Canon MT-24 Twin Light Issues

Clintonwake · Post by **Clintonwake** » Sun Oct 20, 2013 5:33 pm

Hi All

I used the canon twin light for stacking but after 10-20 shots. The flash takes ages to recharge. Is there a way around this.

I am using the auto stackshot, so if there are 80 in the stack, I get black shots as the flash is not recharging quick enough

cheers
Denis

Pau · Post by **Pau** » Mon Oct 21, 2013 1:01 am

Maybe it goes overheated and automatically rests to avoid damage, a funtion bundled in many modern units. Check the instructions manual.

The only way would be to fire it at reduced power or to allow some time between shots.

Clintonwake · Post by **Clintonwake** » Mon Oct 21, 2013 2:08 am

Thanks Pau, I will try that.

cheers
Denis

soldevilla · Post by **soldevilla** » Mon Oct 21, 2013 2:12 am

tired of the same problem, I´m using now two flash bulbs. OK, I not have a button for control the ouputs, but I modify the distance between the flash and sample, or I use papers, grey photographic filters... and I have forgotten any problem about replacement of batteries.

Clintonwake · Post by **Clintonwake** » Mon Oct 21, 2013 3:40 am

Thanks

But I do not understand what you mean

Cactusdave · Post by **Cactusdave** » Mon Oct 21, 2013 4:37 am

Click on the "flash bulbs" link and I think you'll get the idea. Basically the idea is use a mains powered studio flash instead of a battery powered unit.

Clintonwake · Post by **Clintonwake** » Mon Oct 21, 2013 6:16 am

thanks Dave

johan · Post by **johan** » Mon Oct 21, 2013 6:56 am

Is Canon twin light *TTL with a preflash? If so, try using manual? No initial preflash (so half the flashing) and usually you can get a lot of flashes out if you're set at say 1/32

Clintonwake · Post by **Clintonwake** » Mon Oct 21, 2013 6:19 pm

Thanks Johan

I do use Manual, 1/2 to 1/16 but still issue. I am sure its a heating issue and limitation and may have to use strobes

cheers
Denis

Greenfields · Post by **Greenfields** » Tue Oct 22, 2013 9:16 am

You don't say what magnification you are using. At 160 ISO I can go up to 10x with a white plastic diffusing collar and still only use the flash heads at 1/8 power which will give 300 or more flashes from the unit. The heads are a few com from the diffuser and this is rarely a problem [though occasionally the heat or dehydration makes a subject move] Do you have the flash heads a long way from your subjects of at a very acute angle ?

Another option is to use an external battery pack. According to B&H the MT-24EX is compatible with Compact Battery Pack CP-E2 & Transistor Pack E.

There are also a large number of less expensive aftermarket alternatives [but I have not found a mains powered alternative, though]

However - and a warning: The instructions with the aftermarket power pack warn that the flash should be given time to cool after continuously flashing at high power after a relatively short run of flashes.

They mean it. I found the front lens of one of my units had cracked after a long run - and I'd never taken the power over 1/4 full power. Still seems to work OK but I am much more careful.

In case it fails I use a couple of much less expensive Yongnuo clones of Canon Speedlites for bench work, one with a cable [remember, you probably don't want to use the automatic exposure]. Much more powerful and versatile and much less cost to worry about if one fails.

Henry

Clintonwake · Post by **Clintonwake** » Tue Oct 22, 2013 3:24 pm

Thanks Henry

I am using MPE65 and it does not matter what magnification ie 2x, to 5x, I still have the same issue, I shoot using the STACKSHOT and intervals is set to 4 seconds. I have test on 6 seconds and higher but still does not charge quick enough.

My settings range from 1/100, iso100, f16 to 1/15. iso100 ,f5.6

I have extended arms where the flash sits on and is perpendicular to the object about 5-6 inches away and I have a diffuser

I will check out this battery pack Compact Battery Pack CP-E2 & Transistor Pack E.

What are the alternatives you are referring to?

cheers
Denis

Craig Gerard · Post by **Craig Gerard** » Tue Oct 22, 2013 3:37 pm

Denis,

What internal batteries are you currently using .i.e. rechargeable or non-rechargable?

Craig

Saul · Post by **Saul** » Tue Oct 22, 2013 4:43 pm

I'm using 5VDC 4.0A power supply to feed three Nikon SB-27 flashes. Works perfectly, no any delay, no light variations, no problem up to 1/2. If used at the full power - no delay also, but approximately after 50 shots (around 10s interval for each shot) you can feel smell of the burning plastic

For outside shooting I'm using sometimes ( if not moving around too much)
6V12Ah non-spillable sealed rechargeable battery for my Nikon SB-800, it lasts forever:
http://batteries.zeusbatteryproducts.co ... es/pn-1096?

Or Nikon SD-8 battery pack - this is lighter option, but it has much less Ah's:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bauras/9663163457/

Saul

Clintonwake · Post by **Clintonwake** » Tue Oct 22, 2013 8:38 pm

Craig

I am using the eneloop rechargeable batteries and they are new and fully charged . I also tried the powerex rechargeable

cheers
Denis

Craig Gerard · Post by **Craig Gerard** » Tue Oct 22, 2013 9:25 pm

Denis,

Do you have a new packet of Duracell AA batteries handy to use in place of rechargeables. I'd be curious to see if your recharger may be a contributing factor.

Craig