A wireless radio synchronizer is a device for launching at a distance any external flash unit - studio or system, as well as a remote camera shutter release - for example, for photographing animals and birds (so as not to frighten them by the close presence of a person). Designed primarily for SLR cameras, but can be used with others as well. Synchronization occurs over the radio channel between the starter and the receiver. The receiver, in turn, transmits a signal to close the contacts of the flash - that is, to trigger it.
It is necessary
- - digital SLR camera
- -external and / or studio flash, one or more
- -possibly a photo stand or a tripod with a threaded head for mounting a flash on it
Instructions
Step 1
As a rule, radio synchronizers from different manufacturers are very similar to each other both externally and in functionality. They may differ, for example, in the presence or absence of a hole for a photo umbrella on the receiver.
Consider, as an example, a BOWER kit. The range of the device is 30 - (for the flash pulse synchronized with the camera shutter) and 90 meters - for the release of the camera shutter at a distance from the photographer. The standard set consists of a transmitter and a receiver synchronized with each other over 4 radio channels. The kit also includes cords for connecting the receiver with a studio flash, an additional adapter for such a flash with a diameter of 6, 3 mm, a cable for connecting the receiver with a camera, batteries for operating the devices.
The transmitter has an adjustable antenna for operating the device over long distances or over obstacles (for example, walls, trees, etc.). The transmitter additionally has a button to start its operation. The receiver has a platform on top for installing a system flash or accessories, on the side there is a socket for attaching an umbrella. There is an adjustable metal bracket for attaching the receiver itself. It can be mounted on a standard tripod socket or into the flash socket of any SLR camera (except for older Sony models). Both the transmitter and receiver have a small window with a bright LED, which simultaneously fire when they are synchronized.
Step 2
How to start an external flash:
If the flash that we synchronize with the camera is a system flash (that is, for example, Canon, Nikon, etc.) - we install it in the receiver's "hot shoe". We fix the receiver with the installed flash, for example, on a tripod. We adjust the radio channels of the receiver and transmitter using the switches (by default, they are already configured). If necessary, we attach a photo umbrella in the receiver socket, orient the flash or a pair of “flash + umbrella” to the subject of photography. The operating mode switch on the transmitter must be set to "FLASH" mode. Taking a test shot. If the power of the flash installed on the receiver turns out to be insufficient or excessive, then adjust it manually on the flash itself.
When working with a studio flash, use the supplied cable to connect the flash and the synchronizer receiver. Otherwise, everything is the same, the flash power is manually adjusted by the photographer depending on the required cut-off pattern.
Step 3
To activate the camera at a distance (in this case, the camera focuses automatically, as if you operated it manually):
We pre-install the device on a tripod. We insert the adapter corresponding to the camera from the radio synchronizer kit into its side socket. In the mode of operation with the release of the camera shutter, the transmitter has a two-position switch: activation of autofocus and exposure, and the second - directly releasing the shutter. We set the mode "B" on it by shifting the terminal on the body. We direct the camera lens to the place of the intended shooting (for example, on a bird's nest), adjust the zoom. Using the button on the transmitter, we focus the camera and immediately switch it to mode G (terminal on the body). Using the same button, we control the release of the camera shutter at the necessary moment, that is, we press it at the climax.
The marking of the receiver connection socket is located on the synchronizer packaging. It stands for this: The letter in the name after RCR can be C (Canon) or N (Nikon). The last digit in the name corresponds to amateur or professional models. For example, RCRC3 is for Canon professional series cameras, and RCRN2 is for Nikon amateur DSLRs. This marking is often the same for other device manufacturers.
