 Gerald Pope |
Controling the output of an external flash. Is there a way to control the output of my external flash? I am using a canon 420ex, and I can't seem to find a way to manually adjust the output. The ETTL is nice for quick shooting, but for studio-like setups it isn't giving me the control I want. Is there something I am missing, or do I need different lighting? Thanks, GP
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Cyndee Wanyonyi |
me too... Cyndee ><>
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Mark Feldstein |
I don't know that particular flash unit. It may have a fixed output. All you can try is attaching some kind of light modifier to the front, anything from a piece of tissue to a softbox like a Lumiquest or something of that ilk. Try bouncing the light off an 8' white ceiling. That'll diffuse your light, if it has enough power to make it back off the ceiling to your subject. My suggestion is buy a flash with a reasonable output and variable power like...say a Vivitar 285HV. They're very well made, reliable, and have a guide number of about 200 (or F22 at 10 feet with ISO 100 film) If necessary, you can use the HV (High voltage models) with a separately purchased powerpack that cuts your recycling time to nearly nil. Less than $100 bucks at http://www.bhphotovideo.com. Or look at the Nikon units too. Very very nice, but a few bucks more than the Vivitars. And...if you've got the bucks, look at the Quantum T-2 or T-4 portable strobes. 200 watt seconds or 400 watt seconds of beautiful, clean, fully adjustable light. Better to have too much than too little. These guys work on a power pack, several are abilable. I use mine with a Quantum Turbo battery. It's fantastic. Pricey, but top shelf for ourdoor or indoor work. Take it light.
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Christopher A. Vedros |
The output on the 420EX can not be manually adjusted. I think the only way you can adjust its output is if it is used with multiple Canon flashes triggered by a Canon ST-E2 unit. All of the higher model Canon flashes, including the 430EX, which replaces the 420EX, can be manually adjusted on the flash. Of course, Mark's suggestions for modifying the flash's output with a softbox, etc. will work well. Chris
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Andy |
For on camera use the FEC (Flash Exposure Compensation) of the 420EX is adjusted from the camera. For D30, the FEC button is the first to the left of the top LCD panel. For 20D, it is the rightmost button in front of the top LCD panel. This button usually marked with a lighting symbol next to the +/- sign. You press that button and turn the main dial for the adjustment. Off the camera wirelessly, you can use any one of the 550EX, 580EX, MT-24EX, MR-14EX or ST-E2 to control the output. Or use the Off-Camera Shoe Cord 2, Off-Camera Shoe Adapter with Connecting Cord 60 (or 300) and TTL Hot Shoe Adapter 3 to connect the flash and your camera and adjust the output using the FEC button on your camera. HTH.
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Gerald Pope |
Thanks for all the advise! I have tried the FEC, and it certainly helps, but I still seem to be getting inconsistent results. I think it is likely because it is still metering off the subject, which can be inconsistent. It is basically taking whatever it meters down or up 1 or 2 stops, but it is still based on whatever it meters. It's helpful but not fully manual. Idefinitely think that I will get one of the master units mentioned above, or better yet, portable strobes... Now if I can just convince my wife... Thanks,
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