​Critical Flash-Trigger Configs for Real Estate Photography

[@SantaKask]

Wow, I have this issue and didn't find any info or fixes for it. Thank you for randomly sending us this piece of info! It helped me. I wasted so much time before, taking and reviewing my shots for the ambient levels! It is ridiculous that center pin isolation is not available in hardware or software.

[@kansaitraveler]

I read about this in your first book and it was a life saver! I filed down the 4 pins on my Godox trigger and it worked like a charm. 😃

[@ellisvener5337]

Dear Mr. Cool, you certainly packed in a whole lot of very useful info in this short video. It’s useful even for photographers who don’t photograph real estate.

[@MK-hz2bn]

I am so glad to know this. I have been using Canon for the last 10 yrs but just switched to Sony A74. Sony has made me feel like I am starting all over again. Such a complicated camera.

[@68goldbear]

Thanks for the tutorial, Nathan. I started using a single pin adaptor with my Flashpoint trigger after watching a previous video you did on this topic. Doing that simple change made a huge difference in the results of my interior flash images. Thanks.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Great to hear!

[@scottster8858]

For years now I was using cheap dumb triggers. They worked flawlessly, but I got sick of managing all the the receivers, rechargeable AA and AAA batteries. I just spent a bunch of money upgrading my whole system to to a full Godox system, one trigger, two AD200s, and rechargeable batteries everywhere except the trigger. I went to my first job with the new lights, and the photos were all super warm. Fortunately there were no realtors or sellers there to breathe down my neck, because it took me about 30 mins to figure out a solution. I should have brought my old system as a back up. I ended up watching Nathans older video on my phone, and I was able to jam a piece of paper in the hot shoe. Unfortunately I'm using Sony, so I'm going to have to figure out a more permanent solution than paper.

[@larryturner752]

Nate! Love you man. Tried the paper test and it worked. Will be getting single point adapter. As previous poster stated, "this will take workflow to a different level".

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Glad I could help!

[@Ikanant]

Sir, I just need to say THANK YOU. Been doing flambient technique for a bit now and have been unhappy with my white balance results. I always thought *It is the way it is*. Had a Fuji trigger laying around and just tested what you described... DONE, white balance was WAY better with the different-camera brand one. (Sony Camera - Fuji Trigger) Thank you! You just took my photography business to the next level.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Fantastic!

[@viagensebabados]

Thank God I found this thread! Same situation here, shooting Sony and had a Fuji Godox X2t trigger laying around and when I first read this comment I thought "what is he on about!?" then I tried the Fuji trigger on my A7IV and boom! it just works beautifully! I can now see the histogram live and no need to switch off the trigger to check proper exposure. Thank you again Nathan for the great video and Jonathan for the fuji trigger tip on Sony camera. You guys made my day.

[@ariestokes5390]

I have been googling how to turn this ‘setting’ off in my z6 for months! Thank you so much for this video.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Happy to help!

[@ariestokes5390]

@@MewsicalMiqo exactly! I was sure it was just a function I could turn off lol. I’ve ordered godox fc16 triggers to use instead of the xt1. Hopefully that works

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Since you're using a Nikon camera, you'll want the Godox xPro for Canon, here's a link: amzn.to/3PiPhxQ

[@ariestokes5390]

@@NathanCoolPhoto thank you!

[@rzigmont]

Great video. I'm just starting Real Estate Photography after doing some wedding for years. Like the pace!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thanks Robert!

[@MK-hz2bn]

Thank You for making my life easier. Marnie

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thank you so much Marnie! Very much appreciated and glad this has was useful.

[@paulaquipel7472]

Awesome video as usual. I use two R2SP’s one for a RX and other for TX then I place my XPro2 on top of the RX. So it works for isolating the center pin and a remote camera trigger. Also as a backup flash trigger if something happened to my XPro.

[@thrumyeyesphoto]

Amazing info, Nathan! I have definitely struggled with both of these issues in the past.

