We deciphered eTTL for the Canon digital Rebel and 10-D only to find eTTL was superseded by eTTL2 for the newer 20-D Canon. We got this deciphered only to find it did not operate with the Canon G-6 model. Understanding this transition will explain why we believe conversion circuits must be part of the housing, not part of the strobe. We are able to tweak each housing to satisfy the idiosyncrasies of that particular camera.

Strobes for film featured very long flash durations for best color saturation. The strobes also sent confidence signals to Nikon cameras and had features like an audible ready light. The new world of strobes for most digital cameras could tolerate none of these features. The new strobes for digital also need to turn on and off with extreme rapidity.

Some of our newer DS style SubStrobes can be updated to operate with the newest eTTL2 and iTTL circuitry requirements. Try getting that done for your Canon or Nikon surface strobes.

The camera attaches to a tray fastened to the back of the housing. This was done to provide accuracy of push buttons operation, especially at depth. Even more important was the eventual addition of TTL conversion circuitry with its associated indicator lamps and control buttons.

The bulkhead for connecting of sync cords is on the back to facilitate wiring and minimize contact problems between the front and back of the housing. Preferred placement of the bulkhead in the front of the housing deferred to the overall TTL installation requirements.

A right-angle sync cord plug could have been used, but this would allow easy rotation of the bulkhead components leading to failure.

Current dSLR housings now feature a right-angle bulkhead that affords protection to the sync cord when housing is laid on its back.

All new SubStrobe DS model circuitry has been updated to provide optimum performance with all current systems. DS-50 and DS-125 SubStrobes produced before September, 2004 send audible ready and confidence signals to the camera for four seconds after taking a photo as per old Nikonos protocol. This interferes with required communication for new eTTL and iTTL digital cameras. Removal of the audible ready signal and the TTL confirming signal allows these strobes to operate properly. *

DS-50 SubStrobes can NOT be updated to DS-51 specifications.

DS-50 SubStrobes below 63,850 can NOT be updated to operate correctly with the latest eTTL conversion circuitry.

DS-50 SubStrobes between 63,850 and 69,999 require upgrade of electronics to operate. Cost of update depends on strobe circuitry. Strobe must be returned to the factory for evaluation to provide an estimate of upgrade cost. *

DS-125 SubStrobes below 2,500 can not be updated to operate with the latest eTTL conversion circuitry.

DS-125 SubStrobes between 2,500 and 4.999 require upgrade of electronics to operate. Cost of update depends on strobe circuitry. Strobe must be returned to the factory for evaluation to provide an estimate of upgrade cost. *