can some one help me updating my new V6 II. cactus it self send me a link wer i can download the beta firmware for XT2, sad to say everyrime i tried to open it shows error, and also for cactus updater i tried to update the latest firmware it says lost connection but finished the update.
Just a quick note if you wish to try out the beta firmware for X-T2 or newly released Fujifilm firmware on X-Pro2 etc., please send an email to info@cactus-image.com directly - don't send me a PM.
While at this very moment as I type, I'm on holidays in Taiwan and will be back on Thursday.
Thank you in advance and have a good day.
Antonio Lao Brand Manager
_____________
To help us better help you, always state the exact firmware version installed on your Cactus device(s), such as: "1.1.013", "NIK.A.001", "v.103", or "A06".
TTL or HSS not working on Cactus V6 II and V6 IIs? Be sure to check hot shoe connectivity by doing the <CAMERA INFO> check.
Feel free to suggest an improvement or share product ideas. Contact us directly at info@cactus-image.com. At Cactus, we listen.
I was testing the beta of the cactus firmware with on V6 II and with Flash RF60 and Fuji X-pro2.
I saw that I have to repeat the process of learning the forced HSS each time I put the V6 II on the hot shoe (by doing a test shot at 1/100). If I do so, I can sync the flash until 1/8000, but if don´t the maximum speed of sync is 1/1000 and it´s not consistent: sometimes there are dark bands or the intensity of the light change between photos.
Why it´s not remembered?
Also, Is there any plan to use the normal HSS system with Fuji?
Another question: Why it´s not working the AF assistant? I saw that Fuji included also the need protocol for doing the AF assistant with the flash in the hot shoe. Of course, this is the less relevant question of this post ..
X-T2 doesn't have focus assist light through it's hot shoe. the V6II light assist simulate the suitable where the speedlite directly mounts on the camera. If the camera doesn't have AF assist light signal, the V6II won't be able to produce AF-assist light.
Got the V6ii and RF60 today and immediately installed the the Firmware (.108) to test.
I have some inconsistency issues. Either uneven lighting or the RF60 wouldn't fire after the first shutter - I can't figure out why. I had to relearn HSS but then only the first flash would fire and then nothing again after that.
When I first got it to work, it consistently fired with even lighting at 1/8000, but then after a power cycle it wouldn't fire consistently, not sure if it's a power cycle or what exactly to recreate or pinpoint if it's a repeatable issue, I need to do more testing, but first I need to send the RF60 back first thing in the morning as there sounds like a piece of something broken or fell off and is rattling around inside!
Not sure if this functionality is there in Mac version of the Firmware updater.
Please can we have an update to the Mac version of the updater to allow us to point the updater to a file location on the local computer rather than at the Cactus website. Thanks
Did you follow the on-screen pop up windows and remove (uninstall) the previous version before installing the new Updater?
We tried on multiple Windows PC and worked without any DLL issues.
Yes I removed the previous first, and downloaded 2.07. I am running Windows 10 from a Mac bootcamp, maybe that is the issue? I've tried installing the beta firmware that I got in the email, but I'm not the most technically savy mac user and had trouble following the directions, because I couldn't find the “.cactus-updater-files” from the terminal command “cd .cactus-updater-files” so I tried it on the Windows bootcamp. To clarify, this is when trying to install the beta version that supports HSS
Same for me. I know I asked for instructions on how to install the beta firmware on a Mac. They even sent me a screenshot of the code in terminal. I'm not a savy coder. I'm glad I'm not the only one who didn't understand the procedure. The windows procedure is extremely simple. If any Mac users (who have been successful at this installation) out there could give us an easy step by procedure that would be great. I feel like the instructions given are missing a step. Please remember many of us aren't that savy
2a) In addition to step 2 you can show the hidden folders in your finder, if you are not sure where to find ".cactus-updater-files" and are more familiar with the finder. Copy below mentioned two lines at once into your terminal session and hit enter. All hidden folders will appear in your finder.
X-Pro 2 with Cactus V6 II and RF60, HSS with 1/1000, 1/2000, 1/4000, 1/8000 worked fine
X-PRO 1 with Cactus V6 II and RF60, HSS with 1/1000, 1/2000, 1/4000 worked, but only on second curtain and kind of buggy. Sometimes it worked, sometimes not.
Got the V6ii and RF60 today and immediately installed the the Firmware (.108) to test.
I have some inconsistency issues. Either uneven lighting or the RF60 wouldn't fire after the first shutter - I can't figure out why. I had to relearn HSS but then only the first flash would fire and then nothing again after that.
Do check your RF60 first and see if something is wrong with it. In the meantime you can check to see if you are able to fire a flash by:
Pressing the Test Button on RF60 direclty.
