Pocketwizard on SB-800/900 Setup

[tetracaine1]

thanks for the video. I have Nikon D-70 (need to upgrade, I know), SB-900 and SB-600 flashes - and I have a Su-800 Commander and Sekonic L-358 Flashmeter. I would like to use the flash meter to meter the flashes. What is the easiest way - BTW the nearest PW store is +250miles, bummer, cannot walk in and talk to someone

[Lilkiwiguy87]

You don't need to upgrade the D70 if it's still working.

Unfortunately, SU-800 won't do because it uses IR communication, not RF like Pocketwizards. There are two ways: cheap and expensive ways.

Cheap Way: Use a long PC sync cord.  Plug one end of the PC cord into the light meter and another end into one of the flashes then set that flash for M mode. Set the remote flash—one that isn't connected to the light meter—for SU-4 and M mode. Hit Test button on the light meter to fire the flashes.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Expensive Way: Buy a radio module for the L-358 (Sekonic RT-32 Digital Radio Transmitter Module) and two Pocketwizard Plus II for both flashes.

Install the radio transmitter in the flash meter. Hook up a Pocketwizard Plus II to each flash then set both PW's for Both Transmit Mode and Channel 1. Set both flashes for M mode. Hit Test button on the light meter to fire the flashes.

Cheap way is a "wired" solution while the expensive way is "wireless".

[tetracaine1]

@Lilkiwiguy87 Thank you - simple straight forward answer. The Sekonic light meter came with the wireless RT-32 for $20 if purchased at same time as meter..... bought it and it has not left the box yet. Again, thank you

[Lilkiwiguy87]

To use the light meter wirelessly with RT-32, you still need a pair of Pocketwizard Plus II's for both flashes, though. That way, the flashes will fire precisely at the same time, not a nanosecond time difference. So, you'll get more accurate flash exposure readings. Good luck.

[tetracaine1]

@Lilkiwiguy87 thank you for the info. I live in the middle of now where and no camera shop available to answer these questions..... I bought the RT-32 for a big discount when I bought the light meter, so it is tempting to go 'all the way' with the PW's - thanks again

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Yes, we're aware of you living in middle of nowhere (like us). Have you thought about ordering the Pocketwizards on BHphotovideo(dot)com? It's located in New York City and no sales tax if you live outside the state.

[tetracaine1]

@Lilkiwiguy87 Oh yes, I have drooled on them via the internet many times..... but lack the knowledge and training regarding using them. And with no one around to ask questions, makes me hesitate to buy the new stuff, get it and then say- "now what?"

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Well, then go with the cheap option (using a long PC cord).

[minami935]

Thank you for sharing.

[chard1010]

Hi!.. I have a nikon D5000 and a SB600 flash.. i would like to trigger the flash wirelessly.. would a pocket wizard be able to that and is it TTL compatible.. also, I saw a new product, the phottix atlas.. it kinda have the same features as that of a pocketwizard but it has a hotshoe on board so no need to use cords when connecting it to ur camera.. which do you think would be best? a pocket wizard or a phottix atlas?.. tnx!!!

i'm still a newbie in photography.. tnx!! :)) hope u reply soon

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Sorry, no, it is not possible with Pocketwizards for now because PlusII and MultiMAX will function via a PC sync cable, which SB-600 lacks a terminal for it. Pocketwizard is still in the works on new MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 that replaces the cable with a hotshoe. Also, they support iTTL and high speed flash. But no information on when they will be released but expect a high price tags for the setup.

You can look at Nikon SU-800 Commander because it has iTTL capability.

Don't know about Phottix.

[chard1010]

@chard1010 thank you for the reply.. btw, ur videos are awesome, such a big help.. :))

[cmakaioz]

There are some situations where I'd like to use the low- or high-speed burst modes, wirelessly, with flash.

Is this possible with PW's and the D3? So far I only get one shot per press of the wireless trigger.

(side note: I *do* have a quantum battery hooked up to my wireless flashes, and on moderate power settings it can easily fire four or five times in a row when I'm triggering the shutter directly on the camera)

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Completely possible. The reason why you are not getting much flash in the sequence is because the speedlight's power is rather too high. Use M-1/32, M-1/64, or M-1/128 and increase the ISO up and / or increase the aperture by 2-3 stops to draw more light.

[jakephobojo]

very good video, thank you very much

[zirnez]

Thank you for this video. It helped A TON.

[zirnez]

Thank you for this video! It answered a ton of questions I had about the Pocket Wizards and Nikon Flash setting up. May I ask why you set your flashes to 1/16? Is it like the perfect power output thats suitable for most scenarios?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

M-1/16 is just an example.  When using Pocketwizards, you can use only manual flash mode. It will not work in iTTL or any other automatic modes.