[@bigrida]

you saved me a big headache with the live view . thank you sir

[@antonwilk1515]

Brilliant info! So valuable for all real estate photographers, and especially ones like myself who are just starting to chase work. Cheers :)

[@colleenburkephotographymed5797]

Hey Nathan thanks for addressing this. I reached out to Godex long ago about this and they had no solution. I’ve been turning off the trigger which sometimes poses a problem with a slight movement to my camera. Drives me crazy especially if i am under a time restraint. I’m pretty sure I have that little adaptor kicking around here and will most definitely give that a go. Many thanks again!

[@motosandphotos]

Thanks for sharing! I'm picking up a used AD200 and the seller also has an Xpro-Canon (I shoot Nikon) so I'll end up picking the trigger up as well!

[@chrisrestrepo1526]

FYI - the new Godox trigger the XPro II has a "legacy hotshoe" option that turns it into single pin mode. This is different than the flashpoint XPro Mark II. Straight out of the box it shoots warmer like the old XPro trigger but once you turn on legacy hotshoe it shoots accuarte WB. Benefit is that you can now buy the trigger specifically for your camera so if you need high speed sync or TTL for some other type of phtography you can turn off the legacy hoteshoe function. Also I can use the godox app via bluetooth to change light settings so I do not have the touch the camera.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

If only one could buy it :) The Leica version is the only version of the xPro II, see www.godox.com/flash-trigger There are no versions for Canon, Nikon, Sony, etc. Websites offering it for other camera brands are presale...even Godox isn't selling it through their site yet. So at this point it's pretty much just theoretical for the fix, but once B&H and Amazon have it available then I'll put it to the test and have a new video on it as well.

[@gigxr]

@@NathanCoolPhoto any updates? thanks!

[@Occamification]

Looks like Godox at least heard you ... the Godox XPro II now has a single pin mode - its called "legacy hotshoe" but it does exactly what you're advocating for. Happy days! - Okay, I jumped the gun on this ... I see that you have reviewed it with pros and cons. Just gotta say that on my Canon rig it's totally solved my custom flambient setting preview issues. Very happy customer here.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

I cover the new trigger in a newer video at kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4GlknhmZtSmprM

[@carrigman]

Having watched a previous video of yours on the subject I opted for the cheap single-pin adapter and it works perfectly. I use a Canon 5D MkIV and a Godox AD200 with the WB set to AWB-W. The flash shots were invariably too warm and I had to adjust accordingly. Not any more. Thanks.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Awesome! Glad this has helped.

[@hueandsteve1989]

Excellent help. Thank you!

[@AStrangerDayProductions]

Nathan, have most of your books. I'd be nothing without you! As for Sony, I need to get the Pixel adapter, then a Canon trigger, then the paper trick. Just want to be sure I'm understanding. Thank you!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Yes: Pixel adapter in Sony hot-shoe, paper on top of Pixel adapter to cover all but the center contact, then slide Canon xPro trigger into the top of the Pixel adapter.

[@AStrangerDayProductions]

@@NathanCoolPhoto I ended up using tape on the unneeded pins on the Pixel adapter. Works perfectly. Thanks again.

[@liorteitler]

Thank you for this amazing video. I am a big fan and have learned a lot from you, sir. I am all the way in Israel where I shoot architecture and recently have started shooting flambient. I would like to clarify one thing... I am using a Sony camera...so if I buy a Sony to canon/nikon adapter, do I need a Canon trigger or do I stay with my Sony?

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thank you! Since the adapter's top is Canon/Nikon you use a Canon or Nikon on the top; however, as I mention in the video, you tape or put paper over the top contacts, except for center pin, see kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJ6Xn42uishlm5I Also, there are alternatives that I talk about in Mastering Flambient, not sure if you have that, here's a link if you'd like to check that out: amzn.to/3iwCqNw

[@eafdafev]

If I have a sony A7ii with a Sony Godox flash trigger mounted in the Sony camera's hot shoe, will I be able to use the adapter you detailed at 9:43 and still use the Sony Godox trigger? There is one large metal bulbous pin in the center of the godox flash trigger and a bunch of pins in the front. Is the bulbous center pin all that is needed to trigger the Godox flash trigger?

