C-5050/PT-015 with Z-220 or Z-220S

Can anyone let me know which strobe ( Inon Z-220 or Z-220S) is adequate for the Olympus C-5050 with PT-015?

Can the C-5050/PT-015 activate the target light and the laser of the Z-220? If not, I opined that Z-220S is sufficient.

Appreciate any advise.

Thanks

Get the Z220s. The target light and laser will not work on optical slave mode.

Won't the Z-220's laser and focus light work with a 5050 and PT-015 via a fiber cable?

If the fiber cable connection in front of the camera's onboard flash blocks the available light, the Oly's focus LED will come on with a half-shutter push and trigger the Z220's laser and focus light...right?

I just bought a Z-220 and while I haven't taken it UW, I found that the LED would trigger the optical sensor nicely.

I hadn't thought of that. I got used to using the D-180's focus light as an extra dive light and was disapointed that the Z220 does not work that way. If the LED will turn the lights on then the focus light may be useful. It probably too much trouble to use the laser that way.

I'd appreciate a report on how that works. I have the Oly 5050 in a PT015 and want to know whether to get the 220 or 220S. Let me know what you find out! Thanks!

--John

The problem with the technique that John is aligining the Optical Cable mount with the led focus light on the 5050. I played with it, and could not position the cable on a PT-015 in a way that would make it work.

I have heard from one customer who has rigged a 2 AAA flashlight to an optical cable. This "always on" light keeps both beams on all the time. He triggers his strobe w/ a sync cord, so I don't know if this would impact slave firing.

I use a Z220 and a Z220S together on my PT015, I purchased them for use with Nikonos V and with Housed Film Camera's, the focus light / Laser is a bit of a pain, as they come on in high ambient light conditions - if the Optic fibre cap is off for slave shooting. When it is darker (when you need the light) it doesn't work.

On the PT015, nothing (on the housing) will make the focus light/ laser work! So the Z220S is your best bet. If you buy a DSLR down the track, you will probably want the Z220 as the lights work on Nikon/Canon Digitals (Focus Light / Laser turns on when shutter is half depressed and off when shutter is fully depressed)

- Jeff

I use a Z220 and a Z220S together on my PT015, I purchased them for use with Nikonos V and with Housed Film Camera's, the focus light / Laser is a bit of a pain, as they come on in high ambient light conditions - if the Optic fibre cap is off for slave shooting. When it is darker (when you need the light) it doesn't work.

For the Nikonos V and Housed film camera, it sounds like your strobe is set to "Optical & Slave" not "Wire". Try setting the Main Switch to "Wire" according to instructions below.

On the PT015, nothing (on the housing) will make the focus light/ laser work! So the Z220S is your best bet. If you buy a DSLR down the track, you will probably want the Z220 as the lights work on Nikon/Canon Digitals (Focus Light / Laser turns on when shutter is half depressed and off when shutter is fully depressed)

Yes, Target Laser / Focus Light will not function on many digital cameras. So Z-220S, D-180 or D-180S would be better choice.

-Mark / Inon

www.inonamerica.com

Reference:

Z-220 Connection Methods, Focus Light & Target Laser Settings with film cameras/housings having Nikon TTL circuitry:

Connection methods:

1) Electrical - Sea & Sea “Sync Cord N”

2) Fiber Optic (with Inon X1 and X2 series housings with optical connectors)

Z-220 Settings when using “Sync Cord N” electrical method on film camera housing systems:

Set Z-220 Main Switch to “Wire” (not “Optical & Slave” which is for fiber optic connections with Inon housings). In this position, on the switch’s opposite side, there are “A” and “X” settings.

Combination of “Wire” and “A” settings will allow automatic on/off Focus Light and Target Laser activation at half shutter press.

Combination of “Wire” and “X” settings will prevent Focus Light from activating. To block the Target Laser just flip the little shade over the laser window.

Note: If the Z-220 is set to “Optical & Slave” the Z-220’s light sensor will sense ambient light (in place of the fiber optic supplied light it was intended to) and intermittently activate the Focus Light and Target Laser. When the ambient light decreases to a level below the sensor’s sensitivity, the Focus Light and Target Laser will not be activated. Therefore, Inon does not recommend the “Optical & Slave” setting on non-Inon housings for reasons of practicality.

Note on digital cameras:

Currently, the Z-220 and Z-220S function only as Manual Strobes with digital cameras. “TTL” is not possible.

The Z-220 Focus Light and Target Laser do not function with all digital camera / housing configurations. There has been some reported success with some housings with D100 and S2 cameras.

Hey Mark...I am using the Oly5050 in a PT015 and want a light setup for freediving. I am thinking about getting the Z220 over the Z220s because I might get a Canon D10 in the future...is that wise? Also, what is a nice small arm setup for the Z220...was thinking about the Ultralight, but can't even begin to figure out what to get with so many different options...thanks!

--John

Hello John,

If you get the Inon 10D housing then yes, go for the Z-220. If not, go for the Z-220S. Any housing for a Canon camera (film or digital) will require special circuitry to enable Focus Light/Targer Laser operation. I'll have more on the Inon 10D after this weekend.

As for arms, so much depends on personal preference. Inon makes arms too, but I'd like to leave opinions on this to the more knowledgeable types on the board.

-Mark / Inon

www.inonamerica.com

Thanks for the information! I am really looking forward to any news you can give on the D10 housing. As in how much and when! Thanks a lot!

--John

don't know if you have seen it yet but there was a description of the X2 in the latest issue of uwpmag at http://www.uwpmag.com

mentions good links with the z220 but no ttl support is mentioned.

/paul