Synch problems with Ikelite 35

[Picat]

Since my last dive all my pics get nearly black. I have the setting of the flash normally at automatic. I tried Lreeady with the manual mode but uit's the same.The flash is working, the green light after flashing shines and turns red again like it should.
I think there is something wrong with the synch. Can that be?
It' very dissapointing anyway. Specially necause I am on longer travel around the Philippines and also cannot get another flash here.
Maybe somebody has an advice for me what to do?
Regards,
Catrin

 

[gert7to3]

Which camera are you using?

If you are using in an automatic strobe mode the camera might be pre-flashing to meter the image, then doing a second flash for the picture. The pre-flash is causing your Ike strobe to fire. The best way to test for synch is to take a picture in a mirror with your camera and strobe. If the strobe is dark in the picture, even if it fired, then you don't have synch.

There may be a couple of synch settings on the Ike strobe. Experiment to see if one works. Otherwise reset your camera strobe to fire with each picture and use manual mode to set your shutter and aperture.

The rules I use are:

1- Select your ISO level, usually no higher than 200.
2- Set your aperture, usually fairly small ƒ8-11
3- Set your shutter speed. I try to pick a shutter speed which gives me a pleasing hue to the water.
Slower is brighter, faster shutter speeds will darken the background water color.
4- Use your strobe settings to expose your subject.