E Advanced User Guide
Introduction To avoid shooting problems and accidents, first read the “Safety Instructions” (pages 8-9). Also, read this manual carefully to ensure that you use the product correctly. Read This Instruction Manual while also Referring to Your Camera’s Instruction Manual Before using the product, read this Instruction Manual and your camera’s Instruction Manual to familiarize yourself with their operations. Be sure to store this manual safely, too, so that you can refer to it again when necessary.
Chapters Introduction 1 Getting Started and Basic Operations 2 Flash Functions 3 Flash Functions Available from the Camera 4 Wireless Flash Photography: Optical Transmission 5 Reference Preparing for flash photography and basic flash photography Setting flash functions Setting flash functions from the camera Wireless flash photography using optical transmission Common flash questions 2 11 21 27 41 55 3
Conventions Used in this Manual Icons in this Manual (p.**) : Reference page numbers for more information. : Warning to prevent shooting problems. : Supplemental information. Basic Assumptions zz The operation procedures assume that the Speedlite is attached to the camera and that both are turned on. zz The icons used for buttons, dials, and symbols in the text match the icons found on the Speedlite and the camera.
Contents Introduction 2 Chapters...............................................................................3 Conventions Used in this Manual.........................................4 Index to Features..................................................................7 Safety Instructions................................................................8 Nomenclature.....................................................................
Contents 3 Flash Functions Available from the Camera 27 Setting Flash Functions from the Camera..........................28 r Second-curtain Sync/c High-speed Sync...................31 a: Manual Flash................................................................33 MULTI: Stroboscopic Flash...............................................35 CSP: Continuous Shooting Priority Mode...........................37 f Flash Exposure Compensation.....................................38 C.
Index to Features Power Source Functions zz Batteries è p.12 zz Firing interval/count è p.11 zz Power ON/OFF è p.16 zz Flash ready è p.16 zz Auto power off è p.25 Operations zz Attaching and detaching the Speedlite è p.14 Normal Flash Photography zz E-TTL autoflash è p.18 zz Autoflash by shooting mode è p.19 zz Manual flash è p.33 zz Metered manual flash è p.34 zz TTL autoflash è p.2 zz Flash exposure compensation è p.38 zz FE lock è p.24 zz High-speed sync è p.
Safety Instructions Be sure to read these instructions in order to operate the product safely. Follow these instructions to prevent injury or harm to the operator of the product or others. WARNING Denotes the risk of serious injury or death. ooUse only power sources specified in this instruction manual for use with the product. ooDo not disassemble or modify the product. ooDo not expose the product to strong shocks or vibration. ooDo not touch any exposed internal parts.
Safety Instructions CAUTION Denotes the risk of injury. ooDo not fire the flash near the eyes. It may hurt the eyes. ooFlash emits high temperatures when fired. Keep fingers, any other part of your body, and objects away from the flash unit while taking pictures. This may cause burns or malfunction of the flash. ooDo not leave the product in places exposed to extremely high or low temperatures. The product may become extremely hot/cold and cause burns or injury when touched.
Nomenclature (1) (5) (2) (6) (7) (9) (3) (4) (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) Flash head (Light-emitting unit) Optical transmission wireless sensor Mounting foot Contacts Bounce angle index Channel switch (8) (10) (11) (12) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) Power lamp Battery compartment cover Mode dial Mounting foot lock lever Flash-ready lamp Lock-release button Accessories Provided (2) (1) Speedlite case (1) (2) 10 Mini stand pocket Attachment Mini stand
1 Getting Started and Basic Operations This chapter describes the preparations before starting flash photography and the basic shooting operations. Cautions for firing continuous flash ooTo avoid wearing out and damaging the flash head due to overheating, do not fire the flash continuously at full output more than 30 times. After firing the flash continuously at full output this many times, stop using the flash for at least 40 min.
Installing the Batteries Install two AA/R6 batteries for power supply. 1 Open the cover. 2 Install the batteries. 3 Close the cover.
Installing the Batteries CAUTION ooDo not use “AA/R6 lithium batteries”. Note that certain AA/R6 lithium batteries may become extremely hot in rare cases during use. Due to safety reasons, do not use “AA/R6 lithium batteries”. ooDo not use the Speedlite while touching the same part for a long period of time. Even if the product does not feel too hot, prolonged contact with the same body part may cause skin redness or blistering due to low-temperature contact burns.
