English INSTRUC
Thank you for purchasing a Canon product. The Canon Speedlite 380EX is a Canon EOS-dedicated autofocus zoom flash unit featuring the newly-developed E-TTL (Evaluative-Through-The-Lens) auto flash control system, It also has two new features: FP (Focal-Plane) flash and FE (Flash Exposure) lock. FP flash enables the Speedlite to synchronize with all shutter speeds (high-speed sync) while FE lock locks the flash exposure reading for a specific area.
Canon Speedlite 380EX Features 1 E-TTL auto flash control When Speedlite 380EX is used with a Type-A camera, E-TTL auto flash control takes over Unlike the A-TTL and TTL auto flash systems which use a multiple-zone flash metering sensor to read the flash exposure, the E-TTL auto flash system uses normal evaluative metering with the camera’s metering sensor and controls the flash exposure automatically.
8 Speedlite accessories for creative lighting Off-Camera Shoe Cord 2 connects the Speedlite off the camera while retaining E-TTL auto fiash controi. Accessories are aiso avaiiabie to set up muitipie-fiash systems maintaining auto flash exposure control. Speedlite Care 1 Speedlite 380EX contains high-voltage circuitry. Never attempt to disassemble the Speedlite. For any repairs, take the Speedlite to a Canon Service Center. 2 Do not get the Speedlite wet.
Contents • If you have a Type-A camera, read pages 2-28 and 36-46. • If you have a Type-B camera, read pages 2~16 and 29-46. Quick Start Guide.......................................................................... 6 Nomenclature.................................................................. ..............8 1. Instailing the Batteries............................................. 10 2. Mounting the Speedlite........................................................ „12 3. Power Switch....................
Quick Start Guide Before following this Guide, attach Speedlite 380EX to the camera and turn on the camera and Speedlite. * The asterisked features are available only with Type-A cameras. For more details, see the specified pages.
* FE lock (Page26) * Secondcurtain sync (Page28) Slow-speed sync (Page36) Bounce flash (Page38)
Nomenclature Front Flash head
Nomenclature • Rear Turns on the power.
I. Before You Start 1. Installing the Batteries Install one of the following types of batteries: (1) Four size-AA alkaline batteries (LR6 or AM-3) (2) Four size-AA NiCd batteries (KR15 or KR51) H Slide the battery compartment ’ cover as shown by the arrow and fiip it up. Insert the batteries with the contacts oriented as shown in the battery compartment. Use four new batteries of the same type. • To prevent faulty connections, make sure the battery contacts are clean.
I. Before You Start Battery Cautions When replacing batteries, replace all four batteries at one time. Although ordinary, non-alkaline batteries (R6 or UM3) may be used, the number of flashes will be less. The contacts of NiCd batteries are not standardized If you want to use NiCd batteries, make sure the battery contacts touch the battery compartment's contacts securely. When you will not use the Speedlite for an extended period, remove the batteries.
2. Mounting the Speedlite 1 Loosen the locking collar by turning it as shown by the arrow. Slip the Speedlite’s mounting foot on the camera’s hot shoe until it stops. Turn the locking collar as shown by the arrow and tighten. (The mounting foot’s locking pin extends into the hot shoe.) • To detach the Speedlite, turn the locking collar in the opposite direction until it stops. (The locking pin retracts into the mounting foot.
3. Power Switch Set the power switch as follows: 0 :To turn off the power. 1 :To turn on the power. If the Speedlite is left unused for about 90 sec., it turns off automatically to save battery power. To turn on the Speedlite again, press the shutter button or press the test firing button. 4. FP Flash Switch Use this switch to set high speed sync. • : For normal sync, : For high-speed sync.
5. Pilot Lamp and Test Firing ^ Set the power switch to I. The Speedlite starts to recharge. When recharging is completed, the pilot lamp lights. O After the pilot lamp lights, press it ^ to test fire the flash. (The pilot lamp is also a test firing button.) The flash cannot be test fired while the exposure setting Is displayed during the L|1 halfway pressing of the shutter button and the four seconds after the shutter button is released. 6.