[zirnez]

@Lilkiwiguy87

Thanks for the speedy reply. For use with any camera (I have a D40), do camera's have to be used in manual mode also or will they give good exposures for PAS modes?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Unfortunately, manual everything.

When using Pocketwizards, they work as triggers only to wirelessly trigger other PW units but they do not send advanced signal for automatic modes (iTTL, A / S / P, etc.). So, the flash and camera do not know there are PW units attached.

If attempting to use A / S / P modes, the camera will function like there is no flash attached. Also, when using iTTL (or any other automatic modes), the flash simply will not fire at all.

[zirnez]

@Lilkiwiguy87

So how do you get a optimal exposure that is intended? Is it a trial and error thing? I've recently have been reading on the use of Off camera flash and am strongly looking into investing in developing a system.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Yes, trial and error experiment that will require a lot of practice to get spot on exposure. Many argues that handheld light meter will help. However, it will not work if you are also working under other light sources (i.e. flash under broad sunlight) because it will only confuse the light meter.

If accurate exposure is absolutely necessary, then SU-800 Commander will do because you will get iTTL and works in A / S / P modes. But you will lose accurate triggering and smaller working space.

[zirnez]

@Lilkiwiguy87

Thank you for answering! I prefer to invest into the pocketwizards since they seem straightforward and have a longer working range not to mention it doesn't have the limitations of infared.

[xbrandonolsonx]

Question!? : If I have an SB-900 and an SB-600 and two pocket wizards I will be able to use a PW on my D300s and a PW on my SB-900 and the SB-900 will trigger my SB-600 correct?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Sorry, no. The SB-600 do not support SU-4 Mode. Also, when SB-900 is connected to a PW unit, it will not work in Nikon Creative Lighting System (as a Master flash) because PW can not send / receive advanced signal; only to trigger. The SB-600 is out of the equation here.

[LEXPIX]

Very cool. 

[DonMcGu]

If i am using 2 SB800's and say they are 50 feet apart. Will i need 3 PW's to do this? I'm guessing I would need one for the camera and one for each flash. Would I also set each one as a master? (in the off mode on the flash)

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Unfortunately, yes, you need a PW unit for each SB-800 unit and one for your camera.

No, setting the SB-800 for Master mode will not work because PW units only send a trigger signal without advanced signal (for iTTL or CLS). Plus, if the SB-800's are 50 feet apart, CLS will not work because they will not pick up any signal since they are out of the working distance range (33.3ft).

If iTTL and / or CLS is necessary, wait for MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 but more expensive than current products.

[bamamoosey]

you can only have the sb800 in manual to trigger the transmitter f/ the pc terminal? you can't have the on board flash fire ttl from the camera & in turn it will send a signal to the transmitter to my monolights/receivers which of course will be in manual? I have the D90 w/ SB600 & triggering my other lights by slave for weddings which sucks as they'll fire from the guests/point &shoots. I need to maintain the ttl on camera and trigger the others via PW. will this work? if not, any suggestions?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

That is correct. PW's do not support Nikon CLS; they only work as triggers and that's it. You cannot use onboard flash to send signal to PW unit because PW uses radio frequency, not IR and / or optical slave. Which requires another PW unit to trigger it, however, only to trigger, no advanced signal (like for iTTL).

One suggestion: wait for new PW MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 (for Nikon), they support iTTL. No idea when they are due but we know they're more expensive than the current products.

[pahhhoul]

now I wish I didn't buy a Nikon D5000 & SB600.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Oh, well, stuff happens.

[acapmex1]

in case there is a second person in the same room taking pictures , how can I prevent my flashes sb-800/900's from firing at the other persons camera flash??

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Simply change Pocketwizard's channels on the camera and on the flashes.

[acapmex1]

@Lilkiwiguy87 Setting my sb-900 to Su-4 will allow other camera flashes to activate the Sb-900 flash is this correct?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Yep.

[TheiGhoest]

does pocket wizard come with velcro? or we buy that in store separately?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

It comes with tiny piece of velcro but it isn't strong enough to hold a PW unit on its side. Go to any hardware store, they have stronger velcro.

[ozvanman]

Thanks anyway. Appreciate your time & effort.

[ozvanman]

I have a Phottix PT-04ii which includes a transmitter & 2 receivers & trying to use for the first time with my Nikon D300 & SB900 Speedlight but can't get the flash 2 fire.

If I click the button on the transmitter, the light flashes on the receiver but doesn't trigger the flash. I have tried changing the batteries, also tried on my SB600 speedlight but still cannot get it to fire the flash.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Check your email, thanks.

[catullorampazzo]

A 3V DC feeding plug on the pocketwizard?

....

....

....

