Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

I seem to be having a problem with my CST and my Nikon D700. I know the D700 had issues with Nikon's own SB900 speedlight, so I am not sure this is related or not.

When I first purchased my B800, I also purchased the CST and the CSRB. They were initially working fine. I love my little AB's. BUT, lately there has been a problem. When the CST is OFF camera, I hit the test button, the B800 fires fine. I install the CST on the D700, and the B800 fires in rapid succession until I get the CST completely on my camera. Now it does not work at all. Hit the test button, nothing happens. Take the CST off the camera, works fine.

Oh, I changed the batteries just to make sure they were not the issue. Has anybody else had this problem? If I hook the sync cord directly from the B800 to the camera, everything works fine.

Thanks,
Penny Wills.

This is the first time i have heard of this specific problem, either for the CST or the D700. First, are you using the CST's sync cord and mounting it in the hotshoe? If so, don't, use one method or the other. Once the CST is in the hotshoe, can you press down on the CST to get it to work as you are holding it down? If you place the CST upright on a table and press down, will it exhibit the same rapid firing as you flex the contact ball?

Do you have any speedlites, if so, do they do the same thing? Do you feel any wiggle in your hotshoe bracket? Are you shooting in live view?

Thank you for your quick reply!

I just hooked up the sync cord to test the CST. I normally put it in the Hot Shoe. I don't do both.

I have not tried to put the CST on a hard surface and press down. I will tonight when I get home from work.

There is no wiggle at all in the hot shoe. If anything, it is such a tight fit, I have a hard time making sure it is all the way in.

I am not shooting in Live View. Just curious, would that make a difference? If it does, I 'll try shooing in LV.

Thanks,
Penny

I have a D700 and a CST, and have never had a problem when the CST sits in the shoe. I do agree that it's a tight fit, but that has never hampered the performance.

regarding the hotshoe, check not only the tightness of the CST in it, but also if the hotshoe itself wiggles on the camera. Some cameras will trigger flashes differently when in live view. This is particularly true with Canon, though it seems as though the hotshoe will not trigger at all. I have not heard one way or the other with Nikon, so that was just to rule that out. Since you do not shoot with live view, not testing with that feature is required on your end.

The two most important things would be if a speedlite does the same thing, or if the CST can replicate the issues when pressing on the contact ball. Another good test to do if possible is to mount the CST on another camera and see if it happens (while it is handy to know, don't go through any heroics to test this).

Oh that is good to try! I'll pop it on my D90 and see what happens. I'll report back when I get home tonight.

Thanks for the replies and suggestions.

Penny

Hmmm,

How tight is the fit? I have to wiggle the CST to get it all the way in. Just pushing straight in it stops about 1/8" of being in completely.

Thanks for your input.

Penny

It is designed to be a tight fit, as locking mechanisms can have a tendancy to jam, and pin based mechanisms vary from manufacturer to manufacturer (as do hotshoe sizes).

Also, is the camera on or off when you mount the CST? If you switch it to the other position, what happens?

Ok guys, I have a red face! I came home tonight, did all the things that were suggested, then noticed, when I hit the "test" button on the CST, the little red light did not come on. Took it off the camera, changed the battery to a new one, and it still did not work. Now I was getting a little upset. How hard could this be?

So I grabbed a volt meter out of my toolbox, the NEW battery was dead! So, I have to sheepishly say, I had 2 dead batteries, the one that came with the CST, and the new one I just purchased the other day for a spare. I sent hubby up to the store to grab a new battery. He just came home, and I am pleased to say, CST and camera are talking again, and all is well.

Thank you all who replied so promptly to my questions.

Penny Wills