HSS Retra Strobe

[Barmaglot 250]

2 minutes ago, ianmarsh said:

1) The Retra is "Brand Agnostic" in the sense it can be used on all camera platforms as long as there is a controller available for that brand. Otherwise it is a simple manual strobe.

It can shoot manual or TTL when you have a TTL-capable triggering flash, like a pop-up flash on many compacts and mid-size cameras.

4 minutes ago, ianmarsh said:

4) The Smart SL feature on Retra is a way to bypass the TTL underwater if you choose to shoot manual, once the board is set up for TTL and the housing closed. It ignores the pre-flash TTL pulses and just fires the strobe. Output will be dependent on the power setting on the back of the strobe. Not sure if this thinking is correct?

5) Not sure what would happen if the Retra strobe was set at the "Manual" on position #1 and the TTL board was set in TTL mode? Would it accomplish the same thing as 4) above? 

The Smart SL mode allows the strobe to 'learn' the TTL pre-flash sequence of the controlling camera; you don't use it to actually shoot. Engage Smart SL - the strobe indicator light will start flashing. Fire a shot, wait for 2 seconds, it should stop flashing - this indicates that the strobe is calibrated. Turn to manual mode and start shooting - it will ignore the TTL pre-flash pulses. This is for cameras where you can't turn off the pre-flash, like all Sony RX100 and A6xxx series cameras.

[ianmarsh 37]

Got it! Thanks

 

ian

[Barmaglot 250]

On 3/8/2020 at 10:53 AM, ianmarsh said:

Got it! Thanks

 

ian

Correction - I finally got them in the water today, triggering off the pop-up flash on my Sony A6300, and turns out I was wrong about how the Smart SL mode works. There is no need to turn back to manual mode - I set the strobes to U2 (Smart SL), they start flashing yellow, I take a random shot to make the camera flash fire and they turn solid yellow. From that point on, every time I take a shot, they ignore the pre-flash (which cannot be turned off on my camera) and the power is adjusted using the left knob. If I turn the right knob to a different mode (TTL, turn off, whatever) then a new engagement of U2 (Smart SL) requires a new calibration shot. The knobs themselves are a joy to operate by the way - today was the first time I shot manual strobes and I was able to get it going almost right away.

[TimG 62]

Sounds great, Barmaglot. Thanks!

[Captain Fathom 8]

So then the Retra strobe Smart SL circuit works somewhat like the magnetic reed switch for the ACC on an Inon strobe? Magnet in to ignore preflash and magnet out to emulate preflash except now it is done by a calibration shot per the operating mode desired? Kind of confusing, as if the magnet switch were not ;). 

 

[Barmaglot 250]

It's actually pretty convenient; I was switching between TTL and manual mid-dive today without issues. 

[Joss 15]

On 3/2/2020 at 12:34 PM, Pavel Kolpakov said:

Hi Joss,

We work with Nikon HSS now for Retra profile.

The product #11031-HSS (for Nikon) will be available soon.

Hi Pavel, is the #11031-HSS (for Nikon) available?

[Pavel Kolpakov 78]

4 hours ago, Joss said:

Hi Pavel, is the #11031-HSS (for Nikon) available?

Not yet. We had some delays because of lockdown.

Product will be available soon.

Edited May 21, 2020 by Pavel Kolpakov

[Balage_diver 4]

Dear all!  

We tested the s-TURTLE SMART(SONY) and the i-TURTLE SMART(NIKON) with RETRA PRO in HSS mode.

BTW  in TTL too!   

The result was great!  
The Sony A7R2 1/8000. , The Sony A6000 1/4000 and the Nikon D7100 knows the 1/8000 shutter speed. 
We will make a blog in Our website soon how works the HSS and why need the Retra Pro to use it.  

Here is the links to the results:  

Sony A6000. with Seafrogs saltedline housing:  

Sony A7R2 

And last not but least the i-TURTLE SMART (nikon) controlled Retra PRO strobe results.

If you need more info please write us!

Regards

Balazs Kurucz

 

[Balage_diver 4]

Dear All,,  

We made a new blog  in Our site.   

I think we catch all information about the HSS functionality and wrote a deeply technical blog.