Pressing the Test Button on the V6 II
Mount the RF60 directly on your Fujifilm camera (what model is it BTW?), set the flash mode to LOCAL (L) mode, set power to 1/128 so it won't eat up battery, take a few shots.
See if flashes can be triggered in above methods. If not, then there's likely a hardware issue with the RF60.
Thank you and keep us posted.
Antonio Lao Brand Manager
_____________
To help us better help you, always state the exact firmware version installed on your Cactus device(s), such as: "1.1.013", "NIK.A.001", "v.103", or "A06".
TTL or HSS not working on Cactus V6 II and V6 IIs? Be sure to check hot shoe connectivity by doing the <CAMERA INFO> check.
Feel free to suggest an improvement or share product ideas. Contact us directly at info@cactus-image.com. At Cactus, we listen.
Not sure if this functionality is there in Mac version of the Firmware updater.
There is, but it's not that simple as you need to type in commands in Terminal, as @Bock replied below.
Thanks for hanging on before we release the new firmware that would also work with X-T2 and new Fuji camera firmware versions.
Antonio Lao Brand Manager
_____________
To help us better help you, always state the exact firmware version installed on your Cactus device(s), such as: "1.1.013", "NIK.A.001", "v.103", or "A06".
TTL or HSS not working on Cactus V6 II and V6 IIs? Be sure to check hot shoe connectivity by doing the <CAMERA INFO> check.
Feel free to suggest an improvement or share product ideas. Contact us directly at info@cactus-image.com. At Cactus, we listen.
X-Pro 2 with Cactus V6 II and RF60, HSS with 1/1000, 1/2000, 1/4000, 1/8000 worked fine
X-PRO 1 with Cactus V6 II and RF60, HSS with 1/1000, 1/2000, 1/4000 worked, but only on second curtain and kind of buggy. Sometimes it worked, sometimes not.
Thanks for the bug report. I have forwarded them to R&D. Please don't hesitate to post more findings. Your help is much appreciated!
Also, thanks for posting the tips on getting the beta firmare for the Mac Updater.
Antonio Lao Brand Manager
_____________
To help us better help you, always state the exact firmware version installed on your Cactus device(s), such as: "1.1.013", "NIK.A.001", "v.103", or "A06".
TTL or HSS not working on Cactus V6 II and V6 IIs? Be sure to check hot shoe connectivity by doing the <CAMERA INFO> check.
Feel free to suggest an improvement or share product ideas. Contact us directly at info@cactus-image.com. At Cactus, we listen.
Did you follow the on-screen pop up windows and remove (uninstall) the previous version before installing the new Updater?
We tried on multiple Windows PC and worked without any DLL issues.
Yes I removed the previous first, and downloaded 2.07. I am running Windows 10 from a Mac bootcamp, maybe that is the issue? I've tried installing the beta firmware that I got in the email, but I'm not the most technically savy mac user and had trouble following the directions, because I couldn't find the “.cactus-updater-files” from the terminal command “cd .cactus-updater-files” so I tried it on the Windows bootcamp. To clarify, this is when trying to install the beta version that supports HSS
Same for me. I know I asked for instructions on how to install the beta firmware on a Mac. They even sent me a screenshot of the code in terminal. I'm not a savy coder. I'm glad I'm not the only one who didn't understand the procedure. The windows procedure is extremely simple. If any Mac users (who have been successful at this installation) out there could give us an easy step by procedure that would be great. I feel like the instructions given are missing a step. Please remember many of us aren't that savy
We just want our V6II's to work.
I also didn't understand the instructions. I can open terminal just fine but that's as far as I got.
So, what I did was right-click the app, show contents, and then went into /resources/ and copied the "CactusV6II_1.1.003.fir" out into a folder and renamed it to .backup and kept it just in-case, then I renamed the beta firmware file to "CactusV6II_1.1.003.fir" (not sure if this was needed) and replaced/overwrote the original file in /resources/.
Finally, I opened the app, connected the camera, and it showed .108 from Sept29 was ready to update. Crossed my fingers, flashed it and the unit booted just fine showing the .108 firmware on the screen.
Everything tested fine initially, except with the eventual consistency issues from some power cycling and timeout/sleeps I mentioned above.
Please be aware, I may or may not have fucked something up.
Don't do what I did until Antonio or Ray can confirm what I did was safe. I was going to ask, but I was too excited that it seemed to work and forgot to check in with them about this.
Got the V6ii and RF60 today and immediately installed the the Firmware (.108) to test.
I have some inconsistency issues. Either uneven lighting or the RF60 wouldn't fire after the first shutter - I can't figure out why. I had to relearn HSS but then only the first flash would fire and then nothing again after that.
Do check your RF60 first and see if something is wrong with it. In the meantime you can check to see if you are able to fire a flash by:
Pressing the Test Button on RF60 direclty.