Attaching and Detaching the Speedlite to and from the Camera Always turn off the Speedlite beforehand. 1 Attach the Speedlite. 2 Secure the Speedlite. 3 Detach the Speedlite.
Switching Flash Coverage Adjust the flash head so the flash coverage is suitable for the focal length of your lens. Using lenses with a wider angle of view than the flash coverage may cause vignetting. Normal position zz Maximum flash coverage can be used with RF/EF 24mm (EF-S/EF-M 15mm) lenses. Extended zz Can be used with RF/EF 50mm (EFS/EF-M 30mm) or larger lenses.
Turning on the Power the Mode dial to (1) or 1 Set (2). that the flash is ready. 2 Check zz The flash-ready lamp (3) is red when (1) (2) (3) the flash is fully charged. zz Shooting is also possible while the flash-ready lamp is blinking (using Quick flash). Flash output will be 1/2 to 1/6 of full output. Mode Dial zz The flash fires constantly as you shoot.
Turning on the Power ooLeaving the Mode dial set to when using cameras that support auto flash firing may prevent full charging and firing during shooting, depending on shooting conditions or the state of the battery. ooQuick flash is not available under these conditions.
a: Fully Automatic Flash Photography When you set the camera’s shooting mode to (Program AE) or a fully automatic mode, you can shoot in E-TTL II/E-TTL fully automatic flash mode. Note that for some cameras, [E-TTL II flash metering] is automatically used when the flash Mode dial is set to . the flash mode to [E-TTL II flash 1 Set metering]. zz Select the flash mode setting item from the camera’s [Flash function settings] or [External flash func. setting] screen (p.28).
E-TTL II/E-TTL Autoflash by Shooting Mode Set the camera’s shooting mode to (shutter-priority AE), (aperture-priority AE), (flexible-priority AE), or (manual exposure) to use E-TTL II/E-TTL autoflash for that mode. s Enables you to set the shutter speed manually. Based on your shutter speed, the camera sets an aperture to provide standard exposure. ooIf the aperture value blinks, adjust the shutter speed until it stops blinking. Enables you to set the aperture manually.
2 Flash Functions This chapter describes functions available on the flash. For functions available from the camera, see page 27.
Bounce By pointing the flash head toward a ceiling or wall, you can utilize the reflection of the flash light off the surface for flash photography, making it possible to soften the shadows of the subject for a more natural-looking shot. This shooting technique is called “Bounce flash photography”. Setting the Bounce Direction zz You can turn the flash head as shown. Shooting with the flash head extended is recommended.
Modeling Flash When the camera’s depth-of-field preview button is pressed, the flash fires continuously for approx. 1 sec. This feature is called “modeling flash”. This is useful for checking shadows cast on the subject by the flash light. ooTo avoid wearing out and damaging the flash head due to overheating, do not fire the modeling flash more than 30 times. If you fire the modeling flash more than this, stop using the flash for at least 40 min.
FEL: FE Lock The FE (Flash Exposure) lock locks the correct flash exposure setting for any part of the subject. 1 Focus on the subject. the flash exposure. 2 Lock zz Set the flash mode to [E-TTL II flash metering] (p.18). zz Center the subject in the viewfinder or on the screen, and then press the camera’s FE Lock button. The position of the FE Lock button varies by camera. For details, refer to the camera’s Instruction Manual. ggThe Speedlite fires a preflash, and the flash exposure is locked.
Other Functions Color Temperature Information Transmission This function adjusts the white balance depending on the color temperature of the flash light by transmitting the color temperature information to the EOS DIGITAL camera when the flash fires. When you set the camera’s white balance to , , or , the function is enabled automatically. Refer to the camera’s Instruction Manual to find out if it is compatible with this function.
3 Flash Functions Available from the Camera This chapter describes flash functions available from the camera. Operations in this chapter are available when the camera’s shooting mode is set to .
Setting Flash Functions from the Camera When using EOS DIGITAL cameras released in and after 2007, you can set flash functions or Custom Functions from the camera’s menu screen. For menu instructions, refer to the camera’s Instruction Manual. [z: Flash control] or [z: 1 Select External Speedlite control]. [Flash function settings] or 2 Select [External flash func. setting]. the item. 3 Set zz The setting screen and items displayed vary depending on the camera.
