Fiber Optic Cable

[love2fishfork]

OK the more I read about strobes the more confused I get. I have a canon A620 and an Ikelite housing. In looking at the various strobes none seem to identify all of the little extras that you need in order to make the thing work. I understand the slave sensor type, but I don't understand the fiber optic cable. How does it attach to the camera housing?

 

[the_cat_keeper]

For one of my strobes, I bought a little clip which I could insert the fibre optic cable into and then install the clip onto the diffuser.

For another strobe, the fibre optic cable came with an attachment similar to "velcro"; one end is glued to the housing.

 

[havnmonkey]

the fiber optic cable "attaches" on the underwater housing in front of the cameras built in strobe. When you take a pic the flash from your camera fires; the fiber optic cable carries the "flash" to the external strobe which then fires to illuminate your subject!!!! Various companies have different ways of mounting the sensor.

 

[alcina]

Talk to Ryan at ryan@reefphoto.com

He will make sure that you get all the bits you need AND explain anything to you that you have questions on. He is very good at guiding you through the process to make sure you get what will suit your shooting needs instead of just selling.

For the most part to add a strobe you will need:
- the strobe. This is usually just the head, the part that throws out the light.
- a cord. Either a synch cable that screws into the housing (you need to make sure your housing has a port for this) and the strobe or a fibre optic cable (easy to attach to most housings and no need for a hard wired port).
- an arm. This attaches the strobe head to the housing or housing tray. You need this to put the strobe head on and longer/more flexible is better so you can move it around underwater.
- a tray. some housings will require a tray so you can attached the handle and the strobe arm. I use ULCS digital tray along with their handle. It is very comfy. Might need a slight modification to use with Ikelite housings, but it is easy. I have a link somewhere if you need it. The strobe arm goes on the handle.

Hope this helps.