You can find here.  
https://www.trt-electronics.com/blog/the-hss-and-the-turtle-smart/27/

Regards

Balazs

 

[Pavel Kolpakov 78]

On 5/21/2020 at 5:25 PM, Joss said:

Hi Pavel, is the #11031-HSS (for Nikon) available?

Hi Joss,

UWTechnics #11031-HSS TTL board for Nikon is available now in online store:

https://uwtechnics.com/index.php/online-store/ttl-converters/for-nikon/ttl-converter-for-nikon-nauticam-housings-detail

New product firmware also includes updated TTL-profiles for Inon, Sea&Sea, Ikelite, Retra and Subtronic strobes. Available TTL boards for the following housings: Nauticam, Sea&Sea, Hugyfot, Seacam, Subal, Seafrogs (Meikon), Sealux, Aquatica.

Today i tested this #11031-HSS board (for Nauticam) together with Retra Pro strobe at 1/8000 shutter speed, it worked fine. 

Edited June 27, 2020 by Pavel Kolpakov

[Hannes_taucht_ab 18]

On 6/26/2020 at 7:49 AM, Pavel Kolpakov said:

Hi Joss,

UWTechnics #11031-HSS TTL board for Nikon is available now in online store:

https://uwtechnics.com/index.php/online-store/ttl-converters/for-nikon/ttl-converter-for-nikon-nauticam-housings-detail

New product firmware also includes updated TTL-profiles for Inon, Sea&Sea, Ikelite, Retra and Subtronic strobes. Available TTL boards for the following housings: Nauticam, Sea&Sea, Hugyfot, Seacam, Subal, Seafrogs (Meikon), Sealux, Aquatica.

Today i tested this #11031-HSS board (for Nauticam) together with Retra Pro strobe at 1/8000 shutter speed, it worked fine. 

Hi Pavel,

Is there a way to update existing boards (in my case the one that ships with the NA-D500 housing) to work with HSS or do we need the new hardware?

[Pavel Kolpakov 78]

6 hours ago, Hannes_taucht_ab said:

Hi Pavel,

Is there a way to update existing boards (in my case the one that ships with the NA-D500 housing) to work with HSS or do we need the new hardware?

Hardware is little bit different from previous boards. New HSS boards are much more powerful than previous, the LED output power is significantly increased.  Such optical power is necessary for Retra Pro optical TTL input. Also, the firmware is new, it includes Retra Pro TTL profile and HSS support module.

By the way, new TTL-Converter for Nikon (#11031-HSS) got updated TTL profiles of all other strobes too (Inon, Sea&Sea, Ikelite, Subtronic, Retra). This is totally renewed improved firmware.

Edited July 3, 2020 by Pavel Kolpakov

[Hannes_taucht_ab 18]

On 2/24/2020 at 12:59 AM, Pavel Kolpakov said:

According the TTL-Converter #11075-HSS firmware, -

If user keeps camera system in TTL flash mode, then normal X-Sync speed limitation works automatically (1/250), as necessary for all underwater strobes mono-flash.

When user set Manual mode in flash menu ("WL" command), the system performs normal manual flash in all range of casual shutter speeds (up to 1/250), but in high speeds range 1/320 ... 1/8000 it works as HSS pulsating flash with variable frequency and necessary timings.

Pay attention, that HSS pulsating flash works only for Retra profile (TTL-Converter switch pos.-7), but for other uw strobes (other switch positions) at high shutter speeds the flash is simply Off automatically (but high speeds 1/320 ... 1/8000 are still available for shooting with ambient light).

 

Thanks, Pavel! 

Does the above quote also apply to the Nikon variant? Especially the highlighted part about manual flash at "normal" shutter speeds?

 

[Pavel Kolpakov 78]

1 hour ago, Hannes_taucht_ab said:

Thanks, Pavel! 

Does the above quote also apply to the Nikon variant? Especially the highlighted part about manual flash at "normal" shutter speeds?

 

Yes, of course, it works the same way on all versions of UWTechnics HSS boards. 

If user chooses "Auto FP" in Nikon sync menu, it switches system to M mode automatically. When shutter speeds are in limit up to 1/250, it works by normal sync mono flash. If use 1/320-1/8000 high speeds, then system automatically switches to HSS mode.

