Canon 580ex2 speedlite and 5D mk 2 compatability problems

<p>Hi<br>

I have now used 6 different canon 5d mk2 bodies and 6 different 580ex2 speedlites and all execpt one setup have given the same problems.<br>

The problem is that randomly the speedlite will give a full output of flash. I do shoot alot but it can happen with the first image or the 200 th image.<br>

Settings remain the same but it seems that the flash looses ETTL and goes to TTL for some reason.<br>

Canon South Africa have been trying to solve this problem for over a year now but they are totally baffeled.<br>

Accoring to them I am the first person in the world to experience this problem.<br>

I find that hard to believe as it's happened on 5 different camera bodies and 5 different speedlites.<br>

The problem is unpredicatable and is so random. To clear the problem I usually have to take the speedlite off the camera, put it back on and then I'm good to go for a while.<br>

The full output of flash is so powerful that even in broad daylight the images is almost white, except for faint outlines of the person.<br>

Can anyone shed any light on this situation?<br>

I can email you samples of the problem. Let me know if you would like to see. <a href="mailto:greg@photoman.co.za">greg@photoman.co.za</a><br>

Regards<br>

Greg</p>

<p>It is well known to the outside world. I have had many instances of it on many bodies, it is normally thought to be a communication error between flash and hotshot, that is why taking it off normally fixes it. A good cleaning to bothe the flash and hotshot contacts normally stops if for a few months.</p>

<p>Hi Scott<br>

I have tried cleaning the contacts but still have the problem. It also happens with brand new equipment out the box!</p>

<p>The foot design on the original 580EX was more fragile but less prone to communication errors than the MK2. Hopefully Canon fixed the foot design on the new 600EX...</p>

<p>I've experienced the same problem occasionally. It's the 580exII foot design. I took off the rubber, weather gasket, and that helped a bit. It's kind of funny that Canon claims no one knows about it, because the forums are full of complaints about it.</p>

<p>Look at the following thread. It is a well known problem with two solutions, which you can use together or separately.</p>

<p><a href="00X00N">http://www.photo.net/canon-eos-digital-camera-forum/00X00N</a></p>

<p>I like the Metz 58 AF-2 better than either of the Canon 580s. Same guide number but it seems to be more reliable and to work better. A number of pros rate it higher than the Canon flashes. It is priced a little better as well.<br>

http://www.adorama.com/MZ58321CK.html</p>

<p>I find it quite occasionally - usually just nudging the flash or locking and unlocking it fixes the problem - often it just fixes itself. It is clearly related to the weather sealed foot as my old 550 does not have a problem but by 580 II shows it on the 5DII, 7D and 1DIIN</p>