420EX speedlite problem

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hi, i have been using the 420ex for a few rolls and still haven't learn how to use it properly.

Most of my shots came out to be washed out , especially the subject's face. i have took all those shots using the EOS 30 at various modes, like Tv, Av and P, even though i have placed the active focusing point on the subject was not much of a use. One trick i learnt is that by locking the flash on the subject face helps.

i point that puzzles me alot is that this speedlite is suppose to do be automatic right in terms of flash exposure.

Please Advise... is my unit faulty?

-- BL Tan (007@kimochi3d.com), May 02, 2002

Answers

Are you using ETTL? If you are using ETTL and you focus with the active focus point and then recompose without using using FEL then the ETTL preflash will fire on the "new" active focus point (maybe the distant background) therefore assuming more light is required and higher flash output. I'm not positive but I think this may be happenning with you since when you use FEL it works fine. Good luck!

-- Latham P (latport@hotmail.com), May 02, 2002.

Have you had a look at:

http:// photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/

-- NK Guy (tela@tela.bc.ca), May 02, 2002.


hi Latham P,

R u trying to say that when using the external flash, i cannot recompose my shot once i have focus unless i use FEL?.... If that's the case, does it apply to all canon flashes??

-- BL Tan (007@kimochi3d.com), May 02, 2002.


I don't have a Canon EX flash, but my understanding is that if the active focus point you are using (eg centre point) moves without FEL used the camera will fire its ETTL preflash when you fully press shutter release button to take the photo. Therefore it will expose the background correctly and overexpose your subject. You should select the point closest to your subject (so you don't have to recompose too far) if you do not wish to use FEL. Otherwise can you switch ETTL off and try it? Were you using ETTL setting? I also think you should go to the website quoted above. It's great for learning about flashes.

-- Latham (Latport@hotmail.com), May 02, 2002.

BUt how do i switch off the ETTL??? there is no button on the flash that can allow me to do that. however there is a ETTL LED which is lighted up everytime.

-- BL Tan (007@kimochi3d.com), May 03, 2002.


I have an Elan 7E and a 420EX. You are probably making some very basic beginner's mistake with E-TTL. Below are some tips from my own experience. You should also probably check out the Elan 7E group if you need more help.



-- Julian Loke (elan7E-owner@yahoogroups.com), May 03, 2002.

"Most of my shots came out to be washed out"

If this conclusion was based on the results from slides, then you may have a problem. You cannot evaluate the accuracy of exposure (including flash exposure) on the results of prints using print film (except for signifiant underexposure).

I use different ETTL equipment (550EX, EOS3, ElanII), and have been very satisfied with exposure accuracy, even using slide film.

-- Kenneth Katz (socks@bestweb.net), May 03, 2002.


Like Ken said, if you're shooting print film, it is likely the lab is doing a poor job printing. Slides eliminate most processor problems. Try a couple rolls of slide film, note the exposures and situations for each frame and evaluate the slides on a light table with a loupe. This way you can objectively judge results and choose the techniques that work for you.

-- Puppy Face (doggieface@aol.com), May 03, 2002.

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