Canon XSi second-curtain sync

RogelioMoreno · Post by **RogelioMoreno** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 7:45 am

I have a Canon XSi (450D) and an old Nikon flash that I would like to use in manual mode. I would like to use the XSi second-curtain sync; but the camera does not allow me to chance the setting for the external flash because it does not find a compatible TTL flash. I would like to know if I put a compatible TTL Canon flash (I do not have a Canon flash, I have to look for someone that has one) on the camera and change the setting to sync with the second-curtain and then remove the Canon flash, does the Canon XSi will fire my old Nikon flash using second-curtain sync?

Rogelio

Charles Krebs · Post by **Charles Krebs** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 8:06 am

No, I don't think so. With the Canon bodies I'm familiar with you need a Canon flash that provides this setting. You can use a the Canon flash at a low manual power setting (and set a rear sync) on the camera to trigger other (non-Canon) flash units with optical slaves.

RogelioMoreno · Post by **RogelioMoreno** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 2:35 pm

Charles,

Thank you for your answer.

It is a feature of the lower models or it is the same on all the Canon camera, did you use a Canon flash to second-curtain sync your Vivitar 283?

Rogelio

Charles Krebs · Post by **Charles Krebs** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 3:02 pm

Rogelio,

Since I use flash for active critters I want the release to be as fast as possible. So I use 1/200 second shutter speed with normal flash sync. This also prevents the continuous light from recording a "ghost" image. Sometimes (with a wet mount at high magnification) I'll set the mirror "lock up" custom function on, and then hit the shutter release when I am getting close to taking the picture. That way when I take the picture the mirror is already up.

When I want a long exposure and a second curtain sync with the Canon 5D (using manual external non-Canon flash) I use a 550EX flash at low manual power, set to rear sync, and trip the other flash units via an optical slave.

I don't know about the new 7D (they have really enhanced the flash operation with that camera) but I'm pretty sure that's the way it is with the other Canon bodies.

RogelioMoreno · Post by **RogelioMoreno** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 8:31 pm

Charles,

Thank you very much, now everything is clear.

Rogelio