X-shooter John dropped me this email:
“I have an X-E1 and love it. I fact, I sold all my Canon gear as a result of my experience with it. But, some of the shots I like to take are not so easily done with the X-E1: like water drops in mid air, multiple flashes with TTL metering, and time-lapse (I have an after market intervalometer, but, half the time it’s batteries are dead or I couldn’t remember how to program it!). So, I decided to make a product that does all this, in a compact form and which is easy to operate. There were quite a few hurdles to overcome, but, after more than a year of effort and three prototype generations, this is the result.”
It depends on you if this product will really go to the market. As the ISO-unlocker (now at 53% of required sales) a minimum first production run is required in order to keep costs reasonable.
RoboSHOOT – TTL Remote Flash and Timing Controller
The Serene Automation RoboSHOOT© remote trigger modules provide a cost effective way to remote your Fujifilm X series XF flashes while preserving true TTL control. The system is usable with or without user configuration. For simple TTL remote flash, just attach it to your camera, attach your flashes, and take a shot! For more advanced capabilities the units are controlled via an intuitive user interface right from your phone (initially Android© only). In addition to remote flash triggering, the modules provide advanced functions suited to a wide variety of artistic and technical photography.
RoboSHOOT with Fujifilm X-E1 and EF-X20
The RoboSHOOT© series is designed specifically for the Fujifilm X-series cameras to keep your system compact and lightweight, without adding a bag full of additional equipment! The same devices are used whether taking portraiture with remote flashes, a spurious event such as glass shattered by a bowling ball with TTL flash, a ‘bracketed’ multi-shot sequence employing varied flash levels set by keyframe, or multiple long-duration shots of a globular cluster*.
Production plans are pending, but, are possible even with low order volumes due to the use of an off-the-shelf case for the units. As a result, only around 60 orders are needed to bring it to production. Considering the near custom product volumes and that the unit supports a multitude of functions beyond TTL flash triggering, an estimated production price of $290 and $255 respectively for the Master and Slave, while not for everybody, is not unreasonable.
*Depending on your needs, slaves and flashes may or may not be used. Likewise, an optional sensor may be desired for certain types of triggered photography. The RoboSHOOT master supports all these configurations and more.
For more information visit: www.sereneautomation.com
24 Responses
Impressive but the pricing puts it in the same area Pocket Wizard……silly money.
And we listened! We did a major cost reduction in the last year (now starts at about $200 for a kit). Also added some things such as Nikon Speedlight support and other new capabilities.
They pricing will attract some savvy Chinese in no time. The key new feature IMHO would be the adjustment of flash groups from a smartphone app – no more button fiddling, no huge ODIN-like interface on top of your camera – instead a usable hotshoe on-camera (yay!) and off-camera interface. Great!
We’ve been able to reduce the price considerably and add Nikon speedlight support. Now both Android and iOS is supported!
Great news, but price is a little too high for me. For that price, I may just trigger it manually for that price. As fuji users grow, I’m sure big wireless trigger players will jump in for fuji x ttl options too in the future. I might just wait a bit longer
Well, a year later and we are there! Now available for pre-order starting at less than 1/2 the price. Added Nikon speedlight support and iOS too!
Agree.. Halve that price and with those features this product will dominate the Fuji wireless trigger market.
Even when Pocket Wizard enters the market, this product would be far more superior and also cheaper than others ‘premium’ triggers.
Thank you! Well, how about better than 1/2 off. Took us a year, but, finally it is available for pre-order starting at just under $200 for a Master/Slave Kit. We also added iOS and Nikon speedlight support to the mix, as well as other additions.
A bit confused about the pricing options (from the drop down menu) on your site vs. what you have listed here. A master + 2 slaves @ $225, did I read that right, or is that just the deposit? If it is, in fact, at nearly $550 for the master + 1 slave, I’d say that is quite unreasonable. Keep in mind that Fuji system is perceived as a more affordable alternative to other manufacturers, so those prices are far from competitive. Also, if there isn’t an iOS app for it then it’s a deal breaker since I’m not a an android user.
Interesting product offering, however, keep up the good work. Looking for more updates in the future!
Finally, the product is available for pre-order for late Fall shipping. We’ve done a major cost reduction and added a lot of capability at the same time – Nikon Speedlight support, iOS app, and much more. Now, starting price is under $200 for a Master/Slave kit (pre-order).
Best regards,
John
Gimmicks, gimmicks… Wish someone makes a decent AF illuminator (in near-infrared, please).
I want to know how he reverse-engineered Fuji’s TTL flash protocol and ported it to a radio system. This is a non-trivial task, and if he has really pulled it off single-handed, he’s entitled to charge a reasonable amount of money for it. (And if he can do that, he should leverage his knowledge and do the same thing for the Olympus/Panasonic RC system, which is excellent but likewise lacks a radio TTL solution.)
Thanks, it was a lot of work, but, a labor of love! We also added a few things, like Nikon support, Both iOS and Android apps. There are lots of areas to branch out. Hopefully there will be enough success to do it!
Best,
John
great work and wish them all the success tho I agree with most on a few points:
– a bit on the pricey side
– needs iOS compatibility (and perhaps PC/Mac??)
– and while TTL is great (especially Fuji’s) a lot of us have dealt with manual exposure for years now, so the first point would help make for a better value statement
Thanks!
Did a major cost reduction over the last year, added iOS and Nikon support. A few other things too… Also, finally passed FCC and CE certification so we can actually go to production!
did I read that right? so for a ‘standard’ 2 light setup I would be paying $800 for the triggers alone?
Went through a major cost reduction (that and FCC/CE certification took a year). Now, it is closer to $330 for a master plus two slaves, pre-order.
Nice (but expensive). Would it be compatible with other brand flashes? Nikon, Yongnuo, Canon or others? since I’m not planning to buy nor trust small Fuji flashes. And with a 2, 3 or more light setup the main concern is light quality and not necessarily portability using tiny/ineffective/low power flashes
They’re not expensive given the TTL capability. You can use pocket wizards or other brands in non-TTL mode if you need to save a buck.
We’ve managed to cost reduce it and support Nikon Flashes. Now they are available for pre-order with late fall shipping. The lowest price point is under $200 for a kit for early adopters.
This wont take off, not if you have to use your phone as well. Yongnuo and Phottix odin have simple controls on the trigger unit and the recievers are dirt cheap. That is the way forwards. Dont bother with this.
Oh and someone that is really smart will add the long awaited option of a autofocus assist beam on the front which you can turn on and off at the flick of a switch. I refuse to accept stuff that isnt up to date simply for shooting fuji.
Does this work with other brand TTL flashes like Nikon and Canon? Otherwise there won;t be a market as Fuji doesn;t have any powerfull flashes that you want to use off-camera.
Yes, It works with Nikon.