Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

I occasionally utilize my canon 580EX II speed lights to supplement my Einsteins or when I need to get light in a small space (mostly during architectural shoots). I am going absolutely bonkers with this situation. I own and have tried the Cyber Commander and Cyber Sync Transmitter with either the Cybersync Plus or the CyberSync standard Receiver attached to the speed lights with a high end thread mounted pocket wizard pc sync cord. Speed Light sleep timer is turned off. Here is where it makes me crazy. I have tested this in my home and studio exactly as I would as if on a shoot and it works every time. However, every time I have tried the same arrangement on location (indoor or outdoor) the speed lights will not flash. They flash with the very first shutter activation and then will not flash with subsequent firings. Sometimes if I turn off the flash or unplug the sync cord or open the flash battery compartment it will flash for the next shutter release but again no subsequent shots. Once again, this occurs with 3 different speed lights, different triggers and receivers, a Canon 6d and Canon 7D. All batteries new also.

If anyone has run into this problem and has found a resolution or if anyone has any ideas please pass it along.

Thank You,

Will Edwards

This would likely be an issue of high voltage coming from the PC jack. Are you using different batteries during the shoot than you are while testing (i.e. lithium vs. non lithium)?

Thanks for the reply. I typically use Lenmar or Eneloop rechargeable batteries in the speed lights and standard duracell or rechargeables in the CSRB+. I use the same batteries testing and shooting.

Will the lights fire via the CSRB's test button after the initial shot?

No :(

I am also up for any other ideas for a work around. I have a Pocket Wizard Flex TT5 system but prefer to stick with all Cyber Sync units. Not to mention the TT5 system is not compatible with my new Canon cameras. Go figure.

Do you by chance have your flash units' remote settings on, either in master or slave mode?

The only option with regards to the Pocket Wizards is to maybe use them in a standard channel, and not a CTL channel (if that is possible when using a speedlight), then place the CST in the top of the TT1/TT5.