Setting Flash Functions from the Camera Settings Available on the Flash Function Settings Screen zzFlash firing To perform flash photography, set to [Enable]. To use the flash’s AFassist beam only, set to [Disable]. zzE-TTL II flash metering For normal exposures, set it to [Evaluative]. If [Average] is set, the flash exposure will be averaged for the entire scene metered by the camera. zzSlow synchro You can set the flash sync speed for flash photography in aperturepriority AE mode or Program AE mode.
Setting Flash Functions from the Camera zzWireless functions (p.41) You can set up optical wireless flash photography. zzFlash Custom Function settings (p.39) You can set Speedlite Custom Functions. zzClear settings (p.39) When [Clear flash settings] or [Clear external flash set.] is selected, you can revert the settings of Speedlite to their default settings. Some functions may not be displayed, depending on the camera. Also, some functions cannot be set when the flash Mode dial is set to .
r Second-curtain Sync/c High-speed Sync Using second-curtain sync at low shutter speeds enables natural shots of subject motion trails, such as car lights. First-curtain sync High-speed sync enables flash photography at even higher shutter speeds than the maximum flash sync shutter speed. This is effective when you want to shoot in the mode (open aperture) with background blur in locations such as outdoors in daylight. Normal flash the [Shutter 1 Access synchronization] setting screen.
Second-curtain Sync/High-speed Sync 2 Select an item. ooSecond-curtain sync is not available during wireless flash photography. ooWith high-speed sync, the faster the shutter speed, the lower the guide number becomes.
a: Manual Flash You can set any flash output from 1/1 full output to 1/128 power. the flash mode. 1 Set zz Select the flash mode setting item from the [Flash function settings] or [External flash func. setting] screen (p.28). zz Select [Manual flash]. the flash output. 2 Set zz Select the flash output setting item from the [Flash function settings] or [External flash func. setting] screen. zz Use [Y] [Z] to set the level.
Manual Flash Metered Manual Flash Exposure When using an EOS-1D series camera, the flash exposure level can be manually set before shooting. This is effective when you are close to the subject. Use an 18% gray reflector (commercially available) and shoot as follows. the camera and Speedlite settings. 1 Configure zz Set the camera’s shooting mode to or . zz Set the Speedlite’s flash mode to . on the subject. 2 Focus zz Focus manually. up an 18% gray reflector.
MULTI: Stroboscopic Flash Using stroboscopic flash at low shutter speeds enables you to capture continuous movement in a single shot. the flash mode. 1 Set zz Select the flash mode setting item from the [Flash function settings] or [External flash func. setting] screen (p.28). zz Select [MULTI flash (stroboscopic)]. the flash count, frequency, and 2 Set output. zz Select and set the setting items from the [Flash function settings] or [External flash func. setting] screen.
Stroboscopic Flash Calculating the Shutter Speed Flash count ÷ Flash frequency = Shutter speed For example, if the flash count is set to 10 (times) and flash frequency to 5 (Hz), set the shutter speed to 2 sec. or longer. ooTo avoid wearing out or damaging the flash head from overheating, do not use stroboscopic flash repeatedly more than 15 times. After 15 shots, stop using the flash for at least 10 min. ooShooting more than 15 times will activate a safety function and restrict flash firing.
CSP: Continuous Shooting Priority Mode Flash photography in continuous shooting priority (CSP) mode is available on some cameras. Continuous shooting priority mode automatically decreases the flash output by one stop and increases the ISO speed by one stop. This is useful in continuous shooting, or when you wish to conserve the flash battery power. For details, refer to the Instruction Manual of cameras with this feature. Set the flash mode.
f Flash Exposure Compensation With a similar procedure as exposure compensation, you can adjust the flash output. the [Flash exposure 1 Access compensation] screen. zz Select [Flash exposure compensation] from the [Flash function settings] or [External flash func. setting] screen (p.28). the flash exposure 2 Set compensation amount. zz Use [Y] [Z] to set the level. Generally, set an increased exposure compensation for bright subjects and set a decreased exposure compensation for dark subjects.
C.Fn: Flash Custom Function Settings You can set Custom Functions for the Speedlite from the camera’s menu screen. The details displayed vary by the camera. [Flash C.Fn settings] or 1 Select [External flash C.Fn setting]. a Custom Function. 2 Select zz Set the function. zz To clear all Custom Function settings, on the [External Speedlite control] or [Flash control] screen, select [Clear all Speedlite C.Fn’s] or [Clear ext. flash C.Fn set.].