Mine are working only with batteries...I don't have that plug...why?!?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

If your flashes are firing with a Pocketwizard but without the PC-1 (miniphone to PC) cable, it means your flashes are firing wirelessly by using optical slave mode (SU-4) or Creative Lighting System (CLS).

If your PW unit don't come with that cable, it's probably used and the seller forgot to put it back in. You can order the PC-1 cable on B&H or Adorama.

[catullorampazzo]

Wait I meant my PWs DON'T HAVE the 3V DC plug. On the side of the PW there is only the ON/OFF switch.

Maybe because I have the European version?

But they are brand new and I bought them in a well known store...

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Oh, my bad. This model is a Plus II and it has DC terminal under the on / off switch. We're not sure if European model is different or maybe you have the original Plus model.

[TheiGhoest]

what is SU-4?

btw, superb video!

[Lilkiwiguy87]

SU-4 is Nikon's way of saying optical slave where it fires wirelessly when another flash (external unit or camera's built-in flash) fires.

[photomsimike]

i plug the pocket wizard into my sb900 and i only get my ready light to blink but no flash. why?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

It is because SB-900 requires communication from the camera body for its iTTL capability. TTL stands for Through The Lens, the flash is unable to acquire TTL information from the camera over radio frequency (Pocketwizards).

You can use other Modes such as A / GN / M / RPT with Pocketwizards and the SB-900 will function normally since these Modes do not require communication directly from the camera for iTTL capability.

In other words, Pocketwizards turn your flash into full manual flash.

[meggido666]

Please confirm if this will work: 3 Vivitar 285-HV each with a PW and one SB-900 without a PW set to SU-4. I need to know if the SB-900 fires instantly with the Vivitars, and if there's absolutely no pre-flashes. Thanks a lot!

[Lilkiwiguy87]

One word answer, yes.

Just make sure the SB-900 is getting a clear signal from the other flashes to make it work. Radio frequency (Pocketwizards) are stronger than optical slave and infrared red (IR) communications.

[repory]

how do you stick tht pocketwizard thing to the speedlight.?! :S

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Easy, by velcro tapes. You can buy it at any supermarkets (Target, Wal-Mart, or K-Mart) or any hardware stores (Lowes, Home Depot, or Home Base). They're about $5 for a roll.

Cut out about 3 inches then separate the velcro, peel off the wax paper then push it onto the Pocketwizard and SB-800 (like a sticker) then attach them together, voila.

[MrYaricks]

Is it possible to trigger other cameras with the PW Plus II? I've been considering getting a couple of pocketwizards to setup as remote cameras, but not sure about which one I should get. Any good suggestions?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

No, you cannot trigger other cameras because each camera require a Pocketwizard N90M3-P Pre-Trigger Motor Cord connected just between Plus II and the camera's 10-pin terminal. With this N90M3-P, you just hit Test button on Plus II and it shoots away remotely. Good luck.

[ilgas11]

oh, but this cable wasn't included with my PW plus 2 box, so i must to buy this separately?

BTW, thanks for your help man, you just took out tons of frustration from my head...

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Oh? I'm surprised it is not included with your PW Plus II because it is part of the supplied accessories. Maybe it depends on the country regions, who knows?

If you are speaking of the cord that goes into between the flash and Pocketwizard Plus II - the answer is simply this...

It is a Pocketwizard PC-1 (miniphone to PC cable).

The PC-1 is a foot long - if you want a longer cord, grab the PC-10 (10 feet long).

Hope this helps. :)

[benttx]

Great. I really thank you

[Shain7]

This question may seem anoying. But if you can just use the camera to control the SB speedlights, why are pocketwizards needed :D

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Pocketwizards do what Creative Lighting System cannot, such as accurate signal transmitting and receiving using radio frequency only, could be used up to 1600 feet distance, could work when there are metallic objects between the camera and flash, etc. etc.

For more details on Pocketwizards, please watch a video on our channel under title "Nikon SU-800 Commander" The Basics".

[Shain7]

Thanks so much. So you only need 1 pockewizard right. Just for sb-800 and sb-900.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Close, yes, you would need a Pocketwizard per flash if they will be over 30 feet apart from each other *and* another Pocketwizard on the camera to trigger the flashes.

[badopinion]

Why the hell would I put my flash 1600 feet away?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Some architectural photographers put their flashes that far to light up the columns from the inside or to light up some of important "landmark" walls that is also far away when using a ultra wide angle lenses or wide angle PC-E (Perspective Control) lenses.

[SERSReport]

Hi, just wondering: Could you use PW to trigger a master SB-800, that again triggers a SB-600 set in slave mode?

Thanks,

[Lilkiwiguy87]

No because when you use a Master flash that is triggered by Pocketwizards, it won't be able to communicate with the camera. Master flash must be connected to the camera by the shoe shoe mount or off-camera cord (like SC-29) to get all the exposure information to narrow down and send some information to remote flashes. This isn't possible.

