Nissin SC-01 Universal TTL Off-Camera Shoe Cord

Comments about Nissin SC-01 Universal TTL Off-Camera Shoe Cord:

Following the demise of my Canon TTL flash cord, I was loathe to spend the same money on another item that was so poorly constructed. Enter Nissin.

Unlike their flash guns, this is a true quality product, extremely well-made, and since the end of the cable connected to the camera duplicates the hot shoe directly above the original as well as on the end of the strong coiled cable, allows quick switching from on camera to off camera without moving the cable - great if you're using a flash grip, or other means of securing the other end of the flash cable in place. Of course, you can only use one position at a time - this won't allow multiple flash heads to be used simultaneously on the same lead, as another reviewer hoped it might (but this is a fault of the reviewer not the product).

I find it especially useful with off camera flash in macro situations. Two flash guns situated on either side of the subject, one the master connected to the cord, the other a slave using wireless flash More fiddly than dedicated macro flash systems, but far more controllable, far more flexible lighting, and simply much better results.

I also sometimes use a flash grip when shooting certain kinds of portraits, and the off-camera shoe cord is a necessity here. Sometimes I just use it with the flash handheld off to the side for more creative lighting, safer than trying to shoot a high burst of light straight into the sensitive eyes of a young baby, no red eye, and more flattering images.

The best thing about it is I can use it with my Nikon equipment as well, and it worked just as well here as well. Without doubt Nissin's finest product, and one I find difficult to justify leaving out of my gadget bag.

Comments about Nissin SC-01 Universal TTL Off-Camera Shoe Cord:

I bought the Nissin SC-01 Universal TTL Off-Camera Shoe Cord and a Manfrotto MN233B Camera Flash Bracket so that I could use my flashguns away from my camera body to reduce the possibility of red eye and increase the stability of my camera. Although you cannot fire two flashguns at the same time using the shoe cord I found it useful when switching from my own flashgun to using a trigger for some studio flashguns.

Comments about Nissin SC-01 Universal TTL Off-Camera Shoe Cord:

The "top" or "ext" switch is a good idea for some uses. However, it will only trigger a flash through one output at at time.

I was hoping to use it to trigger a bracket mounted 580EX, TTL II mode, and fire a Pocket Wizard to trigger a remote, manual controlled, fill flash which was inside a car, and out of range of the Canon IR link - it will not do this.

I am not sure of the real use of the switch!

The unit is sturdy though, and looks well made.

If you want to trigger 2 devices at the same time, use the Interfit Strobies Multi-Fit TTL cord. That cord is much longer than Nissin, and less ideal for bracket mounted use.

Both cords have their advantages and different uses - I ended up buying the Interfit as well.

Comments about Nissin SC-01 Universal TTL Off-Camera Shoe Cord:

One of those small items that makes a world of difference,

Makes it so easy to get your flash gun off the camera shoe to remove the 101 nasties of camera mounted flash, but still maintaining full TTL - brilliant!

Hand hold your flash gun or better get an extension bar and see the difference! Its a permanent resident of my camera bag.