BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Answers

Canon 420 EX

Oh, and how to do I get it to act like a slave, I have set it to slave, but when my flash goes off on my camera, the speedlite doesn't go off, am I doing something wrong? Or does it not work in conjunction with the normal pop up flash on my camera.

Talk to me like im a 5 year old!!! Explain to me what the below all means:

Maximum guide number 42 (ISO 100, metres) at 105mm setting; Guide Number 31 at 35mm setting.
Approximately 1/2-stop less powerful than 550EX
E-TTL features include high-speed FP sync mode, and FE Lock (spot/partial flash metering)
Fully compatible as an affordable Wireless "slave" flash, with EOS1V, EOS 3 EOS30/33 and D30

COMPACT HIGH POWER E-TTL SPEEDLITE

The new Speedlite 420EX is fully E-TTL compatible, and reverts to standard TTL operation when used on older EOS bodies or the T90. The fully swiveling bounce head zooms automatically over a range of 24mm-105mm. Most impressively, its wireless E-TTL compatibility permits it to function as a 'slave' unit, triggered by a 550EX; ST-E2, MT-24EX or MR-14EX.

THE POWERFUL SPEEDLITE FROM CANON
- High power output offering a maximum guide number of 42 at 105mm setting to a guide number of 23 at 24mm ultra- wide setting (ISO 100, metres)
- E -TTL features include high-speed FP sync mode and Flash Exposure (FE) Lock (spot / partial flash metering)
- Built in receiver offering full compatibility as a wireless E-TTL "slave" flash, with EOS1V, EOS 3, EOS30/33, EOS D30, D60 and EOS 1-D
- Can be added to a unlimited number of Speedlite 550EX of Speedlite 420EX in a group offering multiple wireless flash setups for the ultimate portable studio
- Reduced size with 30% smaller head than the Speedlite 380EX and higher output

ADVANCED FEATURES
- Fully swivelling bounce head zooms automatically over a range of 24mm-105mm
- Built in modelling light enabled by the depth of field preview button on the EOS-1V, EOS 3 and the EOS 30/33
- AF-assist beam linked to the multi-point AF systems of compatible cameras
- Offers standard TTL operation when used on older EOS bodies or the T90
- Powered by four AA-size batteries (alkaline, lithium, Ni-Cd or Ni-MH

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February 22, 2005

I am thinking about buying the same flash and know just as little as you do but maybe this link can help you a bit:
http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/

Regards
John

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February 23, 2005

The EOS camera bodies alone cannot control the EX speedlights wirelessly. The 420EX can only be used as a slave with the ST-E2 controller; or as a slave to the 580EX, 550EX, or MT-24EX speedlights.

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February 23, 2005

Thanks John!

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February 27, 2005