How do I install a fiber optic cable to connect my strobe?
Step 1 - Attaching the Fiber Optic Cable to the Strobe
a) The fiber optic cable consists of two ends: One is attached to a white plastic fitting (flat white plastic at the end of the cable with Allen screw inside), and the other is loose. Insert the exposed end of the fiber optic cable (the end without the fitting) into the small hole of the adaptor unit until the fiber optic cable reaches the end of the adaptor.
b) Use the tool you have received with your fiber optic cable kit in order to tighten the screw on the adaptor. Tighten it enough to stabilize the fiber optic cable inside the adaptor, but don't tighten it too strongly. Tightening the screw too much might damage the fiber optic cable.
c) Carefully but firmly insert the black adaptor inside the proper fitting in front of the strobe's slave sensor.
Step 2 – Attaching the Fiber Optic Cable to the Camera Housing
a) The other end of the fiber optic cable attaches to the outside of the camera housing - opposite the camera's internal flash - by using both sides of the Velcro strip included in the kit. The white plastic fitting normally comes with the Velcro tape attached and therefore you are only required to apply the other side of the Velcro strip on the housing to receive it. If your housing features a built-in flash diffuser, the Velcro strip should be attached beneath it, directly to the housing. If possible, place the Velcro strip between the built in flash diffuser and the housing, positioned opposite the internal flash of the camera.
b) It is preferable to totally block out the internal flash of the camera after attaching the camera side of the cable by putting black electrical tape over the fiber optic connector attached to the housing case. This effectively achieves two things: it diminishes the effects of backscatter, as well as avoiding any shadowing effect while using wide angle or macro accessory lenses. Removing the built-in flash diffuser will have no affect on lighting.
c) Follow the instructions on your strobe manual in order to synchronize your camera with the external strobe. Please note that different digital cameras have different pre-flash and flash characteristics, which are compatible with different strobe modes. It is always a good idea to test the synchronization when photographing opposite a mirror. In this case both flash units (the camera and the slave) should be illuminated when viewing the results of the test shot taken.
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