Since the global response for Black Lives Matter, many industries, including photography, have been shifting for the better. So, it's welcome news that Canon has officially dropped their master/slave terminology.
The terms "master" and "slave" used to be and in some cases still are commonplace in photography, especially when it comes to flash units. A master flash gun usually controls the trigger of another flash gun called the slave. This technique is used to synchronize multiple off-camera flash devices and is commonly used instead of wireless (or wired) triggers to either save time or money.
Flash guns set to master can be used to trigger other flash guns set to slave mode where wireless triggers, like this Godox XProN TTL, aren't used.
I spoke recently about my reservations with the master/slave terminology and some other issues I had with specific terms within the photographic community. I've since been in touch with Canon who confirmed, much to my surprise, that they've actually dropped the master and slave terms. In fact, they dropped them around the end of 2017. Here's what a Canon Europe Spokesperson had to say:
Canon started to phase these [terms] out since the end of 2017. [In] all new products and materials, these terms are no longer used. Products released before this time, and still available, will still have the term as it’s often a physical part of the LCD display so can’t be changed by firmware etc.
So, why then wasn't I aware of the terms being changed? I'm sure this is news to most of you as well. Well, they went on to say that the terminology change isn't yet immediately obvious to most customers because the terms are mostly used with flash guns, which are presumably less popular than the cameras and lenses. To compound this issue, the most popular flashes were launched pre-2018, so when customers use the manuals, the terms are still there.
The popular Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT speedlite was released in 2016, before Canon officially dropped the terms "master" and "slave."
Many photographers buy used gear, so will also not notice the terms change either on devices or in manuals for a little while, until the newer models start to drop in price and are more widespread in the secondhand community. But until then, at least it's good to know that Canon has dropped the terms. Who knows, maybe old manuals and flashguns will become more museum pieces, holding historic knowledge for the photographic community at large?
Correct! I have no idea where his knowledge on the subject really lies except by his own words. "Political correctness" is a phrase often used by the uninformed: a sort of poo-poo on a matter that, based on his words, doesn't seem to affect him. I really didn't understand "Me Too" because, frankly, I've never been in that situation. I've never had to ward off unwanted sexual advances. But, when close friends and colleagues shared their experiences, it was then that I gained the tiniest of glimpses into their concerns.
Uninformed? I am an immigrant, a naturalized citizen of this wonderful country but I can tell you that I know more about the history of this country, the history of racial injustice than an average American. When I came to this country 35 years ago I was made fun of for not speaking the language. I was called offensive names pertaining to my nationality. That most likely falls under the tagline discrimination, doesn't it? I know exactly what it means to be discriminated when a service man comes to your house and tells you that you need to speak English or go home. Coming to terms with history? Yes slavery was bad, it sucked major ass. Civil rights movement was great, I agree. Dr.Martin Luther King was one of the most intelligent and honorable men this nation has seen in its short history. Frederick Douglas, Rosa Parks and a host of others who fought for equal treatment for black people deserve the highest levels of respect. Everybody needs to be treated equal. I don't give a shit what color your skin is. To me every man on this planet is equal. White, black, yellow, red, purple, whatever color you are. Every man needs to be treated with respect. I have many black friends and I would stand by them whenever called upon. I am NOT however going to be a sheep and vilify every police officer, every white person. I am NOT going to apologize for being white. Does that make me a white supremacist? Does that make me insensitive to the subject matter? Does that make me uninformed? NO! My only gripe is that we are pushing this topic of racial sensitivity to absurd levels. Does a label on a breakfast maple syrup offend you? Really? Until they mentioned it have you really ever thought about it? Does an Indian head on the box of butter offend a native American? Does the word slave and master truly, really offend you as a black man, especially when placed on a piece of electronic equipment? Seriously? This insanity must stop because we WILL get to a point where we will literally ban anything and everything that has any connotation to a particular color of skin. I am sick and tired of an assumption that a white person can be uninformed because he or she doesn't agree with the common narrative. My stance on the topic is the same as it has always been. Political correctness is out of control. I'll tell you one more thing. My 4 black friends agree with me.
Thanks for that. Sums up the insanity of the past weeks!
You need to learn the difference between ‘punching up’ and ‘punching down’. Educate yourself before commenting any more.
Uhhh you are a brave one, picking on someone that isnt a native english speaker. Whats you skill? Cant be photography since you dont even have a single image here. Seems to me you are just a useless troll and you are the one that needs a bit more education.
Here we are. 1984. Newspeak. blackwhite. thinkpol.
Along with, "That Hideous Strength" C.S. Lewis (1945)
If you want to stay consistent with the master/slave concept, then it should be "transmitter"/receiver, as a transponder receives a signal frequency and converts it to another frequency to transmit.
I think my vintage pocket wizards use Transmitter and Receiver.
Political correctness is a disease because it does not prevent racism, descrimination, violence and stupidity in particular. What is in need to be changed are mindframes not words. Why are you praising Canon for this and still call flash GUN to the device instead of speedlight? For me, an European that hasn’t born in a country that has invaded and spread death and destruction in so many countries around the world, GUN is as repulsive as SLAVE!
Looks like the author is in the UK, I have never heard anyone use the term flash gun in the US. Flash gun sounds really old fashioned.
Fstoppers community: don’t post about politics, we are a photography site.
Also fstoppers community: 28 comments and counting on a politics/human rights article, 0 comments on a photography related one.