Pressing the Test Button on the V6 II
Mount the RF60 directly on your Fujifilm camera (what model is it BTW?), set the flash mode to LOCAL (L) mode, set power to 1/128 so it won't eat up battery, take a few shots.
See if flashes can be triggered in above methods. If not, then there's likely a hardware issue with the RF60.
Thank you and keep us posted.
Thanks for the suggestions Antonio. I'm using the XT-2 stock 1.0 firmware
I'm expecting the replacement RF60 tomorrow. I'll have to give that another shot. Would it be possible that it's my firmware update method that messed stuff up?
Tested the new 1.0.109 version of the beta firmware. The setup is:
Fuji X-pro2 firmware 2.0
Cactus V6 II
Flash RF-60
The install process failed the first time, but the second time works perfectly. The Cactus V6 II recognized the Fuji camera without problems.
I did the "Learn" process over the camera, and forced HSS. Then:
With Normal HSS set to off and Forced HSS, the flash it´s not fired.
With Normal HSS set to on and Forced HSS the flash fire. I tested from 1/500th to 1/8000th and it seems that it´s working. No dark bands, and the fñash fired 9/10 times.
With PowerSync and Forced HSS, the flash fired, but worng. The photo is black. That behavieur is the same at any speed of exposition.
The Fuji still recognize the Cactus V6 II as a TTL flash, but in the menu is not the option for AF assist that in theory appears with Fuji flash.
I was still getting inconsistent firing with my replacement RF60. One time, I had 9/10 fires using low speed continuous fire (CF-L), other times I got the first fire after a power on and then nothing. Single shutter also fired, but randomly I would get no fires.
Antonio, I do think it's a communication issue between the V6II and the RF60.
XT-2 shutter actuation triggers the V6II, Green led activates. Flash fails to fire. Sometimes 2 seconds later.
V6II Test button randomly doesn't fire RF60. Changing Zoom or flash power via V6II also doesn't have an effect (random). Sometimes it's okay sometime's no response.
Tried changing channels, didn't help.
RF60 is set to S-Mode, updated to 0929 firmware
V6ii updated to .109 with XT-2 1.0
Restarting both the V6II and RF60 fixes it for the first shot, but then will fail to fire after the first one.
Hitting the test button a few times on the V6II seems to reconnect them (Eventually RF60 fires) -sometimes it takes much longer.
This is with my new RF60 though, no broken piece rattling inside, and unit seems to be brand new (compared to the first one, the seller prob sold me a used one). I wonder if my unofficial method of flashing the V6II unit is the cause of this issue? I wouldn't be surprised if so.
A nice thing I noticed, not sure if it's with .109 is that after the initial learning - I don't need to relearn camera's HSS from putting it together and powering on out of the bag.
I just need to fix this inconsistent signal between the v6II and RF60 and I think I this would be a reliable and reasonable HSS solution for XT-2
What its the distance between both devices? If they are too close they interfiere each other. I have to separate them more than 1.5m or change the wireless mode from LONG to SHORT in the menu of the Cactus v6.
As you can see in the manual:
The working distance of the V6 II can be customized to suit your shooting purpose. In , choose when you need to place the V6 II TX units very close to the RX units (e.g., when shooting macro), or choose for normal shots. While the option will reduce the maximum effective distance of the V6 II by approximately 70 percent, it will eliminate the interference caused by placing the V6 II TX and RX units in close proximity
I was still getting inconsistent firing with my replacement RF60. One time, I had 9/10 fires using low speed continuous fire (CF-L), other times I got the first fire after a power on and then nothing. Single shutter also fired, but randomly I would get no fires.
Antonio, I do think it's a communication issue between the V6II and the RF60.
XT-2 shutter actuation triggers the V6II, Green led activates. Flash fails to fire. Sometimes 2 seconds later.
V6II Test button randomly doesn't fire RF60. Changing Zoom or flash power via V6II also doesn't have an effect (random). Sometimes it's okay sometime's no response.
Tried changing channels, didn't help.
RF60 is set to S-Mode, updated to 0929 firmware
V6ii updated to .109 with XT-2 1.0
Restarting both the V6II and RF60 fixes it for the first shot, but then will fail to fire after the first one.
Hitting the test button a few times on the V6II seems to reconnect them (Eventually RF60 fires) -sometimes it takes much longer.
This is with my new RF60 though, no broken piece rattling inside, and unit seems to be brand new (compared to the first one, the seller prob sold me a used one). I wonder if my unofficial method of flashing the V6II unit is the cause of this issue? I wouldn't be surprised if so.
A nice thing I noticed, not sure if it's with .109 is that after the initial learning - I don't need to relearn camera's HSS from putting it together and powering on out of the bag.
I just need to fix this inconsistent signal between the v6II and RF60 and I think I this would be a reliable and reasonable HSS solution for XT-2
Hey Antonio or anyone who can chime in on this topic,
I have mentioned this in a message to Antonio on this thread and to info@cactus-image.com and didn't get a response; Perhaps you were busy as I'm sure this beta firmware is a nightmare.
