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P-51D Mustang 'Contrary Mary'... Juggling with shutter speeds to capture the 'full disc' prop blur.
Built too late to see combat service in World War Two, P-51D 44-84847 was one of the last Mustangs constructed at North American Aviation’s Dallas, Texas, plant. Details of her post war service career are limited, but there is photographic evidence, from September 1951, of her serving with the 45th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron at Kimpo, South Korea, during the Korean War.
North American P-51D Mustang
Registration PH-JAT
This particular P-51 Mustang was built at the end of World War II by North American Aviation Inc. in Inglewood CA. She flew with the USAF serialled 44-74923 until 1956, serving in the Air National Guards of New Mexico, New Hampshire and Illinois respectively and for training and instruction. Between 1957 and 1969 her civil use was with several crop-dusting companies in California, USA.
In 1969 the Mustang was delivered to the Fuerza Aérea Salvadoreña serialled FAS410. Five years later, the (most likely damaged) fighter returned to the States. A first restoration started. Between 1982 and 1992, this Mustang was a frequent participant of the Air Races op Reno NV, most recently as 38 “Miss Ashley”.
In 1994 Jaap van Mesdag purchased “Miss Ashley” for the Early Birds collection and had her shipped to the Netherlands. After arrival in the Netherlands in 1995, the plane was stored. Restoration to airworthy condition started in 2004 by volunteers of Vroege Vogels / Early Birds. Test flying ended in 2016 and the fighter became a frequent visitor of airshows and other events. This P-51D Mustang has dual controls and is available for training and familiarization flight.
A couple of gems displayed at Woolpit Rally 2017, a great little rally right on my doorstep, a lot rare stuff on display and much of it displayed in a real working condition
(Reg. on Albion we think is correct - See comments below - could either have been P or F in middle. )
Albion now with a preservationist and the TK ended up at Rush Green
9S91 crosses over the Queanbeyan River bridge at Oaks Estate with DC6029, 44208 and 4403 on a load test train to Bungendore and back.
DC6029, 44208 and 4403 cross back over the Molonglo River with 9S91 back to Canberra from Bungendore.
I could not decipher the remains of the lettering other than a 'D'! so not sure which streets this would have cleaned in it's working days. This ended up at RGM
Woolpit Rally 2017, a great little rally right on my doorstep, with a particularly diverse set of exhibits this year.
A lot rare stuff on display and much of it displayed in a real working condition
The Voisin brothers in France were early to contruct a dual control version of their Voisin biplane pusher model (probably the 1910 - 1911 version). They realized that the teaching method till the introduction of dual control was less than ideal. A pupil had some ground lessons, taxiing around the airfield, till the great moment when he could takeoff all alone. Possibly an instructor was sometimes in a rear seat but he was unable to correct things ! Around this time (1910 - 1911) the dual control side by side were also introduced in Wright and Curtiss pusher biplanes.
To accommodate two persons with a steering wheel side by side the fuselage (nacelle) was widened considerably. The engine fitted is a water-cooled V-8 engine, maybe a Renault. Due to the wide body of the fuselage the radiator is also of an extra size.
When looking at the two steering wheels it appears that they are seperated from each other. The ionstructor - here de Ridder - has handles which he could operate with his right hand to switch control of the steering wheel.
Alphonse de Ridder (of Belgian birth) was the chief instructor at the Voisin flying school.
DC6029 with 4403 and 44208 climb up through the Molonglo Gorge with a load test train to Bungendore running as 9S90.
DC6029, 4403 and 44208 approach Hoskinstown Rd near Bungendore with a load test train running as 9S90.
2 Birmingham Guy Arab II 5LW are standing, withdrawn at Washwood Heath garage in 1968. the vehicle nearest the camera is FOP 384 trainer 95 and the second FOP 401, trainer 93, these Utility bodied veterans outlasted their sisters by becoming dual control tuition vehicles, the duplicate set of controls being behind the rookie driver in the front of the passenger saloon, the second steering wheel is visible through the front window. By 1968 they were so different to the newer buses that they saw no use at all and were scrapped, a shame that such a venerable set of vehicles could last so long and not see one preserved.
*Similar shot uploaded before from black and white neg, just found the colour slides!
Canberra ARHS ran a load test train as 9S90 to Bungendore and back for DC6029 Beyer-Garratt with 4403 and 44208 seen here crossing over the Molonglo river.
9S91 slogs it up the 1 in 40 grade past Brooks Reserve on a load test with DC6029, 44208 and 4403 heading back to Canberra from Bungendore.