7. Flash Coverage Speedlite 380EX’s flash head zooms automatically to provide adequate flash coverage for the lens focal length in use. Flash coverage is provided for 24mm to 105mm focal lengths. The corresponding flash coverage indicator on the Speediite lights. When a zoom lens is used, the Speedlite adjusts the flash coverage automatically whenever the lens is zoomed. The corresponding fiash coverage indicator iights. • When the flash coverage changes, the Speedlite's Guide No also changes.
8. AF-Assist Beam If where you focus lacks sufficient light or contrast, the Speedlite’s AFassist beam is emitted automatically to help the camera autofocus. The AF-assist beam is effective from 0.7 to 10 meters (2.3 to 33 feet). AF-assist beam activation Depending on the camera and the active focusing point, either the camera’s AF-assist beam or the Speedlite’s AF-assist beam is emitted. Speedlite 380EX’s AF-assist beam is linkable only to the center focusing point.
II. Speedlite 380EX with Type-A Cameras With a Type-A camera, you can use Speedlite 380EX’s E-TTL auto flash system. The E-TTL auto flash system uses the camera’s focusing pointlinked, evaluative metering sensor to meter the flash exposure. Flash exposure control is more precise, resulting in a balanced exposure for both the subject and background in fill-flash or low-light conditions. Automatic exposure control and flash exposure control are therefore combined. FP flash and FE lock can also be easily set.
II. Speedlite 380EX with Type-A Cameras Q Slide the FP fiash switch to the green dot (normal sync). Aim the active focusing point on the subject and press the shutter button halfway. r ■P- rn l;c • Focus is achieved and the shutter speed and aperture setting are dispiayed in the viewfinder and on the LCD panei. • The sync speed is set automaticaily anywhere from 1/60 sec. to the camera's maximum sync speed (this varies depending on the camera). The aperture is aiso set automaticaily.
II. Speedlite 380EX with Type-A Cameras Fill Flash Even in daylight, you can use flash as backlit portrait subjects. With fill flash. light for harsh shadows or dark, Without fill flash. ra When a fully-automatic picture-taking mode is used with Speedlite 380EX, the fill l_il flash output may be reduced automatically to balance the exposure between the subject and background. This is called auto flash output reduction.
2. Flash with Other Modes The E-TTL auto flash system can also be used with a Type-A camera set to A v (aperture-priority AE), T v (shutter speed-priority AE), or M (manual). Set the FP flash switch to the green dot (normal sync). ■ When you press the shutter button halfway, the shutter speed and aperture setting are displayed as in any AE mode. Shutter Speed and Aperture Setting Acco Mode Shutter Speed Flash Aperture Full Auto and Programmed Image Control Automatically set (1/60-1/X sec.
II. Speedlite 380EX with Type-A Cameras 1 (1)Flash with Aperture-Priority AE When you want to control the depth of field or when you want the background correctly exposed, use aperture-priority AE. You set the aperture and the camera sets the shutter speed automatically to suit the background’s light level. The E-TTL auto flash system controls the flash output according to the aperture you set. 1 Set the camera to Av (aperturepriority AE) and set the desired aperture.
r II. Speedlite 3B0EX with Type-A Cameras (2) Flash with Shutter Speed-Priority AE When you want to create a certain effect with the shutter speed, use shutter speed-priority AE. In this mode, you set the sync speed anywhere from 30 sec. to the camera’s maximum sync speed. The camera then sets the aperture automaticaliy to obtain the correct background exposure. The E-TTL auto fiash system controls the flash output according to the aperture set automatically by the camera.