So my question was in respect to the beta firmware as we continue to use FORCED HSS, why?
Shouldn't this be auto detected now that XT2 and XP2 are HSS compatible?
In the production FW does Cactus have the intent to get rid of FORCED HSS in favour of an auto detect feature?
If I missed something and another member can provide detail in respect to this let me know.
Thanks and I hope you all had a great photo filled weekend!
I asked the same, and it´s true, nobody said anything about that.Now Fuji implemented HSS, so I don´t understand why have we to use the forced HSS.
Rafael Vida
Hey Antonio or anyone who can chime in on this topic,
I have mentioned this in a message to Antonio on this thread and to info@cactus-image.com and didn't get a response; Perhaps you were busy as I'm sure this beta firmware is a nightmare.
So my question was in respect to the beta firmware as we continue to use FORCED HSS, why?
Shouldn't this be auto detected now that XT2 and XP2 are HSS compatible?
In the production FW does Cactus have the intent to get rid of FORCED HSS in favour of an auto detect feature?
If I missed something and another member can provide detail in respect to this let me know.
Thanks and I hope you all had a great photo filled weekend!
Comments
We are willing to listen to you. Please contact us by email at info@cacuts-image.com . We are pleased to assist you.
All the best,
Senior Product Specialist
Cactus®
Harvest One Limited
Just a quick note if you wish to try out the beta firmware for X-T2 or newly released Fujifilm firmware on X-Pro2 etc., please send an email to info@cactus-image.com directly - don't send me a PM.
While at this very moment as I type, I'm on holidays in Taiwan
Thank you in advance and have a good day.
Brand Manager
Senior Product Specialist
Cactus®
Harvest One Limited
Senior Product Specialist
Cactus®
Harvest One Limited
I have some inconsistency issues. Either uneven lighting or the RF60 wouldn't fire after the first shutter - I can't figure out why. I had to relearn HSS but then only the first flash would fire and then nothing again after that.
Please can we have an update to the Mac version of the updater to allow us to point the updater to a file location on the local computer rather than at the Cactus website.
Thanks
Use Bootcamp
Download
Cactus Firmware Updater V2.07 (Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP)
For PC, please click below link to download the V6II firmware beta version:
http://www.cactus-image.com/
1. Replace the original file in the program file folder: (CactusV6II.fir)
• ”C:\Program Files\Cactus Firmware Updater”.
2. Open the Firmware Updater, click the UPDATE button to update the V6II that is connected via mini-USB cable.
Reminder: Do NOT click Check for latest Firmware nor the DOWNLOAD button which will overwrite the beta test firmware file.
If you want give me a call on +44 7812390468 and I will talk you through
Do check your RF60 first and see if something is wrong with it.
In the meantime you can check to see if you are able to fire a flash by:
- Pressing the Test Button on RF60 direclty.
- Pressing the Test Button on the V6 II
- Mount the RF60 directly on your Fujifilm camera (what model is it BTW?), set the flash mode to LOCAL (L) mode, set power to 1/128 so it won't eat up battery, take a few shots.
See if flashes can be triggered in above methods. If not, then there's likely a hardware issue with the RF60.Thank you and keep us posted.
Brand Manager
Thanks for hanging on before we release the new firmware that would also work with X-T2 and new Fuji camera firmware versions.
Brand Manager
I have forwarded them to R&D.
Please don't hesitate to post more findings. Your help is much appreciated!
Also, thanks for posting the tips on getting the beta firmare for the Mac Updater.
Brand Manager
I tot the beta firmware update today and install it. Both the XT-2 and X-PRO 2 (newFW) worked fine. Thank you.
Marcel
- Fuji X-pro2 firmware 2.0
- Cactus V6 II
- Flash RF-60
The install process failed the first time, but the second time works perfectly. The Cactus V6 II recognized the Fuji camera without problems.- With Normal HSS set to off and Forced HSS, the flash it´s not fired.
- With Normal HSS set to on and Forced HSS the flash fire. I tested from 1/500th to 1/8000th and it seems that it´s working. No dark bands, and the fñash fired 9/10 times.
- With PowerSync and Forced HSS, the flash fired, but worng. The photo is black. That behavieur is the same at any speed of exposition.
The Fuji still recognize the Cactus V6 II as a TTL flash, but in the menu is not the option for AF assist that in theory appears with Fuji flash.customized to suit your shooting purpose.
In , choose when you
need to place the V6 II TX units very close
to the RX units (e.g., when shooting macro),
or choose for normal shots. While the
option will reduce the maximum
effective distance of the V6 II by
approximately 70 percent, it will eliminate
the interference caused by placing the V6 II
TX and RX units in close proximity