keith_bogut

July 3, 2013

I'm also a new to using a flash, and highly recommend "Speedliter's Handbook: Learning to Craft Light with Canon Speedlites" by Syl Arena. He walks you thru all the Canon flash units, including what all the buttons do and when to use them. The book is laid out in short sections, each dealing with a different topic. Easy to follow and easy to understand. If you read this book, you'll know which unit you'll want to buy.

March 23, 2013

Matt,

When I depress the shutter button half-way, there is no distance or zoom data on my LCD. I do use the set button to "lock" the setting

change, and have never experienced the settings changing back, or being different than what I expected. Your suggestion on pushing

the "-" key to get back to auto zoom mode seemed to work, in that the "M" disappeared, but the LCD still doesn't display a zoom setting (when I depress the shutter half-way), either in ETTL or Manual modes.

BUT! While trying out your suggestions I discovered that if I point the flash head in the 75 degree setting (pointing straight ahead) instead of up in the 45 or 60 degree positions (where I had been bouncing off the ceiling) both the zoom and the distance readings return! That's incredible! I can't believe the manual (or Arena's Speedliters Handbook)doesn't 't mention that. IT'S AN UNDOCUMENTED FEATURE!

March 23, 2013

I'm learning to use my new speedlite, and have a couple questions on the settings. I’m having trouble getting the distance indicator display (C.Fn-00) to function in feet (setting 1). As part of my learning process, I've been shooting with both camera and flash in manual mode, and in both wireless and on-camera modes, using a 7D and 24-105mm lens. I’m careful to change only one setting before each test shot, in order to specifically identify which setting is responsible for the change. I've also tried it in ETTL (and Av and Tv modes) with no luck. In all my experiments with different settings, I've never gotten any reading whatsoever. When I first got the flash, the default settings did provide a readout in meters, but I don't remember what I was doing or the settings when that happened.

First question is what is the distance indicator telling me? The manual doesn’t even mention it, but my reading of Bryan Peterson's "Understanding Flash Photography" and Syl Arena's "Speedliter's Handbook" tells me it's supposed to indicate the maximum flash to subject distance for the current flash settings. That’s all I’m really looking for.

Should the distance indicator function in wireless mode? In wireless, I’ve usually got the LCD facing away from the camera so I can see where it might not make sense to give a reading. Should it work in both manual and ETTL? I’ve been successful setting up wireless shooting in manual mode (both camera and flash) but it would be nice if the flash could tell me the maximum distance my flash can travel and still illuminate the subject.

I also don’t understand how the Zoom display is supposed to work. I can manually set it and it dislays the setting I selected, but I don’t seem to be able to return to an automatic reading of the lens setting (or, at least I never know if I’m in automatic mode). I haven't tested whether or not the lighting changes with the various settings, either under manual or automatic modes). How do I know when the zoom feature is set for the flash to read the zoom of my lens? Is the LCD supposed to display the zoom setting when I depress the shutter halfway? Using the 24-105mm (which is supposed to perfectly match the zoom range of the 430ex II) in ETTL, all the display reads is the “- -“ . I get the same reading in Manual.

Could one of my custom function settings be screwing things up? My C.Fn settings are: 00-1 (distance in feet), 01-0 (auto power off), 02-1 (modeling flash Enabled (Test Firing Button), 07-0 (test firing at 1/32 power), 08-1 (auto-focus assist beam disabled), 09-0 (auto zoom for sensor size enabled), 10-0 (slave auto power off timer 60 minutes), 11-0 (Slave auto off cancel within 8 hours), 14-0 (flash range/aperture info set to maximum distance). ). When I cross-check the custom settings thru my 7D flash control menu, they all match perfectly.

Going thru the custom function settings reminds me that even though 09 is set to auto zoom for sensor size, the LCD does not display the little rectangle icon the manual says it should (though I have seen it in the past). I’m really hoping someone can tell me what I’m doing wrong. At this point I’m praying it’s not a flash malfunction (I bought it new within the past 3 or 4 weeks). I know I could ask these questions in the Lighting forum, but wanted to start here since they all involve basic setup and function issues.

March 18, 2013

For the price of the 70-200mm IS II and a 1.4 extender, you could buy a new 100-400mm f4-5.6 IS and a 70-200mm f/4. Setting aside the weight issue for a moment (the 100-400 weighs about the same as the 70-200 IS II), another way to think about it might be to ask yourself how much you're willing to pay for one f-stop.

Like you, I lusted in my heart for the 70-200 IS II. I'm also an amatuer so I couldn't justify the expense on "need". I ended up deciding that for half the cost and half the weight, the f/4 would give me more bang for the buck. I also have the 100-400 and IMO, even at 400mm, you have to be very close to fill your frame with wildlife. I don't think you'd really be satisfied with the 70-200 IS II, even with the TC. Have you tried renting?

