]

Well, it should be able to be set for non pre-flash cameras since it says so in the Ikelite data. I am talking about the EV controller.

Quote Ikelite:

The EV Manual Controller blah, blah,blah------ Compatible with both pre-flash and non pre-flash camera systems

and:

The Controller attaches to the strobe and mounts near the housing, providing maximum versatility and control of flash exposure. It can be used with normal or pre-flash camera and strobe systems.

End quote.

Please go to this page and learn how to sync your controller and strobe with your camera without pre-flash.

Manual Strobe Controller

Set one switch position to "A" for no pre-flash and the other of the two switches to "D" for your DS-51, I think is correct.

Or if you have the other style set one switch to the "50" and the other to the "P" with an X through it.

N

 

[Nemrod]

Oh, and I can tell you one thing for sure, the A590IS does NOT have a pre-flash in manual exposure control so you will have to learn to set for this condition. There is no reason for a camera to have a pre-flash in manual, the pre-flash is essentially part of the red-eye and auto exposure system, in manual, it is gone, it serves no purpose.

N

 

[mofongo_max]

Sorry, I think I edited my 2nd post while you were posting a response. Thanks again!

 

[Nemrod]

Sorry, I think I edited my 2nd post while you were posting a response. Thanks again!

So, it works now for you?

I suggest going into the menu on your 590IS and set your camera strobe to manual and then select to 1/3 power level. I think this will be enough of a flash to sync your EV controller. All that other fancy stuff, turn that off too.

N

 

[mofongo_max]

So, it works now for you?

N

Yes, flipped the switch and the strobe now fires in Manual with no pre-flash.

You'd think the P and P with a circle and cross through it next to the chamber on the controller would have tipped me off. LOL