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

I think you might want to rewatch this video a couple more times. The center pin is the fire pin, but it's offset so it won't work with all adapters, especially make sure to watch the section where I talk about Sony adapters, and how you would still need to modify something on top of that adapter.

[@eafdafev]

@@NathanCoolPhoto Thank you for the reply, I'll rewatch the video.

[@VisiPianoOfficial]

Thanks for this guide Nathan, very helpful. However, I have a Sony A7iii and picked up the Pixel TF-334 to go with my X1T-S Trigger but it doesn't seem to fire in that combination. Can you show us which contacts to modify for it to work? Thanks again.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thanks! But that setup isn't what I'm recommending, here's why, and what you need to do. The Pixel adapter converts Sony hot-shoe to Canon-Nikon pinouts, so if you pop a Sony trigger into the Pixel shoe nothing will line-up. The idea is to use the Pixel adapter on a Sony camera with a Canon or Nikon trigger mounted in the Pixel adapter, but with the Pixel's top shoe mount having all of the contacts covered except for the center pin contact. This ensures the center pin will align (Sony center pin is offset compared to everyone else), and then you can cover up the other contact pins, thus center pin isolation. You might want to rewatch the video to see how Sony center pin is offset, which might also shed some light on how to configure this. But basically, the setup for Sony is, from bottom to top: Pixel adapter in camera hot-shoe; paper covering all but the center pin contacts on the top of the Pixel adapter; Canon or Nikon xPro trigger mounted into the Pixel adapter (over the paper covering the peripheral contacts). Make sure to cover all but the center pin on the top of the Pixel adapter.

[@KnightmareOX]

Hi Nathan, Thank you for the info and help. I’m a Sony user looking for a relatively cheap but permanent solution seeing as I have a Sony flashpoint trigger. Do you happen to know if the JCC Standard hotshoe adapter will work to fix this for a Sony camera?

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

You're welcome. I show the fix for Sony at kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJ6Xn42uishlm5I so make sure to watch the whole video to see why and how. There are also other comment threads here regarding this as well, which may help.

[@peteradams6219]

Your videos are awesome. I’m in the Uk. Even with centre pin isolated, do you still not have to switch the flash off on the camera or trigger for the ambient shot? Sorry if that’s a dumb question.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thanks Peter. There are no dumb questions :) Center-pin isolation is required for correct AWB and for WYSIWYG. I would suggest downloading my ebook on interior photography which covers this (and a lot more), here is a link for the UK if you'd like to check it out: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0755KXSL4

[@jemlang]

Great video Nathan! I've been setting the w/b manually and also turning off the trigger when needed. But this is a great explanation and hack. So will the Pixel TF-334 adapter for Sony work with the xPro S for Sony?

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thanks! The setup you mentioned would be redundant. What you'd need is the Pixel adapter with a xPro-C or -N, but first covering up the contacts on the top of the adapter to achieve single-pin isolation; otherwise, the contacts will transmit-receive through the adapter the Sony's wired contacts in the MIS shoe.

[@johnrumballphotography]

@@NathanCoolPhoto Hi Nathan... the product description for this adapter indicates that it doesn't support TTL or HSS. Does this not mean then that a xPro-C/N mounted on this adapter would NOT communicate through to the Sony MIS shoe, thereby isolating the center pin as intended? Just curious. Thanks.

[@marcobadalian6102]

I ve been going crazy trying to figure out why my flash shots were so warm . Thank you !

[@northtosouthmedia]

Amazing! Helpful as always. Thanks!!!!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

My pleasure!