March 10, 2013

No. I don't really know what that is, and just want to start with as few variables as possible.

March 10, 2013

No. The choices are E-TTL II, Manual Flash, or Multi flash.

March 10, 2013

Gary, I like your idea of simplifying the problem and solving one part at a time. You said " the light is always read by the camera, not by the flash". This is not what I assumed. I thought the flash read reflected light too. I'll review the manuals and see if I missed something. I have read the manuals for both camera and flash, and while neither is elaborately detailed, my understanding is that in wireless mode, the communication is one-way. The on-board flash signals the off-camera flash when to fire, and that's it. I'll re-read them both.

Ellis, yes, I am using the on-board flash to trigger the 430, and it works well. I've never had the problem of a failure to fire. I was awaree of the need for a clear line-of-sight connection and took care to establish it. Syl Arena's book is on my Amazon Wish List. I had put off buying it until I had a flash to work with, so it's probably time. I have read, and really enjoyed Bryan Peterson's "Understanding Flash". I find his explanations very understandable, and I love how he uses multiple photos of the same shot (i.e. with flash and without) to convey to readers the impact of the change he's discussing. I wish more photography writers used this technique.

Matthew, your picture of the 430 ETTL settings is what I see too. I neglected to mention in my original post that my camera was set to manual mode. I did say that the speedlite was set to ETTL II and I wondered if, like the camera mode, it should also be set to manual. Sorry, but your point on CFn7 is lost on me. On my 7D, in the 'Flash Control' menu, under 'External flash C. Fn setting', function 7 is the 'Test firing with autoflash' and the settings are 1/32 or full flash. That doesn't sound like what your camera says. The camera settings for my on-board flash for wireless func. is set to external only, not on-board and external, as shown in your photo. As Gary suggests, I was trying to keep it simple and just get the external flash working before trying to split it between on-board and external flash.

To all, I get the strong sense that I need to set the speedlite to manual too (not just the camera) and select the level that works for the existing flash to subject distance (1/4, 1/16, etc). I may be falsely assuming that all the communication features that exist when the speedlite is mounted on the camera, exist when the flash is off-camera and in wireless mode.

Thanks to all for your help. I'll keep working on it and post back on my progress (or lack thereof).

March 9, 2013

Having just received my new 430ex II this week, I’m brand new to flash photography. I’m using a basic set-up recommended by the strobist.com; my speedlite, mounted to a light stand, with an umbrella. I’ve successfully set my 7D to control the flash wirelessly, and that seems to work pretty well, the flash goes off when I trip the shutter. My problem is that the amount of flash hitting the subject seems uncontrolled.

My 7D’s ‘Flash Control’ menu is set to ETTL II. As I understand ETTL, the flash uses two pieces of information from the camera to determine the amount of flash to use. It reads the focus distance from the camera lens (I’m using a 24-105, so it perfectly matches the 430’s zoom spread), and it sends a pre-flash just before the shutter is released to evaluate the frame and determine the amount of light needed. This seems to work fine when the flash is mounted on the camera, but using the speedlite off camera and behind an umbrella seems to defeat both these mechanisms. With the flash off-camera, the lens to subject distance is moot, and with the flash behind the umbrella, ETTL can’t evaluate the scene.

Is this right? If so, it seems like my only option is to manually select the flash output on the speedlite (the strobist didn’t mention that ;-). If I do that, do I also have to select ‘Manual’ on the camera’s Flash Control menu?

It could also be that when I set the camera to control the flash wirelessly, it automatically omits the lens to subject distance from the light evaluation formula, but that still leaves the flash behind the umbrella problem.

Thanks in advance for your help.

March 8, 2013

Thanks Craig, I have been reading the strobit, in fact, that's where I got my list of equipment to buy. He makes it all sound so easy.

March 8, 2013

Craig,

Like I said, I'm a newbie to flash lighting, and it's not that I have a plan as much as all the reading I've done suggests that getting the flash off the camera is advisable. I will be using TTL, but also want to get comfortable with manual control. I think my most likely use of my new 430ex II will be for portraits, using a stand, umbrella, and the wireless control of my 7D. That said, I think I'd use the cord to handhold the flash for fill, and may eventually buy a bracket. I also like to photograph flowers, and I can see using the off-shoe cord to hold the flash at a greater angle to my subject, maybe using gels, for more dramatic lighting options in the garden.

March 7, 2013

Oh, I can see the irony alright, but I'm not alone in thinking that OEM take advantage of their customers from time to time. The alternative

you provided me charges half what Canon does (and I thank you for your recommendation). I really don't mind paying for higher priced

gear, in fact, I think that overall, quality is cheap. But there are just some times when you feel like your being taken advantage of.

March 7, 2013

I'm a lighting newbie. I ordered a Vivitar FCCAN Flash Cord for Canon cameras, hoping to avoid the (outrageous) expense of the Canon brand. It didn't work. I'm returning it, and now have to decide what to do.