II. Speedlite 380EX with Type-A Camera 1 (3) Flash with Manual Exposure When you want to set both the sync speed and the aperture, use manual exposure. The E-TTL auto flash system controls the flash output according to the aperture you set. the camera to M (manual 1 Set exposure) and set the desired aperture and sync speed anywhere from bulb to the camera’s maximum sync speed. 2 Check that the FP flash switch is set to the green dot (normal sync). Q Press the shutter button halfway to focus the subject.
r 3. UsingSpecial Features With a Type-A camera, Speedlite 380EX enables FP flash and FE lock. (1) FP flash FP (focal-plane) flash, or high-speed sync, enables the Speedlite to synchronize with a shutter speed faster than the camera’s maximum sync speed. When a sync speed faster than the camera’s maximum sync speed is set, Speedlite 380EX automatically sets the high-speed sync mode for auto flash exposure. FP flash can be used in the P, Tv, Av, M, and DEP modes.
II. Speedlile 380EX with Type-A Cameras A Check that nothing is blinking in the ^ viewfinder and press the shutter button completely to take the picture. ♦ When high-speed sync has been set, Vh is displayed in the viewfinder Taken with FP flash at 1/3000 sec., f/2.0 (EF 100mm f/2 0 lens). 0 Taken with normal flash at 1/125 sec., f/9.5 (EF 100mm 1/2 0 lens) The Speedlite's Guide No. changes according to the high-speed sync. The Speediite's flash range decreases with FP flash. High-Speed Sync Guide No.
II. Speedlite 380EX with Type-A Cameras (2)FE Lock When used with a Type-A camera, Speedlite 380EX enables FE (flash exposure) lock. The camera’s AE lock button functions as an FE lock button. Use FE lock to obtain and lock the correct flash exposure reading for any portion of the picture. You can then recompose the shot while retaining the flash exposure reading. H Set the camera to a Creative Zone ’ mode (P, Tv, Av, M, or DEP). O Press the shutter button halfway to ^ focus the subject.
II. Speedlite 380EX with Type-A Cameras • If the subject is too far away for FE lock to be set, 4 blinks. Move nearer to the subject and repeat steps 2 and 3. 3G 4 5 Compose the picture. Within 16 sec. after releasing the FE lock button, check the display in the viewfinder, recompose if necessary, then take the picture..
II. Speedlite 380EX with Type-A Cameras (3) Second-Curtain Synchronization If your Type-A camera has a Custom Function for setting second-curtain synchronization, you can fire the flash right before the exposure ends (when the second shutter curtain closes). Normally, first-curtain synchronization is set so that the flash is fired at the start of the exposure (when the first shutter curtain opens).
aperture, and multiple-tiasli capability. Just press the shutter button for easy and automatic flash photography. 1 ■ Fully-Automatic Flash Operation For fully-automatic flash operation, attach Speedlite 380EX to a Type-B camera and set the camera to Program AE ( p ) or Full Auto (□). The TTL auto flash system then sets the camera’s sync speed and aperture automatically. This mode makes flash photography easy and automatic for low-light and fill-flash conditions.
Speedlite 380EX with Type-B Cameras Aim the active focusing point on the subject and press the shutter button halfway. • Focus is achieved and the shutter speed and aperture setting are displayed in the viewfinder and on the LCD panel. • The sync speed is set automatically anywhere from 1/60 sec. to the camera’s maximum sync speed (this varies depending on the camerain the case of EOS Rebel-series cameras, the sync speed is set to 1/90 sec. in the Program or Full Auto mode).
III. Speedlite 380EX with Type-B Cameras Fill-in Flash Even in daylight, you can use flash as fill light for harsh shadows or dark, backlit portrait subjects. With fill flash Wlfhouf fill flash. When a fully-automafic, picfure-taking mode is used with Speedlite 380EX, the fill flash output may be reduced automatically to balance the exposure between the subject and background.
