Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

Hi, I'm new to speedlite and I was hoping you guys can help answer a few questions for me. I currently own two Einstein E640 Flash Unit and I use The Cyber Commander to control my lights, but, I'm thinking of picking up a Canon 600EX-RT speedlite. My question is, will I be able to use my Einstein E640 Flash Unit along with the Canon 600EX-RT? if so, what will I need to be able to sync them? Thanks :)

Yes, they cane be used simultaneously. However, you will generally want to use the speedlite in manual mode, since the preflash may trigger the Einsteins too early if the slave eyes are active. Also, if you are trying to use the TTL function of the lights, they will not meter correctly between the preflash and actual flash, resulting in poor exposure.

As well, the Canon RT system cannot (to my knowledge) be used to trigger the Einsteins. This means if you are using the ST-E3-RT you will need a separate trigger for the Einsteins. Also, you can use the CyberSyncs to trigger the speedlites, albeit without the remote power adjustment feature.

I plan on using the speedlite for it's easy portable convenient and as a back light to go along with my two Einsteins. So since they are some what compatible with each other what would I need to purchase from Paul C. Buff to enable me to use the speedlite as my back light?

Current setup
2 x Einsteins
2 x CyberSync Transceiver
1 x Cyber Commander

For the purposes described here, I would suggest a CSRB+. http://www.paulcbuff.com/csrplus.php This will allow you to treat the speedlite as a separate light, which means you can group it and independently meter it. If you went with a standard CSRB, it would trigger from the CC, but only as part of the entire set up.

I think that speedlite has a PC connection on it, so no other adapters are required. However, if you prefer a 1/8" connection, you can get one of our foot adapters.
http://www.paulcbuff.com/slfa.php