Do I try the next knockoff brand or shell out the bucks for the Canon? It's basically a 2 foot extension cord so $75 bucks seems a tad steep. There must be one of the generic companies that produce good quality stuff, I just need to hear which one.

The wisdom of your experience would be valued.

March 6, 2013

Here's a dumb question. How do you measure the size of an umbrella? I ordered a 43" Wescott Optical White Satin umbrella, and when

I got it, sure enough, the sleeve it came in said "43" COLLAPSIBLE OPTICAL WHITE SATIN". But after measuring it from edge to edge

when it was open (it looked a little small), it only measured 38".

I thought it was just a factory packaging mistake, so I ordered another (Amazon). They sent it overnight at no cost to me (bless their

hearts) but the new one is the same 38" as the first one. Same product labeling, same packaging. Is there some other way to measure

it?

I'm an amateur/hobbyist and this is my first umbrella purchase. Is there some secret code I need to use to get the 43" umbrella I

ordered?

February 24, 2013

I upgraded to IE9 and that seems to have fixed the problem (and I don't know wht compatibility mode is). Still, I've been using IE8 for years both at home and work because of compatibility problems with some software, and I've never had a problem with the browser scrolling to the bottom of a forum page before. So although upgrading may have solved it, I don't think IE8 caused it.

Anyway, thanks to all for your help.

February 22, 2013

I'm talking about the browser (IE 8 in my case) scrolling to the bottom of the page. I'm using Windows 7.

February 21, 2013

I clicked "date of thread creation" then "Update" then logged out and back in, but it still takes me to the last post.

February 21, 2013

It seems that when I open a forum page on photo.net, the pages opens at the bottom rather than the top. This seems strange. Is it the site? or did I manage to tweak some weird setting in IE?

February 19, 2013

I would recommend Bryan Peterson's "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Flash-Photography-Photographs-Electronic/dp/0817439560/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361307541&sr=8-1&keywords=bryan+peterson+understanding+flash">Understanding Flash Photography</a>". I'm reading it now and he does a good job of demystifying the process.

January 24, 2013

You don't say what brand of camera you use but I would refer you to the Strobist website. Look for the "Lighting 101" link on the right. The site does a really good job explaining flash lighting AND recommends some very inexpensive gear (like stands, umbrellas, and clamps to connect your flash to the stand) to get you started. He really emphasizes low cost ways to get dramatic lighting effects. I'm an amature with no flash experience, but I thought it was a great primer. The website is here.

<a href="http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/02/welcome-to-strobist.html">http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/02/welcome-to-strobist.html</a>

December 1, 2012

Does anyone know of a ‘photography course’ type book that explains a concept, then give you a photo assignment that develops your skill at emphasizing that particular concept?

January 6, 2012

In addition to recommendations in other posts, try setting the focus to manual.

March 31, 2011

Mike, I tried your advise but it didn't work.

Matt, I hope you're right, but it doesn't look as large on my screen as I remember "large" photo's being. If what you say is true, it would be nice if people would refrain from asking viewers to "view the larger size".

I wonder it's a Windows 7 issue. That's the only thing I know of that has changed in my PC.

Thank you both for taking time to help out.

March 31, 2011

Is it just me, or has the price of Canon products jumped recently? I have a wish list of equipment on Amazon and just noticed huge increases in the price of Canon gear. Anyone else seeing this at other stores? I was stunned at first, and then realized it's probably the market reaction to the earthquake/tsunami/nuclear disaster. With rolling blackouts throughout the country and factories unable to produce, this could just be the first wave in a price tsunami that could last a long time. That's what I love about capitalism. There's no amount of human misery that's too great to try to make a buck on.

<tbody>

</tr>

<td height="21">Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L II IS USM Lens</td>

</tr>

<td height="21">Canon EOS 7D (Body Only)</td>

</tr>

</tr>

<td height="21">Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash </td>

</tr>

</tr>

</tbody>

</table>

March 30, 2011

When browsing the gallary photos, I remember seeing a link to view a larger version. I've recently seen several photo's with text encouraging viewers to view the large version, but I can't seem to find that option/link/button to do that any more!

Please remind me how to go to the larger version. Thanks.

August 1, 2010

I have a slightly different problem, and I'm surprised no one else has mentioned it. I wear glasses, and while focusing doesn't present any particular problems, I find that because my glasses keep my eye further from the viewfinder than if I didn't wear them, I have trouble seeing the edges of the frame. I'm constantly surprised (and usually disappointed) that my composition is not what I'd expected. It's not a huge problem, and I can usually fix it in PS, but sometimes I cut off something I wanted in. Anyone else have this experience?

Sign In

Profiles

Forums

Blogs

Events

Downloads

Gallery

Store

Posts posted by keith_bogut