2. Flash with Other Modes The TTL auto flash system can also be used with a Type-B camera set to Av (aperture-priority AE), Tv (shutter speed-priority AE), or M (manual). ■ When you press the shutter button halfway, the shutter speed and aperture setting are displayed as in any AE mode. Shutter Speed and Aperture Setting According to Mo Mode Shutter Speed Flash Aperture P Automatically set (1/60-1/X sec.) Automatically set Av Automatically set (30-1/Xsec.
III. Speedlite 380EX with Type-B Cameras (1) Flash with Aperture-Priority AE When you want to control the depth of field or when you want the background correctly exposed, use aperture-priority AE. You set the aperture and the camera sets the shutter speed automatically to suit the background’s light level. The TTL auto flash system controls the flash output according to the aperture you set. Set the camera to Av (aperturepriority AE) and set the desired aperture. Av 3C S.
II. Speedlite 380EX with Type-B Cameras (2) Flash with Shutter Speed-Priority AE When you want to create a certain effect with the shutter speed, use shutter speed-priority AE. In this mode, you set the sync speed anywhere from 30 sec. to the camera’s maximum sync speed. The camera then sets the aperture automatically to obtain the correct background exposure. The TTL auto flash system controls the flash output according to the aperture set automatically by the camera.
II, Speedlite 380EX with Type-B Cameras (3) Flash with Manual Exposure When you want to set both the sync speed and the aperture, use manual exposure. The TTL auto flash system controls the flash output according to the aperture you set. M the camera to M (manual 1 Set exposure) and set the desired aperture and sync speed anywhere from 30 sec. to the camera’s maximum sync speed. Press the shutter button halfway to focus the subject.
speed sync, bounce flash, multiple-flash configurations, and flashexposure compensation. 1. Siow-Speed Sync Slow-speed sync is a slow shutter speed you use with flash. By using a slow shutter speed, you can expose the background correctly while the flash exposes the subject correctly. You can use slow-speed sync in the picture-taking modes below. Taken with a slow sync speed. Taken with a normal sync speed. |~|| When using slow-speed sync, use a tripod.
IV. Other Applications (2) Tv (Shutter speed-priority AE) Slow-speed sync 1. Set the camera to Tv. 2. Focus the subject. 3. Set the shutter speed so that a correct exposure* will be obtained. 4. Check that nothing is blinking in the viewfinder and take the picture. (3) M (Manual exposure) Slow-speed sync 1. Set the camera to M. 2. Focus the subject and compose the shot. 3.
2. Bounce Flash When the flash is aimed directly at a portrait subject, a harsh shadow may appear behind the subject. By bouncing the flash off the ceiling, etc., you can reduce or eliminate the shadow and produce a softer light. • The flash head has click stops at O', 60", 75", and 90' angles tor tilting. UK Taken with bounced Nash. Taken with direct flash. the flash head toward the 1 Tilt ceiling or other reflective surface. on the Speedlite 380EX’s 2 Turn power switch. 3 Focus the subject.
3. Flash Exposure Compensation If you have an EOS-1 N, EOS-1 N RS, EOS 50,EOS 50E,EOS ELAN II ,EOS ELAN II E, or EOS A2/A2E, you can set flash-exposure compensation with Speedllte 380EX. Refer to your camera’s Instructions to set flash-exposure compensation. 4. Multiple Flash By using multiple Speedlltes, you can attain various lighting effects such as giving the portrait subject a more natural and sculptural look.
IV. other Applications Sample Multiple-Flash Setup 540EZ mounted on Off-Camera Shoe Adapter If the batteries in TTL Hot Shoe Adapter 3 are almost exhausted, the Speedlite's pilot lamp may not light and the flash may hot fire. Make sure the batteries in TTL Hot Shoe Adapter 3 have sufficient power The Connecting Cord can be extended up to 9 meters / 30ft by connecting three Connecting Cord 300's (3 meters / 10ft each).