[@tudosobreimobiliario2473]

Hi Nathan. Im thinking in move to Panasonic S5. Since you have a GH5ii is it possible for you to try your Godox Canon trigger with the GH5ii to see if you get correct wysiwyg? Just like you get with the canon trigger on your Z5? I dont have access to a Panasonic canera befor i buy so your help would be amazing. Thank you so much.

[@pixelprovideo3586]

Yes! I just got a Xplor 600 and A Godox trigger, I always shoot on manual W/B but YES this fact that when the flash is on it takes over my screen is a huge loss. But I've been doing as you said and just turning off the trigger. Good Info bro. Please let us know if they fix the pin issue with a firmware update. You would this its easy. But I'm not a programmer so who knows.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Just to clarify for others: powering off the trigger isn't my recommendation, just a last resort. If the trigger is powered on and you don't get WYSIWYG then that means you are still making all-pin contact and facing the AWB issue. Using manual Kelvin like you are doing is part of the 2-step alternative I show near the end of the video, but my recommendations are the hardware solutions to achieve single-pin contact. And yes, the firmware update would be easy :) I was an engineer before my career as a full-time photog...I know this could be fixed in a day ;)

[@derekmeccaphoto]

Thanks as always! I've been putting electrical tape right onto the R2Pro to isolate the pins but the tape is always moving around and I have to fiddle with it. Is there a single pin adapter on Adorama that you recommend?

[@michaelandryley]

What camera are you using?

[@rockj8197]

Check this out... My R2Pro-II trigger stopped working when on my Canon R. But, it still triggered the lights using the test button whether on or off the R. The R and a Speedlight in triggering mode would work to trigger off camera lights. I saw this video pop up and had previously bought the single pin adaptor for interior work. I thought I'd try to see if using the adaptor would allow it to work. And, it worked!!! Now I need to contact adorama and see if they will replace the funky trigger since it works, just not correctly.

[@Stardustfallout]

Thank you Nathan

[@lstefani5503]

By the way, I also have a couple of your books. So helpful!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@lstefani5503]

Nathan, thank you so much for your videos. I've learned so much from them. The single pin mode flash is such an Ah-ha! I've wondered why my flashes are sometimes so yellow - PLUS the WYSIWYG histogram. Shooting Canon R6. Tried your suggestion by isolating the single pin and it made such a difference. I'm going to get the Nikon trigger, but also want to pickup a speed light in addition to the AD200Pro and Flashpoint XPLOR 600PRO. Do I get the speed light for Canon (because that's the camera I'm shooting with) or Nikon (because that's the trigger). I'm guessing the Canon because the trigger is just causing the flash to go off, but would love confirmation.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Speelight doesn't matter since it isn't connected to the hotshoe, just grab a TT600 like this one: amzn.to/3SwMoMC

[@lstefani5503]

@@NathanCoolPhoto Thank you

[@robertswinney1825]

Great video, as always. Based on a previous video I ordered the Single-pin Adapter to work with my Godox Xpro-C TTL Wireless Flash Trigger that works with my Canon 5D Mark III. My Godox TT600''s will not fire with this adapter. I checked continuity from the bottom pin to the top one and it checks out. Any suggestions? Thank you

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Sounds like it may not be making full contact with the center pin, which would be from manufacturing tolerances, or some other reason that boils down to you getting a bad adapter. Test it like I show with the paper trick in this video, which should help you narrow down the problem.

[@robertswinney1825]

@@NathanCoolPhoto Thanks, Nathan. I believe I'll just order another adapter. I do feel like the connection isn't solid.

[@patefermente]

I have yet to test it out, but the new XPro II trigger appears to have an option to select a “legacy hot shoe” for center pin isolation under the custom menu settings. If it works consistently, it might be a nice addition to and a cudos to Godox.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

I have a newer video on the legacy hot shoe mode at kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4GlknhmZtSmprM

[@giannibuonsante1491]

Great advice! Does the trigger for Fujifilm (xpro-F) works fine on a Nikon camera?

