Hi, my Nauticam Trigger just supports mechanical shutter with my Sony A1 to trigger my strobes (Marelux, Ikelite and Inon) via optical signal/cable.

What triggers can send a signal when fired in non mechanical (electric) shutter mode of camera?

40 minutes ago, Michi said:

Hi, my Nauticam Trigger just supports mechanical shutter with my Sony A1 to trigger my strobes (Marelux, Ikelite and Inon) via optical signal/cable.

What triggers can send a signal when fired in non mechanical (electric) shutter mode of camera?

Do you mean electronic shutter? I've used OM1 + Turtle Smart 2 without any issues. In fact the only limiting factor was the fact that OM1 did not allow for speeds greater than 1/100 when using electronic shutter + strobe trigger. Camera limitation itself though.

Hi Michi,

I know nothing at all about underwater photography, but since I was bored I tried to test Google Gemini on your question.

Surely other members will step in with the right solution and corrections.

Do not shoot the piano player!

The bottleneck in your current setup is the Nauticam Mini Flash Trigger. That standard Nauticam trigger is a basic two pin device. It only connects to the center sync pin and the ground of the camera hotshoe.

The Sony A1 architecture requires a digital handshake via the Multi Interface shoe to activate the flash circuit when using the electronic shutter. A basic manual trigger does not provide this digital communication. Consequently, the A1 assumes no compatible flash is attached and disables flash sync in electronic shutter mode.

To fire your Marelux, Ikelite, and Inon strobes optically using the electronic shutter, you must replace the Nauticam trigger with a smart TTL converter. These devices communicate with the Sony MI shoe protocol, tricking the camera into recognizing a native flash.

Here are the two best options for your Nauticam housing.

Configuration A: UW Technics Optoelectronic TTL Converter 11075 HSS

• Advantages: Specifically designed for Nauticam Sony housings. Fully unlocks the A1 electronic shutter up to 1/200s and supports High Speed Sync up to 1/8000s for compatible strobes like your Marelux units.

• Disadvantages: Installation requires opening the electronics bulkhead inside the housing. It is a dedicated board rather than a simple hotshoe plug and play device.

• Optical quality: Flawless signal transmission with very bright LEDs that easily drive multiple optical cables.

• Practicality: Runs on two CR2032 batteries with an extremely low standby drain, lasting up to 65000 flashes.

• Cost: Approximately 495 USD.

• Difficulty of use: Easy once installed. Flash exposure compensation and rear curtain sync can be controlled directly from the Sony camera menu.

Configuration B: TRT Electronics s-Turtle Smart 3 for Sony

• Advantages: Highly reliable smart trigger that fully supports the A1 electronic shutter. It allows switching between TTL and Manual modes directly from the camera menu underwater.

• Disadvantages: Requires you to manage battery charging before dive trips.

• Optical quality: Excellent and consistent LED output.

• Practicality: Features a user replaceable battery rechargeable via USB type C. A smart button provides battery status via LED flashes.

• Cost: Approximately 400 USD.

• Difficulty of use: Very simple setup. The device comes in a standalone box and drops into the hotshoe, connecting to the existing Nauticam LED bulkheads.

Important Hardware and Settings Analysis

Having the right trigger is only part of the solution. Your mixed strobe setup requires careful configuration.

1. Strobe Compatibility: You are mixing Marelux, Ikelite, and Inon strobes. Inon and Marelux accept optical signals natively. Ikelite strobes require the Ikelite Fiber Optic Converter to translate the LED pulse into an electrical signal. Because these three brands interpret TTL quench signals differently, you must operate the new trigger in Manual mode. Mixing different brands in TTL will result in highly inconsistent exposures. Use the smart trigger solely to wake up the electronic shutter, and adjust your strobe power manually on the strobe bodies.

2. Sony A1 Settings: Even with a smart trigger, the A1 will refuse to fire the electronic shutter if configured incorrectly. You must apply these exact settings:

• Shutter Type: Electronic

• Flash Mode: Fill Flash

• Wireless Flash: Off

• Silent Mode: Off

Be highly aware of the Silent Mode. Sony frequently links Silent Mode to a complete deactivation of the flash circuit. You must shoot with the electronic shutter engaged but with Silent Mode turned off.

This configuration will eliminate mechanical shutter wear, completely remove shutter shock for macro photography, and allow you to shoot in total silence while maintaining perfect optical sync with your strobes.