Two Birmingham Guy Arab II 5LW's are standing, withdrawn, at Washwood Heath garage in 1968. The vehicle nearest the camera is FOP 401 fleet number 1401 which was trainer 93 and the other was FOP 384 1384 trainer 95. These Utility bodied veterans outlasted their sisters by becoming dual control tuition vehicles, the duplicate set of controls being behind the rookie driver in the front of the passenger saloon, the second steering wheel is visible through the front window. By 1968 they were so different to the newer buses that they saw no use at all and were scrapped, a shame that such a venerable set of vehicles could last so long and not see one preserved.
Copyright Image Geoff Dowling; All rights reserved
Found a second 'Dual' TTL cord that seems to work for my 2 identical twin Canon 550Exs ganged together and driven by a single Phottix Odin ETTL & Remotely adjusted M radio receiver. (Replaced photo, 3-02-2013)
This setup offers both ETTL and remotely adjusted Manual flash, HSS and SCS too, controlling and triggering 2 Speedlites while saving on a TTL receiver unit. The two Canon 550Exs behave as one, the Group is determined on the single Rx - so, either twice* the power/range or quicker recycling or lower iso on the camera. One of the flash-heads is +180 - usually I splay the heads to better fill the reflective brolly. These Satin White reflective umbrellas are a favourite with twinned Speedlite pairs. Of my Speedlites, I find gangs of two (two cords) so useful that I leave a pair of 550Exs more or less permanently setup like this on a small board.
Previously I was doing this with the 'Ishoot' brand Dual TTL cord but I've found a second cord, this one from Godox, that offers this functionality, at least with identical twin 550Exs (£130 each!), with the Odin TCU (current firmware) on either a 20D or a 7D. As per the instructions, always switch on the more peripheral device(s) first and the more central device second - same for switching off. (Several brands of Dual TTL cords do not seem to work with this configuration - and - other Ex Speedlites may not either. I've not had any luck with 2 580ExIIs, for instance.)
Nikon guys & gals: no personal experience but the limited correspondance I've had, suggests that from Nikon bodies, and therefore from Odin for Nikon Rxs, these 'Dual' type TTL cords, basically don't work. If you prove that wrong, be sure to let me know! Cheers.
On these small mounting boards, I strap the two units down onto the non-slip matting - now I add a 3mm piece of corrugated plastic sheet between the two - the back edge is given extra padding, to keep it easy to reach the 'on/off' switches. I don't need to see their screens - everything is setup from the Odin TCU. This twinned configuration also still fits my standard Ebay 'Easyfold' softboxes (designed for single speedlites(!)) and it keeps the external battery ports accessible.
If you are one Rx short, you can use this for a couple of opposed white background M lights. Just link in 2 TTL extension leads, one on each arm, and it's very easy to get perfect white without overblowing things, adjusting everything right from the camera position.
This cord is cheaper than the 'Ishoot' type! I'm c 50:50 M to TTL, frequently both mixed together, say ETTL for the subject & M for hair & background - and - TTL has moved on, it's now super predictable - just clock tone & reflectivity, dial your FEC and you're there. In fact, M flash is for times I don't want to be 'right': slightly blown white backgrounds/moody under-exposure etcetc. So still like that remotely adjusted M flash - definitely.
Also, this 'Dual' TTL cord is available for Nikon! Warning: I am not recommending this dual twinning of Speedlights from a single Odin for Nikon receiver unit. It is unorthodox and probably will not be supported by either Phottix or Nikon. However, I have been using this twinned configuration since Nov 2011 - initially with the 'Ishoot' dual cord - without problems - not a single mis-fire.
*It's not quite an extra stop. This is because the Speedlite heads are splayed slightly, with the zoom setting at 24mm, giving noticeably better coverage within a white bounce umbrella, than a single Speedlite will ever deliver (I don't like omnibounce/stofen diffusors particularly). So you get a little less than a stop more, but very much prettier shadow transitions.
Notes on using an external incident light Flashmeter with an Odin unit controlling groups in M:
With current Firmware (Jan 2014), there are now two methods for doing this.
1) As per the latest Firmware documentation - "Test Button and Light Meters: Pressing the Test button on the transmitter will cause the flashes in A, B and C groups to fire simultaneously. Group(s) turned off will not fire. When the flashes in A, B and C groups are set to Manual (M) mode, pressing the Test button on the transmitter will cause the flashes (which are powered on and on the same channel as the transmitter) to fire an initial low-power pre-flash. The flashes will fire simultaneously at their set manual power levels 2.5s later. This feature allows for light meters to be used correctly."
