The False CP-E4

How not to miss swift action because of lack of autonomy of your batteries? The acquisition of an external power supply for flash (Battery Pack). Some time ago I was part of my desire to acquire an external battery for my flash. Indeed, I was tired of not having a flash in my bursts, running out of battery after 100 photos, or see the performance of my flash decrease progressively ...

But that's ancient history all that! This case is not only very affordable (50 euros max) but powerful! Finance side, we can not say the same competition: The real Canon CP-E4 is displayed at 190 euros, and the Lumedyne, Jackrabbit to 200-300 euros to the Quantum turbo displayed 350 to 500 euros ... Too expensive for an amateur like me.

So I pulled a box of Chinese-made bought on ebay.

The False CP-E4

It can screw the case under the camera via the tripod screw 1 / 4 "standard, like the original. The power cord is then plugger on taking specific 580 EX II.

Fixation in the box

The screws

I do not know if there are boxes of food for the 430 EX II, but it is not compatible or the CP-E4 elsewhere.
In the box you will find the cover of protective fabrics.

Canon CP-E4 Battery

However, it does not benefit from the "tropicalization" protecting it from water and dust as the original CP-E4. So if you own a 1D and a 580 EX II chain will be broken
The cord of the housing credits, is a bit short if you want to put in a deep pocket of his trousers, but perfectly suited for the belts.

Taking the 580 EX

It is important to note that the use of four batteries in the flash is needed to run the case. What makes cells provide 10 in all! Apparently the original is also the case. Inside the box, it will therefore make 6. It acts as a hub of energy.

Battery (6 total)

Another note: What is scary is the inscription on the box that says:

After the outbreak of the electronic flash continuously for a sequence of several photos, let the rest before resuming shooting. Never take more than 15 consecutive shots without waiting at least 10 minutes to the next.

Then

Immediately remove the batteries if an unusual heat is detected.

Apart from a French translation in doubt, we can find a little unusual to let rest for 10 minutes after 15 photos! It seems that in the instructions it recommends a shorter rest periods. Rather, I think the track, because I look about a mistake on their part.

The test:

I tested (soon sorry) the flash E-TTL II (distance 40cm) and gusts up to 15 photos. The batteries were all loaded block and the day before.

They are composed of six rechargeable Ni-MH 2700 in the case and four Ni-MH 2500 in the flash.

• 15 bursts with the case: No problem for the first time. After 2 minutes of rest one starts easily for a burst (4 frames / second) of 5 photos. Then 1 to 2 seconds between each burst. This is not a bonfire, but that's something! Autonomy is about 200 photos, but with better available.

• 15 bursts with flash only: No problem for the first time. But after it takes 3-4 seconds between each burst. Autonomy is 300-350 photos, but the trouble ...

Know that autonomy depends greatly on the type of batteries you put in the flash. To simplify the powerful rechargeable (2500 or more) but little endurance, non-rechargeable and powerful but little endurance.

My verdict:

A good buy for those who do not really € 150-200 to put in the CP-E4 or more. The case is brief but effective. Good value for money . For those who need a total available, type of repeated bursts of 10 frames every 5 minutes and those for 1 hour: Choose Lumedyne, Jackrabbit and Quantum.

About the risks of the flash is the unknown. This product has been around for years, and on the web there has been no major incidents to my knowledge. I'll let you know anyway!

For owners of 1D, prefer a CP-E4 to keep the chain tropical conditions.

For owners of Nikoniens SB800 / 900 Greenlife know that also offers these boxes!

Shopping list:

• The Canon CP-E4 on Missnumerique.com
• The Canon CP-E4 on Adorama.com
• The false case on Ebay (in China, but willing sellers, no customs, and fast!)

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