FujiFilm X-Pro2 - Manual (Page 13)

30 Your X-Pro2 System The Basics (3): Useful Accessories 31
TTL is an abbreviation for “Through The Lens,” which
means that the camera determines the appropriate flash
output by measuring a scene through the lens with a weak
pre-flash. In order to work in TTL mode, TTL flash units have
to be connected with the camera’s hot shoe, and strangely
enough, there’s still no Fujifilm-branded TTL extension cable
on the market that allows you to use a TTL flash off-camera.
A simple solution is using a Canon OC-E3 extension cable,
which is pin-compatible with Fuji’s own flash contacts.
With such a cable (or a compatible third-party product), it
is possible to use an EF-20, EF-X20, EF-42, or another Fuji
TTL compatible flash off-camera in TTL mode. Please note
that Canon OC-E3 cables are only compatible with Fuji’s
TTL flash connectors, not with Fuji’s TTL flash protocol. This
means that it isn’t possible to use Canon TTL flash devices
with an X-Pro2 in TTL mode. The protocols won’t match.
Fujifilm’s compact (and retro-styled) EF-X20 flash fea-
tures an optical slave mode and can be wirelessly triggered
by another flash unit. However, this is no automated TTL
mode, so the output of the EF-X20 has to be manually con-
trolled while in slave mode.
Fig. 18: A Canon-compatible TTL extension cord also works with
the X-Pro2. However, since the extra power line for Fuji’s tiny EF-X8
flash unit isn’t looped through, this flash can only be used directly
on the camera’s hot-show mount.
Issues regarding Canon TTL flash devices
Canon-compatible flash devices (e.g. flash units or radio
transmitters) can lead to an overload of the X-Pro2’s pro-
cessor and result in overheating (you’ll see the related
overheating warnings). The reasons behind this are in-
compatible Canon/Fuji TTL flash protocols that are routed
through compatible flash contacts (as described in the
previous tip).
This problem can even occur when you are using your
Canon-compatible flash gear in full manual mode without
any expectation of TTL exposure control. You might want a
simple trigger signal, but what you get are colliding proto-
cols with adverse side effects.
Should you encounter these problems with your gear, you
have three basic choices:
■ Stop using your Canon-compatible TTL flash or transmit-
ter and replace it with simpler devices that only use a
central trigger contact.
■ Tape the TTL contacts of your flash devices, leaving only
the central trigger contact. This ensures that the only
electric connection between the camera and the flash or
transmitter is the flash trigger contact.
■ Use an adapter that isolates the flash sync signal and
blocks all other hot-shoe pin connections to your flash
device. This is like taping TTL pins, just more convenient.
Suitable adapters are available for only a few dollars.
Please note that flawless flash operation is only guaranteed
when you use devices that explicitly support the Fujifilm X
flash system and protocol. Alternatively, you can also use
simple, manual flash devices and transmitters that only
use the camera’s central trigger contact. Other flash devices
(that were originally made for other camera brands and
TIP 24