Oh, Backscatter - Why do your MiniFlash strobes taunt me so?

[tursiops]

Was hoping to pick one up at the Black Friday sale but Backscatter's deal this year is not that great. Fifty dollars off a package that includes the snoot. I don't need or want that huge snoot.

It is a great snoot. I have one for my MF-1, so don't need another.

 

[davehicks]

Was hoping to pick one up at the Black Friday sale but Backscatter's deal this year is not that great. Fifty dollars off a package that includes the snoot. I don't need or want that huge snoot.

a) The snoot is not huge
b) It's really, really good

I use the MF2/Snoot combo on most macro photography shoots these days.

 

[hedonist222]

It might have learned a bad pre-flash sequence. When you power up the miniflash, take one shot, and wait a few seconds. If you take several shots in rapid succession, it will learn that as a pre-flash sequence, and wait for that number of shots before firing again.

Thanks for pointing me here from my other thread.

Where are you getting this information from?

What you suggest makes sense.

For others unaware of my issue.
My mf-1 was only firing on the second shot. And the second shot had to be directly after the first (burst shots).

What you suggest makes sense because at the time of setting up the camera, my first few shots were in busy mode (the 10 fps mode) - because I wanted to see how much the mf-1 would catch in terms of replenishing power (recycle times).

According to your suggestion, I may have programmed the mf-1 to think it needed to fire only in rapid burst mode.

Will try again later.

 

[Barmaglot]

Where are you getting this information from?

https://www.backscatter.com/images/article/content/Mini-Flash-1/MF-1%20Instructions_Main.pdf

TEST FIRE TO SYNC YOUR CAMERA FLASH
Depending on the camera model or settings, the camera’s built-in flash
will flash once or multiple times for every photo. The MF-1 will analyze
your camera’s flash and automatically synchronize after the first test flash.
First power on the strobe and select any power level from 1-6 and take a
single test photo. The MF-1 will analyze this test flash and memorize the
proper setting for your camera. If you change cameras or flash settings on
your camera, simply power off the MF-1, power on and take another test
photo to synchronize with your new camera or camera settings.

Basically, if you turn the MF-1 on and give it a sequence of X triggering flashes, it will learn that your camera does X-1 pre-flashes, and will only fire when the X number is reached again, so, for example, if you give it a burst of four shots, then it will learn a sequence of 3+1, and subsequently will ignore three flashes and fire on the fourth. This takes place every time it's powered on.

 

[hedonist222]

https://www.backscatter.com/images/article/content/Mini-Flash-1/MF-1%20Instructions_Main.pdf

Basically, if you turn the MF-1 on and give it a sequence of X triggering flashes, it will learn that your camera does X-1 pre-flashes, and will only fire when the X number is reached again, so, for example, if you give it a burst of four shots, then it will learn a sequence of 3+1, and subsequently will ignore three flashes and fire on the fourth. This takes place every time it's powered on.

Thank you for clarifying.

 

[hedonist222]

https://www.backscatter.com/images/article/content/Mini-Flash-1/MF-1%20Instructions_Main.pdf

Basically, if you turn the MF-1 on and give it a sequence of X triggering flashes, it will learn that your camera does X-1 pre-flashes, and will only fire when the X number is reached again, so, for example, if you give it a burst of four shots, then it will learn a sequence of 3+1, and subsequently will ignore three flashes and fire on the fourth. This takes place every time it's powered on.

You're right. Thank you.

Here is a snippet from back scatter explaining this:

 

[raftingtigger]

I'm on my 3rd MF-1. The one I have now is the 2nd generation model. Backscatter has replaced mine each time, but I'm so frustrated with it being inconsistent that I'd given up on it.

Recently I decided to try it again - mainly because of the snoot . About 1/2 the time it will not even power on with a freshly charged battery. I've cleaned the contacts and make sure it is fully screwed together. Sometimes it will power on, sometimes not. Yes, I'm using the APPROVED battery, actually I have about 5 of them.

I like the flash when it is working, but I can't depend on it. Any ideas? Anyone want to take it and the snoot off my hands?

 

[davehicks]

I'm on my 3rd MF-1. The one I have now is the 2nd generation model. Backscatter has replaced mine each time, but I'm so frustrated with it being inconsistent that I'd given up on it.

Recently I decided to try it again - mainly because of the snoot . About 1/2 the time it will not even power on with a freshly charged battery. I've cleaned the contacts and make sure it is fully screwed together. Sometimes it will power on, sometimes not. Yes, I'm using the APPROVED battery, actually I have about 5 of them.

I like the flash when it is working, but I can't depend on it. Any ideas? Anyone want to take it and the snoot off my hands?

Replace the MF-1 with an MF-2. Improved features, brighter spotting light, actually reliable. Same snoot.

 

[Searcaigh]

When I got my original pair of MF1s a few years back, one did not work straight out of the box.

While Backscatter did replace it, I still had to pay the shipping from Dubai for the non-working unit and import fees for the replacement.

I enjoy using these small strobes, especially for snooting.

They were also a godsend for me when my one of YSD2s packed in during my Indo trip in 2022.


EDIT: Just realised I'm repeating myself from Page 1.

Anyway I enjoy using the snoot