Pavel Kolpakov

Nauticam TTL-Converter #26308 (for Nikon) works with Retra Pro the same way as UWTechnics #11031-II, you can use the same settings.

Yes, of course. During the communication TTL Converter and camera exchange a lot of information, analyze it, perform different actions. This is intellectual protocol.

Yes, positions 2 or 3 of onboard switch. Pay attention: optical cable must be exactly 613-fiber type, because of transmission index. LEDs must be accurately positioned to core center. Those details are important for TTL LED control. That test info was only for Nikon TTL board #11031. I did not check such test by myself yet, cause i still don't have a strobe sample, but hope to get it in a week. I will notify about the results then.

I plan to build TTL profiles for Retra strobe in a week. First turn is for Sony, some later for Nikon / Canon / Olympus / Panasonic. By the way, i also have some additional information for today, - few days ago Retra team tested new strobe with TTL-Converter UWTechnics #11031-II (Nikon TTL), it worked good enough using existing profile YS-D2 or YS-D1, only required some correction at the end of working range.

Better try 613 fiber cable, at least for test. When you try such high transmission index cable, and positioned that single cable at the center of LED beam, and it does not work, Ok, then problem is that concrete LED trigger is weak / defected. Then, you can ask Nimar to change the trigger and optical bulkhead. By the way, you also can install Optical TTL Converter kit including another optical bulkhead. It will work anyway, and you can have TTL with your Z330 strobes.

Hi Patric, This is well-known problem with the Dual FO cable and LED triggering. In optical bulkheads manufacturers usually use LED of narrow beam (8-15 degrees). Single LED optical bulkhead is purposed for a single separate FO cable. In case of a Dual cable usage, LED fires mainly between optical cables. How to solve the problem? 1 way: Use 613 type FO cable, it has the best transmission index on the market now, for example Dual FO cable HowShot 613L. Using it, test the triggering with concrete LED bulkhead. Usually this is enough solution, it works. If transmission is still not good enough with Nimar LED bulkhead, then modify the dual connector on the cable (print plastic connector by 3-D printer, or other way) to place optical cores very close to each other inside the connector. 2 way: Install the second optical bulkhead on the housing. Use 2 separate (single construction) FO cables. .

Yes, UW Technics TTL-Converter #11073 installed in the housing, preserves pop-up flash functionality. Construction is made this way to expand the capabilities of synchronization system in the housing.

Sony A7-A9 cameras make workable 1/250 sync speed for flash synchronization, only if camera recognizes Sony compatible communication protocol at HotShoe (original flash, or TTL-Converter on the HotShoe). Manual trigger does not perform any communication via HotShoe. This case 1/160 is the maximum fast sync speed allowed by the camera. If set faster than 1/160, you will have a dark strip on the image (shutter curtain).

Yes, of course, it works. Retra team still did not give their new strobe for TTL-profile test yet. So, TTL-Converter firmware does not have any separate ttl-profile for Retra yet, but it has 2-3 similar ttl-profiles (DS-161, Pro-160, etc.), photographer can use one of them, no problem.

Some photographers shoot in manual mode, the others prefer TTL only, others switch TTL / M dependently of circumstances. It depends on personal preferences and habits. But in any case, TTL automation simplifies and speeds up the work, increases the percentage of suitable images. If we are talking about Sony A7-A9 cameras, there is one more important thing: maximum sync speed for usage with underwater strobes, - using simple manual trigger it is 1/160, but TTL communication protocol makes available up to 1/250. For many Sony users the 1/250 available shutter speed is a key feature.

Thank you. So, now Sea&Sea have 613-core cables: #50128, #50133 and #50135.

Please give me a link to look

Sea&Sea fiber optical cables are multicore, but I don't know what core is inside and what is the transmission index. We can only see that outer diameter is different from 613-core Nauticam, so probably this is another cable.

#16029 TTL board supports Optical TTL and Electric TTL simultaneously. The simple way is to use Optical TTL with this housing. But, If you want to install an electric bulkhead on the top, no problem, the bulkhead is available (Nikonos, Ikelite, S-6), that TTL board supports it.

Hi Patric, Yes, Nimar new housing (for Canon EOS RP) has only 1 optical bulkhead, moved to side. TTL Converter for it is product #16029 UWTechnics. The circuit board has the same shape as previous #16024, but includes 1 external LED moved to side. The correct picture will be available soon.