Making softbox for 540EZ (can I cover the front side?)

[j_smith6]

I'm making home-made softbox for 540EZ and here's my short question:

 

I'm just making softbox for 540EZ and I don't know if I have to leave the

front metering system uncovered. I take pictures with flash only on X mode

(EOS 5). The flash is working only in TTL system. I've noticed that TTL

doesn't use front exposure checking light. The front exposure red light works

only in A-TTL.

 

Can I cover the front side of my 540EZ? I'm shooting film and I don't have

time to make tests. I'm going on a trip on Friday.

 

Thank you for help,

 

Michael

[j_smith6]

***I mean that the flash is working only in TTL system but on X mode. (sorry)

[maxasst]

I have the same flash and body as you have, but I haven't used X mode. I usually use Manual mode, so take my opinion in that perspective. If you have a flashmeter, you can easily determine if it is metering properly with a covered front of the flash. My understanding of the red emitted lights are for distance determination with A-TTL. It also works with focus assist which is not supported by the EOS 5. In these cases, you don't lose anything in your proposal. I have used this flash and body with an off camera shoe cord where the the flash is not directly pointed at the subject and exposures are just fine, so long as I am within the limits of the flash capabilities. I have a small Lumiquest softbox measuring about 8x6 inches with a notch in the bottom to clear the red light area. It was cheap at KEH.com. Good luck!

[tom moore]

Check out strobist www.strobist.com or even more so the strobist group on flickr for lots of good info on this subject.

 

--Tom

 

http://www.thomasdmoore.com

[j_smith6]

I wrote something here yesterday and I can't see it today... I'm too lazy to type it again :)

 

Thank you for your help! My softbox looks pretty good, and the effect is great (in viewfinder - haven't made test photos yet).

 

Thank you,

 

Michael