Creative and business resources for photographers – ProPhotoNut

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• 1. Pat Bloomfield  |  July 16th, 2009 at 8:53 pm

  Were there problems with creating the European version of the flash trigger – I thought the American versions came out just before the end of last year?

  The Radio Popper is an alternative solution.

  I just hope the market is big enough for the both of them as the Radio Popper was literally developed in someones back garage

• 2. damien  |  July 16th, 2009 at 10:15 pm

  Hi Pat,

  I think it’s fair to say that both Pocket Wizard and Radio Popper have had problems. The RPs were supposed to be out in the UK over a year ago too. I know that PW wanted to get the product spot on before release. I’ve had a set of the UK PWs for beta testing and I reported back my findings. There were a few minor firmware tweaks needed but I’m sure they will have sorted those out. The UK units are in production and are due for release very soon.

  The Radio Poppers are very interesting because they are system independent. They are also very simple units that require a master unit like a 580 or ST-E2 attached to the camera. The PW system is intelligent and programmable and will provide benefits through the variable timing of the trigger advance to increase flash sync speeds. This alone may be a deal breaker for some. Also the units firmware can be updated easily so they won’t be needing to make a version 2 or 3 etc.

  I already have Pocket Wizard Plus 2 triggers and I will be mixing TTL from my Speedlites with my Broncolor mobil systems from time to time as I do currently. It will be great to be able to use just one transmitter to do all the work. I will also be able to use the mini transmitter to trigger both my Plus 2s as well so I’ll gain one long range non TTL unit as well.

  As far as having a big enough market is concerned, I think there will be great business to be had for both systems. After all, both companies already exist and are thriving even before the UK taps are turned on.

  As a technical trainer I will need to have and use both systems. Just like I have to shoot with both Nikon and Canon. We are on the verge of having some really exciting tools to work with and I can’t wait for either to make their way into my camera bag.

• 3. Dave Packer  |  August 3rd, 2009 at 9:20 pm

  Im hearing rumours that the new PWs will be out by next week!!

• 4. damien  |  August 4th, 2009 at 5:07 pm

  Hi Dave,

  I’ve been hearing those rumours too. I rang the importers today for a delivery date for my first shipment of stock and they haven’t been given a date or initial supply quantities yet.

  PW have been in production of the UK units for about 2 weeks now but I’m not sure how many they can make in an hour.

  We are all in the dark here and it is a bit frustrating to say the least.

  I will be testing the units to ensure the bugs that were in my beta testing set have been fixed before I start to take orders. The last thing we need is to be handling returns from disappointed customers.

  Regards, Damien.

• 5. Dave Packer  |  August 5th, 2009 at 10:30 am

  many thanks on a diff note did i read you are bringing out a post production DVD this winter?

• 6. damien  |  August 5th, 2009 at 12:48 pm

  Hi Dave,

  I’m sorry to say we are not intending to release a post production DVD this winter. We are releasing new lighting DVDs though. We are half way through the filming at the moment and we expect them to be ready in time for Christmas.

  Damien.

• 7. akwoo  |  August 7th, 2009 at 1:00 am

  any updates on success of it? I know lots of Australians got their CE versions recently. How do they work with 580EXIIs, have the problems with the US version been fixed?

• 8. damien  |  August 7th, 2009 at 1:23 am

  Hi akwoo,

  I wish I could give you the answers you desire. I’m a preferred retailer for PW and I am in the dark.

  The Demo units I had for a month a couple of months ago still had issues to be dealt with. I hope these are now sorted.

  Damien.

• 9. damien  |  August 7th, 2009 at 10:24 am

  Hi guys,

  I’ve just been in touch with PIS/JPD (the UK distributors) and although they have the first batch in their distribution depot no UK retailers have received any stock. There are two final things that PIS/JPD need to do before releasing the units. One is to print and place a bit of paper in each and every box and the other was not divulged to me. The bit of paper is likely to be a compliance certificate.

  I have been assured that my stock will be dispatched along with the other retailers at the same time.

  I hope this helps.

  Damien.

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