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thanks! Not sure, but it should. I use Canon triggers on my Nikons.

[@littlemissprickles]

Sad, i already have a Sony flash trigger for my Sony camera but it sounds like i would need a standard (like Nikon or Canon) flash trigger if I'm going to use the adapter fix, correct?

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Problem fixed in new trigger, here's my video on that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4GlknhmZtSmprM

[@NorthernMediaGrp]

Godox XProII now has Legacy which is basically center pin isolation and makes the trigger universal to every brand except Sony.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Yup, and I did a video on that when it was released, you might want to watch this since there are other gotchas to be aware of with that new trigger: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4GlknhmZtSmprMsi=V2nkp2UUvWvCHKou

[@NorthernMediaGrp]

I'll check it out as I ended up picking up 2, 1 for my Nikon Z and 1 for my Fuji GFX before realizing I could use just one lol.@@NathanCoolPhoto

[@BoboMedia007]

Does the new trigger solve this issue?

[@sargonassarg4356]

Nathan, how do you view the live histogram on the Nikon (D850)? I find I have to switch to video mode to get a live histogram. Is there a way to do the same in stills mode?

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

You need to take a photo, view it, and press the up arrow on the multi selector. Nikon's DSLRs don't have histogram in live view for stills. However, you can also use the exposure indicator scale in the viewfinder, which is similar.

[@skwurl77]

Hi there Nathan! Big fan, got 2 of your books. But hey, I'm struggling. I have a Canon 80D, the Godox AD200 Pro and x2t trigger and using the Center Pin isolation adapter linked in this video. I can rarely get the Flash to fire off with the camera. Sometimes if I power everything off, then power back on in a certain order, I can get the flash to fire off 1 or 2 times, then it just stops syncing. Testing works fine. I'm SO exhausted trying to figure out why it's doing this. I also tried the paper method to see if maybe it was just the adapter and same problem. And if I connect the trigger directly, without the center pin adapter, everything "works" but yeah, horribly warm. What in the world am I doing wrong?! Please help!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

I'd say you are having a contact problem with the adapter, so try another one, or use this newer trigger with the configs I show in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4GlknhmZtSmprMsi=-xBatZg0tN4fsP4e

[@skwurl77]

Didn't work. I turned on Legacy mode, no Flash. Turned it back off and flash works right away. With the same "horribly warm" AWB as the previous trigger. I am so at a loss. Has anybody else had this issue, any other thoughts? @@NathanCoolPhoto

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Your next step would be to have a private Zoom session with me. You can email me for pricing and scheduling at [e-mail]

[@skwurl77]

I might just do that! But first gonna try it on another camera and also see if godox support has any thoughts. I’ll report back with any findings. I can’t be the only one running into this!

[@danfitzsimmons2885]

I’m getting the orange effect as well but not in AWB but in the white balance setting for Flash Photography. I’ve been using the WB setting for Exteriors to fix it. Any ideas?

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

I think there might be some gaps in your REP workflow, based on what you mentioned. I'd suggest downloading my e-book on interior photography, which will explain this in much more detail to give you a more well-rounded understanding of these issues. Here's a link if you'd like to check that out: amzn.to/3eSpsYA

[@jaredmciverimagery]

Godox and Adorama originally said it's "a feature, not a flaw" 🥴

[@michaelandryley]

Hi Nathan - I went in to my local camera shop and tested Nikon on canon and canon on Nikon. The canon on Nikon worked…the Nikon trigger on a canon camera did not…using multiple triggers and camera bodies. I have also isolated the fire pin on my canon triggers…does not work. I also tried a single pin adapter…did not work. Is it possible that another pin needs to be read to get a flash to fire for a canon.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