2)When the Odin system is controlling Groups in M, it actually does it by hijacking the ETTL process. So although an FEL press has no role (from non-1D series bodies) in M flash under Canon Wireless, under Odin M flash, it does create early remote Pre-flashes. This means that you can discharge the remote pre-flashes early, with an FEL press, which creates an interval (default, 16 secs) in which you can ready the Flashmeter (cordless mode) and measure on a shutter button press.
That applies to Ex Speedlites attached to Odin Rxs. Depending on the Firmware in use, there may not be a redundant M pre-flash specifically from Mitros + Plus for Canon. So for Mitros + exclusively, you may not need an FEL press. In a mixed M environment the 'FEL press then meter on the shutter press' technique is just fine. You can meter by Group and/or globally.
It works really well!
My preference currently.
(The above applies to Canon - I'd be very interested to know if Nikon's FV lock basically does something pretty similar, and also allows external flashmetering after FVlock on a shutter button press. My guess, it will(?).)
(There are also a couple of other workarounds that are less satisfactory.)
Uber nerdy Pre-flash info, here - (but obviously unlike original Canon Wireless Light/IR type, using Odins means that all the outgoing master Pre- & Trigger-flash comms are now sent by Radio - whereas any Pre-flash - light - returns are still sensed TTL in-cam):
www.flickr.com/groups/canonwireless/discuss/7215762228821...
You were warned!
Edit: 2-8-13: This post refers to the original hardware version 'Odin for Canon'. I updated to firmware v1.2 c August 2012. It seems that Phottix migrated to hardware type 'Odin 1.5 for Canon' some time ago.
Edit: 20-09-13: With the Mitros+ (Mitros Plus) just announced, I guess a pair of those could be used without the Dual cords & external Odin Rx. Similar functionality and beans at about X3 the cost - but tempting!
Published November 26th 2011.
Two 550Ex speedlites controlled simultaneously by one Phottix Odin radio receiver. Dual control. Thats TTL or M (remotely adjusted) and either with HSS or SCS!
Warning: This is a non-standard configuration. I am not recommending this use of Odin receivers. If you try this, it is entirely at your own risk. This configuration does not seem to work with 580ExIIs!
I'm still in early testing (as at 26-11-2011), but so far I have got perfect remote Manual flash power fraction control from the Odin TCU in the cam's hot-shoe. The 2 Ex units respond in parallel. The two speedlites - both 550Exs - are initially setup idendentically. The flash-heads are both up in a bounce orientation - wide panels both retracted. This may only apply to 550Exs. This configuration does not seem to work with 580ExIIs - possibly, it only works with pre-'II' series Ex speedlites. I have not tested all Ex speedlites - my guess would be that the pair must be identical twins for this to work. Remember that the 550Exs pre-date all the 'II' series Ex speedlites, so there are potentially a lot of variables to check.
The TTL cord is specifically 'ishoot' brand, their dual cord - and a recent batch (Nov '11). I tried this originally with a Yn dual cord & it seemed not to work. It may turn out that the 'ishoot' version is the only one of the 'dual' cords to work for this configuration. Note that there are several different versions of these 'dual' style TTL cords, which already differ from OC-E3 clones. The 'ishoot', the Yn, the Pixel and the Nissin version all differ externally and probably internally too.
Link: Feb '15:
www.ebay.com/itm/iShoot-2-5m-Flash-SYNC-E-TTL-Off-Camera-...
My logic for using 550Exs was first that they are less than half the price of a new 580ExII, in fact £90 to £130, they are pretty powerfull and they accept external power packs. So this configuration potentially offers the maximum gain for the minimum cost/risk.
Always turn on both speedlites before turning on the Rx unit. I only reconfigure the speedlites (deploy wide panel etc) with both the speedlites and the Rx temporarily switched off. Switch off the Speedlites before switching off the Rx.
This configuration is also good for TTL too - that's with FEC by group & globally - all with the option of HSS! The camera's flashmetering is best set to 'Average' for flash rather than 'Evaluative' (done in cam's Cfns or in the cam's flash menus - not from the camera's top-plate!). Tx to 'stripealipe' for this info - applies at least to the original release firmware (Edit: This restriction only applies to the on-release - later versions remove it). This is running very well indeed from both a 20D & a 7D. The modeling light function, controlled from the Odin TCU, also serves as focus assist. Easy with a little practice!
So, with Phottix Odins, either very nearly twice the power* or half the recycle time - all with a considerable cost saving - preserving remote power adjustment - Manual &/or TTL (& HSS for both) - from the TCU/camera unit. With Odins, M power fractions or FEC under ETTL, are adjusted by Group, directly from the TCU's screen - much quicker than having to delve into the camera's flash menu screens!
