Using CLS and an incident light meter

Is the light meter set to ISO 100? The D70 only goes as low as 200
Other than that I'm not sure what it could be.

 

The problem is that the CLS communication confuses the L358. Even the SU-800 which uses IR confuses the L-358. A long time ago I purchased another cheap flash meter that isn't sensitive to IR for working with CLS. I don't use either of them for CLS work now. The histogram tells me what I need to know.

You could have the subject hold the meter and you pop the flash manually.

Honestly....
If your going to use a meter you might as well buy real stobes.

 

#1064 - You have an error in your SQL syntax;

 

You can still use CLS for controlling the speedlights but use manual instead of TTL. That way you avoid all the preflashes.

 

My solution was to use the SU-800 and find a light meter that was not sensitive to the IR. Which turned out to be a low end Polaris. Histogram and a gray card works well enough for most situations.

 

#1064 - You have an error in your SQL syntax;

 

Paul,

With a little practice with the gray card and histogram you can set the lighting ratio within reason. Someday I need to make an overlay for the lcd with a breakdown of the stops, or possibly zones.

One could also use the string method.

 

#1064 - You have an error in your SQL syntax;

 

I singled your response out but it was meant for everyone.:wink:

I agree, and is the reason I keep a gray card in every camera bag.:smile:

 

#1064 - You have an error in your SQL syntax;

 

You laugh, but it does make a good gobo.:tongue:

 

Gil, I used my L358 with my SB800s and SB600s with no problems...but as someone mentioned earlier, I was in all manual (no TTL). I used the 358 to set my key, fill, and hairlight ratios, then used my SU800 to fire them all (albeit in manual). I didn't have any problems.

Ned made a good suggestion...make sure the ISO on the 358 is set correctly...that will surely mess up your values.

Also, are you measuring with the dome up or down? Pointed toward the light source or pointed toward the camera? I've found that setting the individual ratios with the dome down pointed toward the light source, and THEN taking a final reading with the dome up and pointed toward the camera will give my final aperture. YMMV...