Are you referring to the writers, the commentators or both?
The people who comment mainly.. whining about all these politics/BLM/whatever else articles invading our photography space, yet only ever commenting and engaging with these articles, it would be funny if it wasn’t so sad.
I sometimes feel bad about the disparity in my own comments but find very little to say about the photography articles. After you weed out the beginner articles, which I don't read and those dealing with aspects of photography I don't care about, there's not much left. Among those, I find very little to say, aside from "I agree" or some other pleasantry.
When I was younger, I could never understand people watching golf on television, considering it to be the most boring waste of time imaginable. With the advent of photography sites, I now understand. They were bored...I'm bored.
As for commenting on politics/BLM/whatever, I'm human.
The translation is: "don't write about how things are changing, it upsets me because I'm not getting anything out of it or it inconveniences me slightly"
They could literally scroll right past, but nope.
Yes, transmitter & receiver is more logical. But people should grow up and stop being so offended with everything. I bet not one camera company ever conceived the idea that Master & Slave would be a terminology that would fit such a stupid narrative. It's hard to build something, but easy to destroy. The next time the younger generation burns down a building, does looting, or tears down a statue ask them what have they contributed to society. I bet the answer will be "nothing". Why not hide in your safe place like all the other cowards.
If their contribution to society is to shake racist morons like you out of your comfort zone, then I’d say that’s a pretty good one.
Btw you have entirely missed the point about master/slave.
Grow up and stop being so offended with everything.
lol you're offended about the very topic of this article. If it's "more logical" then why are you complaining?
BTW tearing down statues of racists *is* a contribution to society.
Might as well tear down the Pyramids in Egypt to your list and erase history while you're at it.
I always come to the comment section to see the echoes of "this doesn't affect me in any way so why change racist things I'm used to". Really gotta remember that some photographers are just as toxic as real life. Racist terms...too much PC, finally some diversity from companies?? another excuse comment to disregard the obvious. It's hilarious to see
Frequently, the things I find obvious are hidden to others. I'm never amused, much less find it hilarious.
For photography how long has master and slave been used? Most photographers know these terms so I think many will have a hard time not calling a Speedlight on camera as a master to another Speedlight as the slave. Also, S mode is for the slave mode on many Speedlight.
Fantastic! There is no reason not to do this.
But what have they changed them to?!
This is great news though. Small in itself but helps as a consciousness raiser. You can see from just the comments on this post that a lot of people still have a lot to learn.
That said, ‘transmitter’/‘receiver’ won’t work as replacements, because those are already used for flash trigger systems. Personally I like ‘parent’/‘child’.
By your logic, parent/child won't work for the same reason. After master/slave, I think transmitter/receiver is probably most well known.
Removing, deleting, changing, tearing down anything someone considers offensive does nothing but erases the lesson behind why they are offensive. When we've erased history and removed any evidence that makes us look bad as a country, (Native Americans,antisemitism, slavery, treatment of women,) what do we have left to teach people why and how we did wrong. Seems more like out of sight out of mind and for people to learn, it needs to be in their minds.
But if we're going to remove words because they are racist, can we start with the N word in music and movies? My son has never heard that word and has no idea what the meaning behind it means or the history. He'll end up singing it while listening to hip hop music or hearing it in a film, keeping names and words that have no reason to exist around.
"Normal"? ;-)
We all came from Adam and Eve. What is going on today is only serving to divide us further. False entitlement and hate will be the end of this society.
1. No we didn't.
2. No it won't.
3. Our shitty civilisation is terminal in any case.
4. LOL
I understand and agree with Wheeler. My existence isn't terminal.
I would assume you may have finished seventh grade.
*sigh*
Your assumptions...come from not knowing your destiny.
My assumptions "come from" your complete lack of English comprehension.
Go away, idiot.
Ignorance is yours. You own it. (FYI... English was a minor) Go take another picture of yourself.
OK, what I said was ""our shitty civilisation is terminal"; you somehow interpreted that as "my existence isn't terminal".
I have no idea what the hell is wrong with you, and I do not care. But just a heads up, if you are going to claim educated expertise in English, you may wish to start writing in complete sentences.
I took the time to read through many of your past comments. That is all I needed to understand you.
Oh princess, I'm afraid you are severely over-estimating your own abilities.
But by all means, produce your profile.
I don't need a profile at my age. I came to this site to learn from those worthy of sound input. God bless you Walter.
You idiot. You said "I took the time to read through many of your past comments. That is all I need to understand you."
Fine, since you have developed a psychological profile of me, produce your profile.
As a non native english speaker, the terms "master" and "slave" in flash systems sounds funny to my ears. Why not "transmitter" and "receiver"?
i am also a non native english speaker and master>slave sounds a hell of a lot easier to a beginner then transmitter and receiver i mean no disrespect but this whole thing is getting out of hand fast
the slave is a black box and the master is also a black box where is the problem
Is today April 1st?
Put your focus on real important matters.
And ignore anything else?
Well they can use Dom & sub then.
The irony of life. We change the words master and slave yet we still allow corporations to pay starvation wages and offer us poor health benefits so that CEOs can afford islands and yachts. Sometimes the things we fight for and demand seem like distractions to the true enslavement that is happening. This is not a critique of BLM which I 100% support. It is a rally call to the 99% to watch out for what the 1% tell us is important.
I only shoot in "Rainbow" or "Gray Scale" in hopes not to offend anyone.