Edited July 3, 2020 by Pavel Kolpakov

[Joss 15]

On 6/26/2020 at 5:49 PM, Pavel Kolpakov said:

Hi Joss,

UWTechnics #11031-HSS TTL board for Nikon is available now in online store:

 

Thank you Pavel, I'm looking forward to try it. Could you please send me the manual?

[Pavel Kolpakov 78]

12 hours ago, Joss said:

Thank you Pavel, I'm looking forward to try it. Could you please send me the manual?

Hi Jose,

You can look online User Manual for TTL-Converter #11031-HSS here:  https://ru.calameo.com/read/005560836d01ae694dc7e

I also can send PDF, if you give me an e-mail.

Edited July 8, 2020 by Pavel Kolpakov

[Joss 15]

On 7/8/2020 at 10:41 AM, Pavel Kolpakov said:

Hi Jose,

You can look online User Manual for TTL-Converter #11031-HSS here:  https://ru.calameo.com/read/005560836d01ae694dc7e

I also can send PDF, if you give me an e-mail.

Thanks Pavel, I just received it yesterday. That was quick!

I did a HSS test at home (not uw) and it works well all the way to 1/8000s. 

I have a question, with my D500 in auto FP 1/250 + retras in HSS mode. It looks like I still can do 1/100, 1/6,0 1/30..... without going back to Manual on the retras. But the instruction manual says to put the retras in M mode for normal speeds. I'm missing something?

Really looking forward for the weekend!

Kind regards,

Joss

 

[Hannes_taucht_ab 18]

38 minutes ago, Joss said:

Thanks Pavel, I just received it yesterday. That was quick!

I did a HSS test at home (not uw) and it works well all the way to 1/8000s. 

I have a question, with my D500 in auto FP 1/250 + retras in HSS mode. It looks like I still can do 1/100, 1/6,0 1/30..... without going back to Manual on the retras. But the instruction manual says to put the retras in M mode for normal speeds. I'm missing something?

Really looking forward for the weekend!

Kind regards,

Joss

 

Joss, did you compare the power output at normal speeds between the retras in HSS and normal mode at any given power setting? If they're the same my guess would be that they're smart enough to just take the standard trigger signal in that mode, too (which would be great as that's exactly how I want to use them :))

[Pavel Kolpakov 78]

12 hours ago, Joss said:

Thanks Pavel, I just received it yesterday. That was quick!

I did a HSS test at home (not uw) and it works well all the way to 1/8000s. 

I have a question, with my D500 in auto FP 1/250 + retras in HSS mode. It looks like I still can do 1/100, 1/6,0 1/30..... without going back to Manual on the retras. But the instruction manual says to put the retras in M mode for normal speeds. I'm missing something?

Really looking forward for the weekend!

Kind regards,

Joss

 

Hi Joss,

Yes, if Retra strobe is in HSS mode, you can shoot at slow (normal) speeds too, using Nikon. 

But in common case, i would recommend to set Retra to M mode when use normal sync speeds, by 2 reasons:

1) In HSS position the flash intensity adjustment range (by another knob) is rather limited on both sides, it is acceptable for HSS pulsating flash, but user can not get Full power from the strobe, and minimum powers are limited too. So, when you don't need HSS, but use normal speeds, you can get a full range of available flash power, you have to use a simple mono-flash (set Retra to M mode). 

2) In HSS position, but at normal sync speeds, the normal lighting is available only on Nikon cameras, because of Nikon simple X-sync for HSS flash. But on Canon / Sony / etc., there will be a dark strip on the image, because those brands use significantly different sync type/timings for HSS flash. So, this is also a reason to set Retra to M mode when normal sync speeds are in use.

 

 

 

Edited July 16, 2020 by Pavel Kolpakov

[joncroweucl 9]

On 2/25/2020 at 10:49 AM, Pavel Kolpakov said:

1) Yes, GH5 converter will be updated for Retra Pro support.

2) That TTL-Converter was developed for m4/3 new style HotShoe (for camera models produced since 2016). It does not support old version cameras which have 1 pin less on the HotShoe.

