I've just returned from Egypt where I had my first chance to try my new strobes (2x DS-125, double ikelite cord, ikelite non-ttl housing, D70).

I assembled the whole setup the night before my first dive and took a test shot. The camera locked up. I had to remove batter to reset it. I tried again and the same thing happened. It worked fine with just one strobe, but it would freeze when two strobes were on. On forth attempt it suddenly worked fine and and it continued to be ok for the following 8 dives.

It seems the problem is gone but it got me worried. Any clue what could have caused it?
I'm just worried that it may re-occur when least expected.

not sure if this is relevant............

http://www.digitaldiver.net/yabbse/index.p...;threadid=20837

I don't think this is the same problem as I was having. My issue was only when the primary strobe (no red tape end) battery was very low. This was related to the iTTL circuitry probably because the low battery could not fully power the iTTL circuitry or provide the ready light signal.

Perhaps your hotshoe was not pushed in all the way? Check out:

http://www.ikelite.com/web_pages/rexdshoe.html

To see if this was your issue.

How exactly did you have your system wired? Are you using manual controllers?

Maybe it was the hotshoe thing. I guess I re-connected it before it stared working ok. I don't use manual controllers. I had 2 DS-125s connected directly to the housing with a dual sync cord. My housing is the older one without TTL circuitry.

Does it matter which strobe I turn on first?

I don't think it matters which one you turn on first unless you have the TTL housing.

If you disconnected the hotshoe and reconnected it I'd vote for that as the source. If the pins aren't in right it can cause the camera to be confused.