*: Not quite twice the power because I tend to splay the flash-heads slightly, giving very much better spread within most modifiers. So it's very much prettier light with smooth shadow transitions with quicker recylcing and/or nearly an extra stop of light.
Edit at 10-12-2011: Leaving TTL to one side, for metered manual flash, albeit (in-cam) metered flash, so far I've got two options. One is to use a variation of Chuck Gardner's white terry towelling reflected flash technique. I think you would need to use the 'only-just-clipping-white' end-point on a dummy shot taken with the white towelling in the subject position. With a bit of thought this can be used for ratios too.
The second option is based on an Expodisc or close clone - the uniform white type. This turns your cam's chip into an incident 'capture-flash' flash-meter and works well maybe sorting WB along the way. You would need to determine your own 'zero point' on your histogram specific to the transmissibility of your Expodisc or clone. Yep, they can be made to work. Likewise Olivier's idea of combining SCS with a long shutter speed, allowing time to reprime the meter before the capture-flash, works too. It assumes rather dim ambient levels and that you revert to a more typical SS for the actual capture - but it works too.
Edit: There are two extra options for using an external flashmeter in an Odin network operating in M flash. See this later post: www.flickr.com/photos/layeroption/11755249874/in/photostream
Edit at 18-12-2011: Being a certifiable, card-carrying strobist uber-nerd, I checked out a second 'ishoot' brand 'dual' ETTL cord with two other 550Exs - and - it worked in this configuration too! So, the warning still applies but it wasn't a fluke. Did I then interpose my Flashzebra 20ft OC-E3 clone on the distal speedlite end? Yep, that worked too - v rarely useful, but it would keep the camera/TCU un-tethered even if you were one Odin Rx short of a full load.
In fact I then daisy-chained 2 'ishoot' dual cords together (symetrically) & yes, 3 550Exs work as one together & respond in both M & TTL as they should. Sweet!
Edit at 04-01-2012: From my padded cell - 3 'ishoot' thingeys - X4 550Exs: Yes!
(My Yn 'dual' ETTL cord definitely does not work like this. And Elv says that Phottix's own 'dual' cord does not work for this configuration either.)
N.B. All of this applies using 550Exs with the original release Phottix Odin firmware. Update 24-08-12: This works with 550Exs and Firmware version 1.2 - Oh yes! - I like these triggers.
Edit at 30-01-2012: Many many hundred pops, scores of reconfigurations; zero issues! That goes for my other Odin Radio Rxs in use controlling either 580ExIIs or 550Exs. That's usually just one Ex to one Rx!
Edit: These Dual TTL cords from 'Ishoot' are becoming harder to find. Try Ebay searches under 'dual ttl cord'. Good luck.
Edit: 2-8-13: This post refers to the original hardware version 'Odin for Canon'. I updated to firmware v1.2 c August 2012. It seems that Phottix migrated to hardware type 'Odin 1.5 for Canon' some time ago.
Edit: 20-09-13: With the Mitros+ (Mitros Plus) just announced, I guess a pair of those could be used without the Dual cords & external Odin Rx. Similar functionality and beans at about X3 the cost - but tempting!
Title: [Dual Control Curtiss Floatplane]
Creator: Erickson, Harry A. (Alexander), 1884-1962
Date: ca. 1911
Part of: [Early aviation and Northrop Aircraft Corporation albums]
Series: Early Aviation Album
Description: Image of a dual control floatplane from the side.
Physical Description: 1 photographic print: gelatin silver, part of 1 volume (312 gelatin silver prints); 12 x 17 cm on 28 x 38 cm mount
File: ag1982_0190_1_014_c_opt.jpg
Rights: Please cite DeGolyer Library, Southern Methodist University when using this file. A high-resolution version of this file may be obtained for a fee. For details see the sites.smu.edu/cul/degolyer/research/permissions/ web page. For other information, contact degolyer@smu.edu.
For more information and to view the image in high resolution, see: digitalcollections.smu.edu/cdm/ref/collection/wes/id/2989
Back in 1963 it was still possible to get a fleeting glimpse of a wartime Guy in Birmingham. Six surplus 'Wartime' Guy Arab II 5LW/Weymann H30/26R buses were converted to dual control training vehicles, this is 1384 dating from 1944, by this time numbered 95 in the fleet. These buses were soon to be withdrawn as their controls bore little relationship to the new Daimler Fleetlines coming on stream.
FOP 384 is about to cross Stratford Road from School Road in Hall Green, the row of shops is still there and the bus stop in the background is an enclosed shelter with GPS bus information screen. I suspect that the Hillman Imp and Ford Thames are razor blades by now.