Hi @Pavel Kolpakovcan you confirm if the uwtechnics converter for the GH5 supports and enables HSS with the Retra Pro / Pro X?

I saw your post from a few years ago stating an update would be coming but the website states that HSS is not supported.

[Pavel Kolpakov 78]

1 hour ago, joncroweucl said:

Hi @Pavel Kolpakovcan you confirm if the uwtechnics converter for the GH5 supports and enables HSS with the Retra Pro / Pro X?

I saw your post from a few years ago stating an update would be coming but the website states that HSS is not supported.

Hello,

Panasonic GH5 version of UWTechnics TTL converter does not support Retra HSS functionality, as written in Specifications. This is only a single model TTL Converter which does not support Retra HSS. But all other versions UWTechnics converters (Nikon, Canon, Sony, Olympus) support Retra HSS normally. 

The reason is following:  Panasonic GH5 HotShoe communication protocol had a flying moment of shutter opening (in some limits) in HSS mode. In all other brands cameras such time moment is hardly determined by protocol. So, to reliably cover the full shot by the HSS flash lighting Panasonic land strobes have rather long total flash duration in HSS mode, it is significantly longer than 5ms duration of HSS flash of Retra. 

That is why the HSS feature was excluded from UWT TTL Converter version for Panasonic GH5. I don't know, the problem is solved in GH6 camera, or not, but i did not test GH6 protocol yet. Maybe it is still the same.

 

Edited April 15, 2022 by Pavel Kolpakov

[nudibranco 27]

26 minutes ago, Pavel Kolpakov said:

Hello,

Panasonic GH5 version UWTechnics TTL converter does not support Retra HSS functionality, as written in Specifications. This is only a single model TTL Converter which does not support Retra HSS. But all other versions UWTechnics converters (Nikon, Canon, Sony, Olympus) support Retra HSS normally. 

The reason is following:  Panasonic GH5 HotShoe communication protocol had a flying moment of shutter opening (in some limits). In all other brands cameras such time moment is hardly determined in protocol. So, to cover the full shot by the HSS flash lighting Panasonic land strobes have rather long total flash duration in HSS mode, it is significantly longer than 5ms duration of HSS Retra flash. That is why the HSS feature was excluded from UWT TTL Converter version for Panasonic GH5. I don't know, if this problem of flying HSS flash beginning is already solved in GH6 camera, or not, but i did not test GH6 protocol yet. Maybe it is still the same.

 

interesting,  I remember asking about this and got the answer it was because there was a missing power pin.  But that was the GH4 and/or GX9 which I have.

However with the battery powered Turtle TTL converter that has not been a problem in TTL or HSS manual.

Andrea

 

Edited April 15, 2022 by nudibranco

[Pavel Kolpakov 78]

5 hours ago, nudibranco said:

interesting,  I remember asking about this and got the answer it was because there was a missing power pin.

However with the battery powered Turtle TTL converter that has not been a problem.

Andrea

 

Yes, such problem of shutter / HSS-flash moment refers only to new type Panasonic (GH5) cameras construction / protocol, - for powering flash control system (TTL-Converter) from camera HotShoe pin. But If use former years m4/3 protocol (old version, without power pin usage), - it is another protocol and timings.

  UWTechnics converters for m4/3 family (Panasonic, Olympus) use only new version flash system protocol, powered from HotShoe pin. Miniature construction without battery was done according to the most of user's requests. We don't produce old version with battery supply now. But you can use TRT product, if it fits, why not.

I plan to look at the new GH6 camera protocol. Maybe GH6 already does not have such a problem with shutter / HSS-flash moment, that took place with GH5 previously. Who knows. Let's look.

Edited April 16, 2022 by Pavel Kolpakov

[joncroweucl 9]

17 hours ago, nudibranco said:

interesting,  I remember asking about this and got the answer it was because there was a missing power pin.  But that was the GH4 and/or GX9 which I have.

However with the battery powered Turtle TTL converter that has not been a problem in TTL or HSS manual.

Andrea

 

Thanks for the input @nudibranco, have you had success using the Turtle TTL converter triggering HSS on Retras with the GH5?