C.Fn: Flash Custom Function Settings Setting Custom Functions C.Fn-01: Auto power off (p.25) oo0: ON (Enabled) oo1: OFF (Disabled) C.Fn-10: Receiver auto power off timer You can change the time until auto power off takes effect on receivers in optical wireless flash photography. oo0: 60 minutes oo1: 10 minutes C.Fn-11: Receiver auto power off cancel In optical wireless flash photography, you can turn on receivers that were automatically turned off by turning on the sender.
4 Wireless Flash Photography: Optical Transmission This chapter describes wireless flash photography using the optical transmission wireless sender/receiver function. For details on the accessories required in optical wireless flash photography, refer to the separate Supplemental Information. ooOperations in this chapter are available when the camera’s shooting mode is set to . ooSet the Mode dial of the sender to (p.16).
: Optical Transmission Wireless Flash Photography You can use another Canon Speedlite compatible with optical wireless flash photography to shoot with wireless multiple-flash lighting. Positioning and Operation Range zzAutoflash using one receiver (p.44) Indoors Receiver Outdoors Sender Approx. 80° Transmission Approx. Approx. distance 5 m/16.4 ft. 8 m/26.2 ft. ooTo avoid interfering with transmission, do not place any obstacles between the sender unit and receiver unit.
Optical Transmission Wireless Flash Photography Wireless Multiple-Flash Photography E-TTL II/E-TTL autoflash photography is possible with two or three receiver groups, and the flash ratio (proportion of flash output) can be adjusted as needed. E-TTL II/E-TTL autoflash photography is also possible with all flash units firing at the same output level (p.47). zzAutoflash with receiver groups C A A B 2 groups (A, B) (p.49) B 3 groups (A, B, C) (p.
a: Fully Automatic Wireless Flash Photography Autoflash Using One Receiver This section describes basic fully automatic wireless shooting with EL-100 senders and receivers. Setting up senders the wireless optical 1 Configure transmission. zz Select the wireless functions setting item from the [Flash function settings] or [External flash func. setting] screen (p.28). zz Select [Wireless:Optical transmission].
Fully Automatic Wireless Flash Photography the flash mode, optical 2 Configure channel, and sender flash firing. (1) zz Select and set the setting items from the [Flash function settings] or [External flash func. setting] screen. (2) (3) (1) Flash mode (2) Optical channel (3) Sender flash firing zz In (1), set the flash mode to [E-TTL II flash metering]. zz In (2), set the sender’s optical channel. zz In (3), set [Sender flash firing] to [Enable].
Fully Automatic Wireless Flash Photography Setting up receivers an optical channel. 3 Set zz Set the channel switch to the same channel as set on the sender. zz Firing is not possible unless the sender and receiver channels match. the flash group. 4 Set zz Set the Mode dial to <4>. the camera and the flash. 5 Position (p.42) If there is a fluorescent light or computer monitor near a receiver unit, the presence of the light source may cause the receiver unit to malfunction and fire inadvertently.
Fully Automatic Wireless Flash Photography Autoflash Using Multiple Receivers Use more receivers when more light is needed, or as an easy way to ensure ample lighting. Shoot as described in “Autoflash Using One Receiver” (p.44). When the sender flash group is set to [ALL], all flash units fire at the same output, and the total, combined output is automatically controlled to provide standard exposure. When sender flash firing is set to [Enable], the flash units in group A fire.
Fully Automatic Wireless Flash Photography Advanced Shooting with Fully Automatic Wireless Flash Since the following functions set on the sender unit will be set automatically to the receiver units on this wireless system, you do not need to operate the receiver unit(s). zzFE lock (p.24) zzHigh-speed sync (c / p.31) zzManual flash (p.33, 53) zzStroboscopic flash (p.35) zzFlash exposure compensation (f / p.
5: Wireless Multiple-Flash Photography with Flash Ratio Autoflash with Two Receiver Groups Receivers can be assigned to flash groups A and B, and you can adjust the relative output of each. Exposure is automatically controlled so that the groups’ combined output provides standard exposure. A B Setting up senders the flash group and ratio. 1 Set zz Select and set the setting items from the [Flash function settings] or [External flash func. setting] screen (p.28).
