firmware updated Cactus V6II does not control power of Pentax AF540FGZII
I have the following setup: Pentax K-3II (no built in flash); a Cactus V6II mounted on top; off camera a Pentax AF540FGZII on top of another Cactus V6II. Both V6II's updated to V1.1.004. I cannot get the Cactus RX to control the power output of the flash. This is NOT about HSS; just normal power controlled flash triggering
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I’ll trace the steps I use to try to get the Cactus V6II’s to control the flash. Perhaps you’ll spot an error.
My AF540FGZ II flash has all functions set to defaults (including Fn5:Slave mode #1 “When taking pictures in wireless mode” Note: I have tried option 2 as well without a difference.).
With both units turned off, I connect my flash to my Cactus while listening to the hot shoe for a “click” before locking the units together. I connect my Pentax K-3II and a Cactus V6II the same way.
I turn on the flash; it displays P-TTL.
I turn on the Cactus with RX. The Cactus displays full battery, Ch 5, AF540F2, 1/8th, the Pentax flash icon, and the radio antennae icon showing strong connection. Group B button is on.
I turn on my Pentax K-3II, Manual mode, 1/90th, f22, ISO100, 70mm lens. With shutter half depressed, I turn on the Cactus in TX mode. The Cactus displays full battery, ch 5, 1/8th under the B group and the B group light is on.
Press menu on the Cactus, Function shows HSS OFF, other items off including TLL PASSTHROUGH. Camera & Flash System = Pentax; flash Profile Pentax AF540F2. Power Mode: I change from RELATIVE to ABSOLUTE (SETUP)>OK and the Cactus displays “1 flash found.”
Press the test button on the Cactus connected to the flash: Flash fires. Press test button on camera Cactus: Flash fires. I adjust power settings on the Cactus TX. Settings transfer to flash Cactus.
With EV9.5 (lowest setting) I take picture of wall hanging. Get a slightly under exposed image.
I change the EV to 16.5 (highest) which the flash Cactus shows. I take a picture. The exposures are identical. It would appear that the on-flash Cactus does not communicate power setting to the flash unit.
As you might guess, I have played around with all sorts of settings without success. The above outline is how I think the units should work. But they don’t.
As an aside I also have a Cactus V6–upgraded to make it compatible with the V6II. Altho I have not tested this pair as extensively, I think the same problem exits. Could the Cactus V6II upgrade be faulty?
Any ideas?
.
I’ll trace the steps I use to try to get the Cactus V6II’s to control the flash. Perhaps you’ll spot an error.
My AF540FGZ II flash has all functions set to defaults (including Fn5:Slave mode #1 “When taking pictures in wireless mode” Note: I have tried option 2 as well without a difference.).
With both units turned off, I connect my flash to my Cactus while listening to the hot shoe for a “click” before locking the units together. I connect my Pentax K-3II and a Cactus V6II the same way.
I turn on the flash; it displays P-TTL.
I turn on the Cactus with RX. The Cactus displays full battery, Ch 5, AF540F2, 1/8th, the Pentax flash icon, and the radio antennae icon showing strong connection. Group B button is on.
I turn on my Pentax K-3II, Manual mode, 1/90th, f22, ISO100, 70mm lens. With shutter half depressed, I turn on the Cactus in TX mode. The Cactus displays full battery, ch 5, 1/8th under the B group and the B group light is on.
Press menu on the Cactus, Function shows HSS OFF, other items off including TLL PASSTHROUGH. Camera & Flash System = Pentax; flash Profile Pentax AF540F2. Power Mode: I change from RELATIVE to ABSOLUTE (SETUP)>OK and the Cactus displays “1 flash found.”
Press the test button on the Cactus connected to the flash: Flash fires. Press test button on camera Cactus: Flash fires. I adjust power settings on the Cactus TX. Settings transfer to flash Cactus.
With EV9.5 (lowest setting) I take picture of wall hanging. Get a slightly under exposed image.
I change the EV to 16.5 (highest) which the flash Cactus shows. I take a picture. The exposures are identical. It would appear that the on-flash Cactus does not communicate power setting to the flash unit.
As you might guess, I have played around with all sorts of settings without success. The above outline is how I think the units should work. But they don’t.
As an aside I also have a Cactus V6–upgraded to make it compatible with the V6II. Altho I have not tested this pair as extensively, I think the same problem exits. Could the Cactus V6II upgrade be faulty?
Any ideas?
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