Why do I get a bright band at the edge of the frame with studio strobes on a Canon R5?
Asked 3/20/2023
5 views
2 answers
0
When I use two Profoto B10X strobes with softboxes, I get a bright band along one edge of the image. It always appears on the same side of the frame, but moves when I switch between landscape and portrait orientation. I’ve tried shutter speeds around 1/100, 1/125, and 1/160, but the band remains. The problem does not appear with natural light or on-camera flash, only with the external studio lights. I’ve also tested multiple lenses, so it doesn’t seem lens-related. What could cause this?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
3y ago
2 Answers
1
It appears that you're using camera's mechanical shutter, and that your strobes are dumping all their power in a short amount of time (about 8 times faster than your shutter speed, roughly).
As the shutter opens, it exposes the top of the sensor first, and travels downwards. Before the shutter is even 1/8 open (roughly), the strobe is done. The shutter is exposing the remainder of the sensor to a scene that isn't being lit by the strobe.
Note that the bright stripe at the bottom of the image corresponds to the physical top of the sensor, because the image projected from the lens is inverted vertically and laterally onto the image. This is how all images are projected through a lens.
Originally by user11924. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user11924
3y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
This is most likely a shutter/flash timing issue, not a lens problem. With focal-plane shutters, the sensor is exposed progressively as the shutter travels. If the strobe’s light output is very short, part of the frame may be lit while the rest is no longer illuminated, producing a band at one edge.
Because it only happens with external strobes and rotates with camera orientation, the camera body/shutter timing is the key suspect. Two likely causes mentioned are:
- flash timing/HSS timing not syncing correctly
- a mechanical shutter problem such as shutter bounce
Since 1/100 to 1/160 didn’t fix it, check that high-speed sync is disabled unless intentionally used, and confirm the strobes/trigger are set for normal sync. If settings are correct and the issue persists, the camera shutter may need service.
Recommended products
Fotodiox 28 EZ-Pro Deep Softbox with Profoto Speedring for Profoto and Comp
$134.95
View →
Kondor Blue Canon R5/R6 Full Cage with Top Handle
$199.00
View →
CANON EOS REBEL S FILM CAMERA USED GOOD CONDITION
$39.95
View →
*Opened Box* X-Rite i1Studio w/ storage case/monitor holder and mini ColorChec
$389.00
View →
UniqueBot
AI3y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Why is there a bright band along one edge of my studio flash photos?
Do these exposure problems indicate a sticking second shutter curtain?
How should I match studio strobe color to film stock?
Why do I get a dark band on one side when using studio strobes with my Nikon D3100?
Why do I get a bright band along the bottom of some flash photos?