Wireless Multiple-Flash Photography with Flash Ratio Setting up receivers the flash group. 2 Set zz Set the Mode dial of each receiver to the group in which it will fire (<4> or <5>). Autoflash with Three Receiver Groups Once flash groups A and B have been set up, you can add group C. Group C is effective in eliminating shadows in the background behind subjects. Basic settings are the same as for “Autoflash with Two Receiver Groups” (p.49).
Wireless Multiple-Flash Photography with Flash Ratio Setting up senders (2) the flash group, flash ratio, and 1 Set flash exposure compensation. zz Select and set the setting items from the [Flash function settings] or [External flash func. setting] screen (p.28). (1) (3) (1) Flash group (2) A:B ratio control (3) Group C exposure compensation zz In (1), set the flash group to [6]. zz In (2), use [Y] [Z] to set the flash ratio of group A to group B.
Wireless Multiple-Flash Photography with Flash Ratio Setting up receivers up the receiver for flash group 2 Set C. zz Set the channel switch to the same channel as set on the other receivers. zz Set the Mode dial to <6>. Group Control You can add more receivers when more light or sophisticated lighting is needed. For added receivers, specify the flash group (A, B, or C) that you want to be brighter. There is no limit to how many receivers can be added.
q: Wireless Multiple-Flash Photography with Manual Output You can shoot with a specified flash output for each flash group. Setting up senders (1) the flash mode, group, and 1 Set output. zz Select and set the setting items from the [Flash function settings] or [External flash func. setting] screen. (2) (3) (1) Flash mode (2) Flash group (3) Flash output level zz In (1), set the flash mode to [Manual flash]. zz In (2), set the flash group.
Wireless Multiple-Flash Photography with Manual Output Setting up receivers the flash group. 2 Set zz Set the Mode dial of receivers to one of the specified groups (<4>, <5>, or <6>). To fire multiple receivers together at the same output, set [Flash group] to [ALL].
5 Reference 55
Flash Firing Restrictions due to Temperature Increase When continuous flash or modeling flash is repeatedly fired in short intervals, the temperature of the flash head, batteries, and the area near the battery compartment may increase. Repeated flash firing gradually increases the firing interval to avoid wearing out or damaging the flash head from overheating. Continuing to fire the flash in this state will automatically restrict flash firing.
Troubleshooting Guide If a problem occurs with the flash, first refer to this Troubleshooting Guide. If this Troubleshooting Guide does not resolve the problem, contact your dealer or nearest Canon Service Center. Normal Flash Photography The power does not turn on. ●● Make sure the batteries are installed in the correct orientation (p.12). ●● Make sure the battery compartment cover is closed (p.12). ●● Replace the batteries with new ones. The Speedlite does not fire.
Troubleshooting Guide Pictures are underexposed or overexposed. ●● If the main subject looks very dark or very bright, set flash exposure compensation (p.38). ●● If there is a highly reflective object in the picture, use FE lock (p.24). ●● With high-speed sync, the faster the shutter speed, the lower the guide number becomes. Approach the subject or increase the ISO speed (p.31). The bottom of the picture looks dark. ●● Move at least 0.7 m/2.3 ft. away from the subject.
Troubleshooting Guide Optical Transmission Wireless Flash Photography Receivers do not fire, or mistakenly fire at full output. ●● When using the flash as a sender, select [Wireless:Optical transmission] on the camera (p.44). When using the flash as a receiver, set the channel switch to the same channel as set on the sender (p.44). ●● Make sure the receiver unit is within the transmission range of the sender unit (p.42). ●● Point the wireless sensor of the receiver unit toward the sender unit (p.42).
Index Numeric 18% gray reflector............................34 A E-TTL II flash metering.....................29 F FE lock (FEL)....................................24 Accessory.........................................10 Firing interval....................................56 AF-assist beam................................25 First-curtain sync..............................29 Auto power off............................ 25, 40 Flash control.....................................28 Av (Aperture-priority AE).
Index H High-speed sync...............................31 Hot shoe...........................................14 M Recharging.......................................16 S Safety Instructions..............................8 Second-curtain sync.........................31 Manual flash............................... 33, 41 Sender..............................................41 Metered manual flash.......................34 Shutter speed...................................19 M (Manual exposure)................
The descriptions in this Instruction Manual are current as of July 2018. For information on the compatibility with any products introduced after this date, contact any Canon Service Center. For the latest version Instruction Manual, refer to the Canon Web site. CPA-E509-000 © CANON INC.