Copyright Geoff Dowling; all rights reserved
*Ilford Sportsman camera with Ilford FP3 filmstock
DC6029, 44208 and 4403 climb up the 1 in 40 grade past Brooks Reserve on a load test train from Canberra to Bungendore and return running as 9S91.
The dual-control, twin seat TP-51c Razorback Mustang taxis away with a paying passenger, from John Wayne Airport in southern California. As Supreme Commander of the Allied forces in Europe, with responsibility for planning and supervising the successful invasion of France and Germany in 1944–45, 5-Star Army General Dwight D. Eisenhower flew over the D-Day Invasion in a similar P-51.
2016 Hyundai i30 SE Blue Drive CRDi. 46500 miles. Full Hyundai Service History. He-Man dual controls. £6750 ono. Being sold due to bereavement.
If anybody is interested or knows a Driving Instructor who wants a decent car with duals already fitted, please send me Flickr Mail.
DC6029, 4403 and 44208 cross over the Molonglo river bridge with load test train 9S90 to Bungendore.
(Originally uploaded 5-2-12)
It had to happen. This is 4 Canon 550Ex speedlites driven in unison from a single Odin Rx unit. It offers both ETTL and Remotely adjusted 'M' flash, with the units acting as one but controlled from the camera. That's ETTL or Remotely adjusted 'M' and either with HSS or SCS saving three receivers!
Warning: This is a non-standard configuration. I am not recommending this use of Odin receivers. If you try this, it is entirely at your own risk. This configuration does not seem to work with Canon 580ExIIs!
I stumbled across the 'Ishoot' brand of 'Dual' ETTL cable which, it seems, is unique in allowing the perfect transmission of outgoing pre-flash & flash power instructions even when in the 'piggybacked' setup, as shown. Just be careful with that stack of hot-shoe interfaces - there is some leverage with 4 in a column - I make the 'stack to speedlite' connection last. (Edit: @ 20-02-12: Although only 3 cords are strictly required for 4 speedlites, as shown, in fact I've picked up a 4th cord purely to allow the safer repositioning of the 'stack'. Now I clamp the Rx with x4 proximal cord heads directly to the stand. Tougher real world configuration.) There is a standard Manfrotto Lit-tite umbrella adaptor underneath the mount board - I would only use a strong adaptor!
This works with the on-camera Odin TCU for both TTL and remotely adjusted Manual power fractions (any one of 3 groups), still allowing normal or Second Curtain sync. I'm still testing HSS. (As at 6-02-12; I'm getting standard HSS functionality with approx 2.3 stops power drop or equivalent range reduction as HSS actually 'kicks in' - but X4 the power! Yep, at 06-04-12, HSS seems reliable.)
High frame rate shooting? This thing doesn't even break sweat. It keeps up with a 7D at 8 fps with no trouble at all - it would probably go faster. Of course, if you were near max power, you could fry some flash tubes very easily - even more so if you add X4 battery packs! But with due caution, this setup just works.
Please note this configuration uses identical speedlites - in this case, x4 550Exs. This configuration does not seem to work with 580ExIIs!
I would not recommend mixing types - and specifically I would not recommend trying to use these cords with a speedlite on one end and the Odin TCU on the other (the foot of the 'dual' cord being in the cam's hot-shoe) - there are safer ways to achieve on-axis fill!
My 'switch on' sequence invariably starts with the most peripheral/distal device(s) i.e. the speedlites and works inwards, through all the Rxs then the TCU, ending with the most central/proximal device, i.e. the camera! Same sequence for switch off.
N.B. All of this applies using 550Exs with the original release Odin firmware. Update 24-08-12: This setup still works with 550Exs and Firmware version 1.2 - Oh yes!
As you can see, as at 5-02-2012, I have not finalised the configuration of this mount as yet. With this orientation, all the batteries are accessible, as are the external battery ports. But ganging 4 identical quadruplet 550Exs, using the 'Ishoot' thingeys all from a single Phottix Odin Radio Rx, is proven.
Edit @ 06-04-12: Still proven, many hundred pops, 3 cords or 4, zero misfires - not one.
Also, see Elv's brill Odin review;
www.flickr.com/groups/strobist/discuss/72157628093126883/
Edit @ 27-05-12: 4 seems to be the limit! I managed to beg & borrow some extra 550Exs - but - things start to get unreliable above four. So you can gang four 550Exs off a single Odin Rx and maintain all usual Odin functionality including HSS, but to get to eight, you need 2 Rx units!
Now using either 'Ishoot' dual cords or 'Godox' dual cords - both work well.
(For the 550Ex Speedlite group: this was from Feb 2012, done as a proof of concept. My wife thinks that I own half the European stock of old 550Exs. She is wrong. But I do like them!)
