sammycheez

I'm currently using Inon Z240/Z330s but am working on upgrading to HF-1s. I've used electronic sync cords before and never had an issue, but I definitely prefer fiber optic. It'd be cheaper for me to just get a flash trigger than to switch over as well.

Thanks Chris! Didn't see this until now. My camera flash is already set to the lowest setting and while the recycle time isn't terrible, it will give a prolonged BUSY message and lock the shutter when the flash is used too many times successively. I wonder if maybe a fresh Canon battery would help with that. I wish I had a Wetpixel account so I could see the post you linked. Thanks for linking the article; it seems to be exactly the guide I was looking for. Good point about the LEDs themselves. This is exactly the type of insight I was looking for to convince me I'm not saving money/time trying to hotwire something myself. I think you're right that the best option for me is to buy a manual flash trigger and position the LEDs correctly in my housing. The Sea&Sea, Fantasea, and TRT options are relatively inexpensive and the LEDs are already on wires.

Longshot, but if anyone has an HF-1 they're trying to get rid of, please let me know. I have one already but looking to make it a pair. Thanks!

Hey guys, I've been wanting to switch from using onboard flash on my 7D to a flash trigger for a while. Not only can I never use burst mode, but sometimes when I take several photos in quick succession, the built in flash will take 5-10 seconds to recharge which leaves me dead in the water right when I want to be taking photos. The obvious solution would be to purchase a hot shoe flash trigger. However, there are two issues: I don't think Aquatica made a flash trigger for this camera/housing combo I probably wouldn't pay $500 for one even if they did I think I have two options, the first being to find an off the shelf product that will accomplish what I need, kind of like this: https://www.amazon.com/Godox-Flash-iM30-Mini-Full-Power/dp/B0DGKGQ4FH The issue with this is that the only products I can find are actually true flashes, not LEDs. Their recycle times are probably the same or worse than my camera. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I wish I could buy a mislabeled camera flash that is actually just an LED strobe. Of course, it'd still need to somehow fit inside the housing, but I imagine I could take it apart and make it work. This would be the simplest option. I could probably buy another flash trigger and take it apart to fit my setup, but again, they cost hundreds of dollars. The second would be to try and build my own. I only use manual, never TTL, so I don't need complex electronics. I just need two LEDs to light up when the hot shoe fires, ideally with decent battery life. I am no electrical engineer, but I imagine this is relatively easy to accomplish. I'd then just need to make a small plastic or aluminum housing for the board/battery and either position the LEDs right under the bulkheads, or have the LED bulbs on wires that attach directly to the bulkheads. Please correct me if I'm underestimating the complexity of flash triggers. Has anyone attempted to make a flash trigger? Open to all suggestions. I'm sure I haven't thought of all the ways to get around this problem.

Howdy, all! My diving background started at UC Santa Cruz, where I got my basic NAUI cert through AAUS scientific diving. I had a lot of really cool science diving opportunities in college, but at this point, I like to keep diving a hobby, not a job. These days, I enjoy freedive spearfishing with some breathhold photo/video stuff, but I take most of my photos on scuba. I'm relatively new to diving/UW photo. First dove with a very old Canon 300D/Sea&Sea setup in 2018 or 2019, then was very graciously given a Canon 7D/Aquatica A7D setup by a mentor in 2022. I'm grateful to be living in one of the best areas for underwater photography in the US, with tons of great shore diving, a community of active divers, and access to resources such as Backscatter as our local shop. Anyways, I'm looking forward to discussing some DIY projects I have in mind with you all. I'm a machinist and would like to take advantage of my access to CNC machines and 3D printers to make some things that aren't currently on the market. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any ideas or if you want to go diving. Cheers, Sam