IV. other Applications Speedlite 380EX Accessories © Off-Camera Shoe Cord 2 This cord enables you to use the Speedlite up to 60 cm/1.98ft away from the camera. All of the camera's automatic functions are left intact Multiple-Flash Accessories (2) Off-Camera Shoe Adapter This adapter has a hot shoe, a Connecting Cord socket, and a tripod socket.
Troubleshooting Guide No. 1 2 3 4 5 42 Problem Probable Cause Solution The Speedlite cannot be detached from the camera. The locking collar has not been loosened enough to retract the locking pin. Loosen the locking collar completely to retract the locking pin. The flash does not fire even when the shutter button is pressed The Speedlite has not been mounted properly on the hot shoe. Mount the Speedlite properly and securely on the camera The hot shoe contacts are dirty.
Specifications Type Direct-sync, shoe-mount flash with E-TTL auto flash control (ETTL test preflash, AF-assist beam, auto zoom head, and bounce capability). Compatible cameras Type-A cameras (with E-TTL auto flash control) Type-B cameras (with TTL auto flash control), (See page 2) Flash coverage and Guide No See page 44. Battery life and recycling time See page 11, Flash duration 1.4 ms or less. (Normal Flash) Flash coverage Auto zoom head covers 24mm, 28mm.
Specifications Guide No. (meters at ISO 100) Flash Coverage (mm) 24 Normal (full) Output (G.N.) 21 Shutter Speed 11.2 1/180 1/250 10.0 8.7 1/350 1/500 7.3 FP Fiash 6.2 1/750 5.2 1/1000 4.4 1/1500 3.7 1/2000 3.1 1/3000 2.6 1/4000 28 23 35 28 50 31 70 33 105 38 12.3 11.0 9.6 8,0 6.8 5.7 4,8 4.0 3.4 2.8 15.0 13.3 11.6 9,8 8.2 6.9 5.8 4.9 4,1 3.5 16.6 14.8 12.9 10.8 9.1 7.7 6.4 5.4 4,6 3.8 17.6 15.7 13,7 11.5 9.7 8.2 6.9 5.8 4,8 4.1 20.3 18,1 15.8 13,3 11.2 9.4 7.9 6.6 5.6 4.
Speedlite 380EX Feature Availability AF-Assist Beam Emission Preconditions 380EX's AF-Assist Camera's AF-Assist Beam Emitted Beam Emitted 380EX/Camera Combination EOS 50 EOS 50 E EOS ELAN П EOS ELAN ПЕ With the center focusing point selected О — With the left or right focusing point selected — О EOS 500, EOS REBEL X, EOS 5000, EOS 888 EOS 5, EOS A2, EOS A2E, EOS 10 — о EOS-1 N, EOS-1 N RS, EOS 1000N, EOS REBEL П, EOS 1000 FN, EOS REBEL S5 EOS REBEL, EOS 1000, EOS 100, EOS EU\N, EOS 700, EOS RT,
Speedlite 380EX Feature Availability Cameca Camera Auto Flash Flash Camera's Max.
This device compiles with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions; (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Do not make any changes or modifications to the equipment unless otherwise specified in the instructions. If such changes or modifications should be made, you could be required to stop operation of the equipment.
Canon CANON INC, 30-2, Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ohta-ku, Tokyo 146, Japan CANON U.S.A., INC. FOR ALL INQUIRIES CONCERNING THIS CAMERA, CALL TOLL FREE IN THE U.S, 1-800-828-4040 OR WRITE TO: CUSTOMER RELATIONS, CANON U.S.A., INC, ONE CANON PLAZA. LAKE SUCCESS, NY 11042-1113 CANON CANADA INC. HEADQUARTERS 63S0 Dixie Road, Mississauga, O ntario L5T 1P7, Canada CANON CANADA INC. MONTREAL SERVICE CENTRE 10652 Côte de Liesse, Lachine Quebec H8T 1A5, Canada CANON CANADA INC. CALGARY OFFICE 2828, 16th Street, N.E.