Edit: 2-8-13: This post refers to the original hardware version 'Odin for Canon'. I updated to firmware v1.2 c August 2012. It seems that Phottix migrated to hardware type 'Odin 1.5 for Canon' some time ago.
DC6029 climbs up the grade past the ARMY's Headquarters Joint Operations Command with load test train 9S90 to Bungendore.
This snap is just a proof of principal for using two identical 'Series two' Speedlites both wired from the hot-shoe using ETTL.
If you already have 2 Speedlites available, this approach may represent the cheapest route into macro style flash illumination. It tends to be more reliable than 'Canon Wireless - Light/IR type' in bright sunlit ambient scenarios.
If your two Speedlites are non-identical, even if they are both ETTL capable, one of the units (at least) must be operating in simple M flash mode. Some Canon bodies do not have a simple 'pc' sync outlet (eg. T1i/500D, 60D etc) - those that do (7D etcetc), could simply run an M speedlite from that while simultaneously using the camera's hot-shoe (corded, if you like) as normal.
Using a pair of identical 580ExIIs on a 7D's hot-shoe (but see just above), extending to the left, is the Ishoot TTL 'Dual' cord for Canon. From that cord's proximal (nearer) female hot-shoe, a Canon OC-E3 ETTL cord (could be a perfect short clone) extends to the right. At the distal (far) end of both are two series 'II' Canon 580ExII Speedlites. They are identical twins showing exactly the same settings, in every respect, on their screens. As shown, they work perfectly; both in ETTL or both in M flash, controlled from the camera's screen. If you require one of the two to be set to M, set the left Ishoot 'Dual' TTL cord borne unit to M, using its own buttons/controls. If you require both units to be working in M flash, start with them both showing ETTL on their screens and then switch them to M together, using the camera's internal Flash menu screen. If you require an M flash power ratio between identical 'II' series units from a recent high level flash control body, use a 'Universal translator' (simple 'fire now' only pass-through) hot-shoe adaptor under the Ishoot 'Dual' TTL cord borne 'II' series unit. And set that unit's M power fraction on the unit itself with its own buttons. The other 'II' series unit on the OC-E3 cord may still be set from the camera's screen. (If your camera body doesn't support attached flash menu settings, switch everything off, set both Ex units to M and the same M power fraction setting. Then swich the camera on again last.)
A similar setup can work with pre '08 Canon Kit. For instance, a 20D wired up in the same way, can control and use two identical twin 550Exs under ETTL - camera set FEC works as normal and affects both Speedlites symmetrically. If only one Ex unit is set to M, it should be the the Ishoot TTL 'Dual' cord borne unit. Alternatively, both may be set to M, using their own buttons/controls.
In either setting, any unit operating in ETTL, may have its contribution varied using FEC applied via the camera body. If two units are operating under ETTL, don't try to vary their FECs differently. If you need a ratio under ETTL (both) then achieve it by varying flash to subject distance, speedlite ND filters or different light modification between the units.
Extra info:
‘Dual’ TTL cord notes – Canon only
~All 'Dual' TTL cords are unorthodox – so don’t assume they will work as expected. There are lots of wrinkles/idiosyncrasies
~Although much more reliable than pc cords – even momentary discontinuity across a hot-shoe interface can defeat a setup. If you are getting unexpected outcomes, triple check these interfaces
~‘II’ series Ex Speedlites with high level control from a capable camera body behave differently to ‘pre-II’ series units. ‘II’ series units are more choosey/idiosyncratic. 'Switch on' sequence is peripheral then central ie both Speedlites before camera body.
~Ishoot, Youngnuo, Phottix, Vello & Godox all make Dual TTL cords – please assume that they all behave differently
~Identical twin Ex units setup identically in every respect and outputting identically, might work in ETTL (but then the only way to achieve a ratio is via flash to subject distance, ND filters or light modification). But any departure from that rule is very unlikely to work, so, if departing from that rule, one unit, at least, should be set to M using its own buttons/controls.
An identical twin pair of Canon 550Ex Speedlites, connected by 2 Ishoot brand dual ETTL cords, to a single Phottix Odin TTL & Remotely adjusted M radio receiver ...
This (or the small board version - see more recent) has become my default setup for use on-axis with a medium size white reflective brolly.
