Slave flash problem....

[anthonytsi]

I've got a problem with my slave flash.
I am pretty new to cave photography, and bought an external slave flash to enhance my digi camera that has a weak flash. It seems that it does not always want to flash unless it is less than 3 feet from the camera. It is a cheap "Digital Concepts" slave.
Is there anything that I can do to fix this?
Is there a better, inexpensive slave that I can buy that has better sensitivity?
I've seen pictures where the person in the frame is holding a slave behind them and it works. Mine will not do this.
Should I mount a reflector next to the sensor, or turn off our headlamps before I take the picture?
Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Some of my pics have been uploaded on "onlinecavers.com" and they are labeled "Howard's Waterfall cave" by anthony. Please share them if you like them.
Anthony

[Todd]

I tried some cheap Quantaray slave/flash combs a few years ago and had the same problems.
The best slave triggers you'll find are the Firefly ones, made specifically for caving. The basic version is about $60, and the digital one that will work with a camera's pre-flash is close to $100, but you can buy the kit of parts for the basic version directly from the guy who designed them for about $30, if you don't mind soldering them together. http://www.caves.org.uk/flash/prices.html
I've got a few of the basic units built from kits that I bought from someone on this board a few years ago and they work great. I don't worry about whether they will fire or not, because the always do, even hundreds of feet away and behind a rock.
You'll need a flash to go with them, but I got mine on ebay for about $30 and added a little wire with a jack to connect the slave.
-Todd

[NZcaver]

Like Todd said, you might consider the Gibson kit mentioned previously here on the forum. I have a few as well, and they work great.

Check out topics here and here.

[anthonytsi]

Thanks guys.

[anthonytsi]

I was also wondering if I could simply buy a better flash sensor and install it on my existing slave flash. Anyone know were I can get one. Thanks in advance.

[cavetopia]

I just got tired of hauling all of my photo gear with me and then have slave problems. I finally bought pocket wizards. They are expensive but they work every time. On my TAG trip when we dropped fantastic in Ellison's I used a pocket wizard and a fash and attached it to teh top of one of the climbers helmet. It flashed all the way up to the top of the pit . 586 ft. Expensive but they work.

[Scott Parvin]

On my TAG trip when we dropped fantastic in Ellison's I used a pocket wizard and a fash and attached it to teh top of one of the climbers helmet. It flashed all the way up to the top of the pit . 586 ft.

Cool Idea!

[jlangevin]

The Firefly would be much more economical than the Pocket Wizard and is extremely reliable, even at great distances. Judging from the photo the Pocket Wizard is more bulky, also.

[cavetopia]

I agree the Fireflys are cheaper than the Pocket Wizards. I have been on photo trips with 2 other photographers and it was crazy anyones flash sets off everyones Fireflys. These are radio controoled but as stated more money.

[Ralph E. Powers]

I agree the Fireflys are cheaper than the Pocket Wizards. I have been on photo trips with 2 other photographers and it was crazy anyones flash sets off everyones Fireflys. These are radio controoled but as stated more money.

Yeah more money but it looks like the results pay for themselves... even if just the Oooh Aaaah Factor. Great Fantastic Pit shot.
As for your model/flasher... talk about Gear Head!