The problem is likely from one of two things: (1) Flash is not enabled on the Canon camera. Go under "External Speedlight Control" in the menu, and set "Flash Firing" to Enable. It could also be that the shutter is in silent mode, which will not send a flash signal to the hotshoe. To make sure the Canon camera is configured properly, place a speedlight directly in the hotshoe and see if it fires when you take a shot. If not, then flash is not enabled, so enable flash, make sure the speedlight will fire, and then test it with a trigger. (2) A less likely scenario is that there might be manufacturing tolerance issues with the camera/trigger/adapter you are testing. Since the ISO spec allows for a few millimeters in center pin tolerance in the hotshoe, it could be that the particular hotshoe/adapter/trigger you are testing is not directly centered on the hotshoe. Let me know how it goes and what you find out.

[@abdigitaluk_photography]

Hi Nathan, I'm having something odd happen with my strobe. I use a Jinbei HD 600w strobe and have started noticing that I'll take a photo and the strobe will barely flash, or flash at a much lower power than I've selected. When I take a second photo it usually then takes the correct flash setting. I'm making sure I'm giving the strobe time to get itself ready. Any ideas? I'm hoping it's not the strobe on it's way out!!!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Hi Adam, I used to have a Rovelight 600 as well (same thing as the Jinbei). That's not something I'd recommend these days. I have more on lighting in my lighting guide, which you can check out at amzn.to/3uE9eHo

[@abdigitaluk_photography]

@@NathanCoolPhoto Thanks Nathan. This has been my workhourse for many years lol so it doesn't surprise me if it's no longer a recommended piece of kit. I'll check out your guide, thank you.

[@kenkobe5201]

Do you have a model number for the Option 2 Single-pin Adapter for Canon?

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

See links in the description of the video.

[@kenkobe4912]

@@NathanCoolPhoto Duh. Sorry.I see them now.

[@DavidHarrisGRI]

I ground down the periferal pins on the trigger with a die grinder. My lights are all manual so why not? It definitely isolated the center pin, ha ha!

[@ifrankie86]

Hey Nathan, great Video but one thing to notice. On Sony cameras it seems to be a feature to "live view" with and without flash Settings. It is just possible to turn on and off in Live-View Settings. For good reasons, on Models for example, where you are going to block the daylight, you want to see the framing... And on my my A7iv i just got no problems with WB with the Godox X-Pro (S) but i noticed this bug on the a7iii i guess. Maybe they fixed some things here?!?

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Nikon has the same thing, called "Apply Settings to Live View", but going to menu items like you mentioned would take forever in the workflow. A simple hardware fix like this makes it very fast.

[@ifrankie86]

@@NathanCoolPhoto Thanks for your answer. I just set the option once, dont i?

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

You might want to rewatch the video: I don't recommend a settings fix, it's a hardware fix. The setting you're talking about is not what I recommend.

[@philipandrews5738]

I bet Kapton tape would work. Also why is this really necessary with raw data files, since the wb isn’t baked into the image

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

As I mentioned in the video, I wouldn't put tape on an expensive camera; instead, as I mentioned also, if you want to to that then do it to an adapter, but there is no need, there are much better alternatives like I show in this video. As for your second question, it's a matter of time and money: get it as right as you can in-camera so you don't waste time in post. It's a topic I cover in-depth throughout my real estate photography series, here's a link to that if you'd like to check that out: amzn.to/3nX7gxW

[@jswalk4]

Thank you Nathan!!

[@seibelphotography4983]

Nathan - what is the best solution for Sony? I can’t seem to find anything. I’ve watched all your videos and there doesn’t seem to be a good fix. Also, any updates from flashpoint on a firmware update, or ? Thanks for the videos.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

I do cover Sony in this video, you might want to rewatch in case you skipped over it.

[@CitadelPhotography]

This reduced my flash sync speed from 1/250 to 1/160 which is a bigger problem. That was using a canon trigger on a sony body.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

If you have true center-pin isolation, then sync-speed shouldn't be affected. What menu item in your Sony was affected, and what model Sony do you have?