where to get cheap RF slaves?

[wmmk]

I need RF slaves (transmitter/reviever set) for use with my K100D and Vivtar 285HV. Just wondering where (preferably besides ebay, I'm just not a big ebay person) I can get them for less than $50. I saw some on ebay for $20 about a week ago.
Thanks is advance,
wmmk

[ChrisA]

I need RF slaves (transmitter/reviever set) for use with my K100D and Vivtar 285HV. Just wondering where (preferably besides ebay, I'm just not a big ebay person) I can get them for less than $50. I saw some on ebay for $20 about a week ago.
Thanks is advance,
wmmk

Why RF? If price is important optical slaves start at about $30 at BH Photo. Optical slaves work the same way unless you have other people using flash in the area.

[wmmk]

Why RF? If price is important optical slaves start at about $30 at BH Photo. Optical slaves work the same way unless you have other people using flash in the area.

because I don't want any on camera flash because that flattens images and getting light from the pop up flash not to hit the subject but still reach the optical slaves would be a pain. anyway, I found some nice looking RF triggers at a site called gadgetinfinity.com. they should be here in the mail by sunday.

[ChrisA]

because I don't want any on camera flash because that flattens images and getting light from the pop up flash not to hit the subject but still reach the optical slaves would be a pain.

Radio would be nicer but the effect of the on-camer flash on the subject can be controlled to nearly zero.

I use a small on-camera strobe (a Nikon SB16) turned backwards to hit the back wall or up at the ceiling. Typically I can use 1/16th power. so my on-camera trigger flash is maybe 4 or 5 stops below the other lights so it has no noticeable effect.

Now that I have a power pack system I connect the optical slave to the power pack with a long PC sync cord and I'll mount the slave on the back wall and aim the SB18 directly at the slave. With this setup I can run the on-camera strobe at the lowest setting. The best part is the re-cycle time is near zero.

Radio would be nicer. With my medium format camera I used a wire. The Mamiya RB67 lacked a hot shoe and only had a round sync terminal. There is really nothing wrong with a 25 foot cord

I have an underwater system too. On that system my external strobe has an optical slave but I block the on camera slave with a metal plate and run an optical fiber cable from in back of the plate to the slave sansor You are right, I absolutely did not want the on-camera light to hit the subject.

[wmmk]

while your setup makes sense, it may not for people who are short on cash. an SB-16 plus optical slaves costs much more than a simple RF set, which can be found for under $30 brand new if one is not in need of pocket wizard like flexibility. here's where I got mine (http://gadgetinfinity.com/product.php?productid=16546&cat=0&page=). even if it doesn't end up working amazingly well, it was only 25 bucks. anyhow, good to hear that your gear suits your needs, as that's really all that matters.

[techster85]

How are the ebay RF's, i've read mixed reviews, but to be honest...i don't have the money to pony up for pocket wizards...

[wmmk]

How are the ebay RF's, i've read mixed reviews, but to be honest...i don't have the money to pony up for pocket wizards...

I don't know yet. I got my order confirmation. They should be here in 15 business days or less, but hopefully 3 to 5. That's the shipping I requested. Anyways, I'll update the thread when they come in the mail. I've only heard good things about them! Also, if you're afraid of ebay like I am, you can use use gadgetinfinity.com. They have the same flashes for the same prices.