It's nice to have nearly an extra stop* to play with. If I don't need the power, it keeps the re-cycle time short - becomes shorter still if I plug in two Pixel battery packs. And 2 on-axis Speedlites fill a reflective brolly better than one ever could. This large board can take two, three or four 550Ex Speedlites ganged together to run from a single Odin Rx. Bear in mind that the brightest illumination is now slightly below the umbrella shaft, matching the angle that the speedlite's fresnel lenses are above it. This setup also does very well as a (rather large) ring-flash. You just need to set it up directly behind the camera/tripod on axis. It's best to use Live-view and, if ETTL is in the mix, it's essential to use a viewfinder eye-piece cover! It provides delicious on-axis fill and can be as subtle as you like.
The two identical Canon 550Exs behave as one and are controlled from the Phottix Odin TCU in the camera's hot-shoe. The single Odin Radio Rx unit can be set to any of the 3 groups. Power control is remotely set; either dial in FEC on the camera (global) or on the Odin TCU (group specific) under ETTL - or - adjust the Manual power fraction settings, again from the TCU in the camera's hot-shoe. In my hands, this sort of setup did not work with Canon 580ExIIs and it did not work with the Yn brand of 'dual' cord(s) either. Also this was with the 'on-release' firmware for Phottix Odins (but see below). But it does work perfectly as described from both my 7D & my 20D.
SCS and HSS are supported too.
Edit: 24-08-12: This still works with 2 550Exs and firmware version 1.2 - can you tell, I'm rather pleased?
A note on cost:
550Ex X 2 (£130 X 2 = £260), Odin Rx X1 (£129): Total £389
.. or ..
Canon 600Ex-RT X 2 (£ 679 X 2): Total £1,358
Edit: The Canon RT kit has become fractionally cheaper after launch. But it still doesn't offer SCS and it still doesn't mingle nicely with non-Canon flash stuff.
*It's not quite an extra stop. This is because the Speedlite heads are splayed slightly, with the zoom setting at 24mm, giving noticeably better coverage within a white bounce umbrella, than a single Speedlite will deliver (I don't like omnibounce diffusors particularly). So you get a little less than a stop more, but very much prettier shadow transitions.
Edit: 2-8-13: This post refers to the original hardware version 'Odin for Canon'. I updated to firmware v1.2 c August 2012. It seems that Phottix migrated to hardware type 'Odin 1.5 for Canon' some time ago, without telling anyone!
Edit: 20-09-13: With the Mitros+ (Mitros Plus) just announced, I guess a pair of those could be used without the Dual cords & external Odin Rx. Similar functionality and beans at about X3 the cost - but tempting!
See the set index page for more general information, but in summary, this photo was from the "Wings of Freedom Tour", at Norwood (MA) Airport, sponsored by the Collings Foundation, featuring a B-17G Flying Fortress, "one of only fourteen B-17s still flying in the United States", a B-24J Liberator, "the only restored flying B-24J in the world", and a TP-51C Mustang, "the world’s only dual control P-51C Mustang".
Boys will be boys!
.. but it's got you thinking - and yes, it maintains ETTL or remotely adjusted M flash, HSS & SCS too, all acting as one! I still like my ancient Canon 550Exs, oh yes.
(I guess I have to add: Warning: This is a non-standard configuration. I am not recommending this use of Phottix Odin receivers. If you try this, it is entirely at your own risk.)
This configuration does not seem to work with Canon 580ExIIs!
www.ebay.com/itm/iShoot-2-5m-Flash-SYNC-E-TTL-Off-Camera-...
Now, I just need to emigrate to find me some sun to tangle with!
Edit: 2-8-13: This post refers to the original hardware version 'Odin for Canon'. I updated to firmware v1.2 c August 2012. It seems that Phottix migrated to hardware type 'Odin 1.5 for Canon' some time ago.
Just messin' with a quasi beauty-dish, but sometimes it's nice to have circular highlights associated with the look/penumbra generated by a central 'cold spot'.
This started out as an Ebay Easyfold style Softbox - this one was 32" X 32" (in fact 30" X 30"!). I swapped out the adaptor for something stronger - used my 'super-ring' (see earlier) to allow two Speedlites to be used, for super even coverage and more power - and made a demountable front panel complete with central reflector - as shown. I used 3mm black corrugated plasic sheeting (Correx) & mylar inside for the 28in quasi beautydish conversion.
Whole thing works pretty well and you don't get the 'hot ring of death' on the background - which is very common with Speedlites in BDs! I like the light it produces and this setup reverts back to a square softbox in seconds. A Grid next .. (Edit: Yep got a grid - it's a tape/webbing type from Meking. It was slow to arrive and has a modest impact on side spill .. )
If you're tempted, keep your mod lightweight - these pop-up softboxes are front heavy to start with! I'm still using this - if starting again now, I'd keep the circular mask but use magnets to secure the central disc. Cheers
Twinned Speedlites - even Profoto are getting in on the act! Two Speedlites ganged together is my preferred option for keeping iso lowish. With Odins & Canon's old 550Exs, you only need one Odin Rx.