But, you can set the "master" flash for M (manual) then set other SB-800's for SU-4 mode, it works excellent this way.

[meggido666]

I got a doubt... can I use a PW in a Vivitar 285-HV (with proper cable) and use that flash to fire one or more SB-800s in SU-4 mode, without the need for more PW's?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Yes, you can use a Pocketwizard unit on Vivitar 285-HV using MV1 cable (I'm not sure if it's the same cable supplied with PW unit or sold separately) and set the other SB-800's for SU-4 mode and fire away. You would have to adjust SB-800's for M (manual) mode to get proper exposure.

[meggido666]

Very informative, thanks.

[kenjiari]

awesome!!!

[Jumanjijuice]

Thank you for such a quick, informative answer. You are one smart guy!

[Jumanjijuice]

I have two older pws , an SB-800 and 2 sb-600s. Is there a way to put a pocket wizard on my D200 and fire all three flashes?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

You can fire the SB-800 but someone mentioned in the comments that you can connect the SB-600 to a Pocketwizard by using Paramount Adapter, you would need two for both of your SB-600's. That means you would need additional Pocketwizards to trigger both SB-600's.

• D200 with PW. OK!

• SB-800 with PW. OK!

• SB-600 with PW + Paramount Adapter. Needs another PW and Paramount Adapter!

• SB-600 with PW + Paramount Adapter. Needs another PW and Paramount Adapter!

[ChicoEdge]

Joseph referred to the earlier comment about the adapter from Paramount. The one they make is called a miniphone to hotshoe adapter. There are others, but a lot of them involve international orders. You can try the Cactus triggers, as those connect to your flash through the hotshoe. They aren't as reliable and they don't have as much range, but they are cheap and work with SB-600s out of the box.

[mettaaa]

YEP! thanks! im just going to tell you that i havent change the mode to SU-4. Thanks Joe! Keep up the good work, you're awesome : )

[mettaaa]

Hello Joe. I just bought two PW plus II and SB900. I'm using d3 also. I try to do just like how you show but i'm using sb800 and sb900. I attach the PW to the sb 800 and camera but the sb900 did not fired, either way i did with the sb900.

do you have any idea what to do with this issue? thanks.

metta

[Lilkiwiguy87]

If you plug the Pocketwizard to SB-800, set SB-900 for SU-4.

If you plug the Pocketwizard to SB-900, set SB-800 for SU-4.

[ChicoEdge]

I was able to attach a Pocket Wizard Plus receiver to an SB-600 with an adapter and put an SB-800 in SU-4 mode. It worked. Granted, it's not going to have the power of the SB-800 but if you have an SB-600 and an SB-800 and not enough Pocket Wizards to go around, it will work.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Why don't you tell everyone the name of this "adapter"?

[ChicoEdge]

Talk to Paramount Cable. They have a Pocket Wizard cord that ends in a hot shoe.

[ChicoEdge]

That's Paramount Cord, not Paramount Cable, sorry.

[AsphericalElements]

interesting

[kaurorac]

okay, so is it possible to use the sb800 and another vivitar flash off camera using a pair of pocket wizards? If so, how??

[Lilkiwiguy87]

It is only possible when using Vivitar DF400MZ flash and switch it into remote mode (I don't know how but read your manual) then it will be able to fire upon receiving a signal from SB-800's flash.

Vivitar are very cheap, which means it might won't get signal in a far distances. The DF400MZ cannot accept Pocketwizards because it doesn't have built-in sync terminal (as shown on the SB-800 on the video).

[donsixstrings]

very educational...cheers...

[MeganVegantoast]

I want to comment this video solely cause you have amazing musical taste. Haha.

[socalcamerapro]

Nice! Welcome home :-) - I mean, welcome back!!

[GizzmoSniper]

so

the pocketwizard only send the signal, and you have to adjust the flash by yourself?

For flash photography, with one flash (SB600, 800 or 900) remotely. you could use SU-800(?)

I think I shuold by a flash soon.

thanks.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

It only send the signal and that's it. You can use SU-800 if you don't mind the 33 feet working distance range but you would have to adjust the internal zooming engine for any specific focal lengths on the lens or to narrow / widen the flash "drop" zone. Pocketwizards need you to set the flash completely manually.

[GizzmoSniper]

thanks.

[monkeybonestudios]

Holy s&^%!! NIce video and tips man! I love it!!!!

Jhay

[errod]

Joseph!!! YOUR BACK!!!! GREAT...IVE MISSED YOUR VIDEOS!!!

THANKS!

[SuperZorro87]

FINALLLLLY! :D :D :D AWESOME VIDEO