Flash Photography

[Alfdude1]

I purchased a Canon 580EX about 3 years ago and finally used it (yeah, I know) on my recently acquired EOS 5D Mark II. Using the separate flash is new to me so bear with me. I was asked to shoot a wedding for my business partner's son over the weekend. I did some experimenting with the flash/camera combination and for the most part, the pictures turned out well. What I noticed was, some of the pictures are well lit while the next picture in line from basically the same angle was dark. The flash did go off and I had it set to E-TTL. Most of the time the camera was set on "P" which meant a 1/60 second shutter speed. I did go to TV and set it at 1/100 or 1/125 for a few shots.

I went to the menu of the EOS 5D Mark II and in the flash menu tried to reset or clear the settings of the flash, but got an error message about the flash is not on or compatible. Any ideas as to which units are compatible?

Thanks,
Mike

[bob_r]

MIke,

Welcome to the Forum!

i believe you may need the 580EX II or 430EX II for compatability with the 5D MarkII. I believe the flash synch speed for the 5D MarkII is 1/200s. You should have a custom function to allow you to set it. I don't know if this would allow it to synch with the 580EX or not. I set the synch speed on my 30D to 1/250s to work with the 580EX.

BTW, when you were changing the flash settings, did you have the flash attached? If not, you will get an error message.

[Alfdude1]

Thanks! Yes the flash was attached and turned on.
Mike

[Bonish Photo]

Are you sure the flash went off each time?

I have this happen on a regular occasion when I try to fire off consecutive shots. Usually the batteries take a few seconds to recharge, and unless 100% charged up, the second shot wont fire the flash resulting in a dark shot.

I know if I'm looking through the viewfinder, I can not tell if the flash fires. I have to check the EXIF data to see if the flash fired.

Hope that helps

Welcome to the Forum