(I tried a 12in Strobies conversion BD (uses an Ezybox lollipop based bracket) - didn't like the edge spill etc. Definitely prefer my 28in 'Quasi' though some purists may sigh!)
Edit: 2-8-13: This post refers to the original hardware version 'Odin for Canon'. I updated to firmware v1.2 c August 2012. It seems that Phottix migrated to 'Odin 1.5 for Canon' some time ago.
See the set index page for more general information, but in summary, this photo was from the "Wings of Freedom Tour", at Norwood (MA) Airport, sponsored by the Collings Foundation, featuring a B-17G Flying Fortress, "one of only fourteen B-17s still flying in the United States", a B-24J Liberator, "the only restored flying B-24J in the world", and a TP-51C Mustang, "the world’s only dual control P-51C Mustang".
Collings Foundation "Wings of Freedom" tour warbirds, L to R:
Boeing B-17g Flying Fortress bomber "Nine-O-Nine"
North American P-51 (TP-51C) Mustang fighter (Razorback 2-seat/dual control)
Consolidated B-24j Liberator bomber "Witchcraft"
See the set index page for more general information, but in summary, this photo was from the "Wings of Freedom Tour", at Norwood (MA) Airport, sponsored by the Collings Foundation, featuring a B-17G Flying Fortress, "one of only fourteen B-17s still flying in the United States", a B-24J Liberator, "the only restored flying B-24J in the world", and a TP-51C Mustang, "the world’s only dual control P-51C Mustang".
See the set index page for more general information, but in summary, this photo was from the "Wings of Freedom Tour", at Norwood (MA) Airport, sponsored by the Collings Foundation, featuring a B-17G Flying Fortress, "one of only fourteen B-17s still flying in the United States", a B-24J Liberator, "the only restored flying B-24J in the world", and a TP-51C Mustang, "the world’s only dual control P-51C Mustang".
See the set index page for more general information, but in summary, this photo was from the "Wings of Freedom Tour", at Norwood (MA) Airport, sponsored by the Collings Foundation, featuring a B-17G Flying Fortress, "one of only fourteen B-17s still flying in the United States", a B-24J Liberator, "the only restored flying B-24J in the world", and a TP-51C Mustang, "the world’s only dual control P-51C Mustang".
See the set index page for more general information, but in summary, this photo was from the "Wings of Freedom Tour", at Norwood (MA) Airport, sponsored by the Collings Foundation, featuring a B-17G Flying Fortress, "one of only fourteen B-17s still flying in the United States", a B-24J Liberator, "the only restored flying B-24J in the world", and a TP-51C Mustang, "the world’s only dual control P-51C Mustang".
See the set index page for more general information, but in summary, this photo was from the "Wings of Freedom Tour", at Norwood (MA) Airport, sponsored by the Collings Foundation, featuring a B-17G Flying Fortress, "one of only fourteen B-17s still flying in the United States", a B-24J Liberator, "the only restored flying B-24J in the world", and a TP-51C Mustang, "the world’s only dual control P-51C Mustang".
Best on black! Click on photo...
The Collings Foundation's WWII warbirds at the annual Wings of Freedom Tour stop at Long Beach: The 2-seat, dual-control P-51 Mustang 'Betty Jane', B-24j Liberator Bomber 'Witchcraft', and B-25 Mitchell Bomber "Tondelayo" (one of the last times that aircraft visited the West); out of view is the B-17g Flying Fortress Bomber 'Nine-O-Nine'.
In case you've also noticed, I'll say that this 2008 photo is the only time I recall refueling and warbird being so close to the building and other aircraft. Since this, all aircraft have a wide open area maintained around them, including cones and barrier tape..
Check-out the Collings Foundation www.cfdn.org
See the set index page for more general information, but in summary, this photo was from the "Wings of Freedom Tour", at Norwood (MA) Airport, sponsored by the Collings Foundation, featuring a B-17G Flying Fortress, "one of only fourteen B-17s still flying in the United States", a B-24J Liberator, "the only restored flying B-24J in the world", and a TP-51C Mustang, "the world’s only dual control P-51C Mustang".
R 711 had a cab set-up that I believe was unique in the world - a set of controls for a diesel locomotive alongside her own steam controls.
When coupled ahead of a diesel locomotive on a train, R 711's driver could control both R 711 and the diesel locomotive behind.
The long red shaft on the right is R 711's regulator (throttle), and in the bottom left is her reverser wheel. Between them can be seen the diesel control turret.
Pictured in February 2000 from a negative scan. She was built in 1951.