Canon ■ , J' English Edition INSTRUCTIONS
Thank you for purchasing a Canon product. The Canon Speedlite 420EX is an autozoom flash unit equipped with a wireless sensor for E-TTL wireless autoflash. * E-TTL stands for Evaluative-Through-The-Lens. The features available with Speedlite 420EX depend on the EOS camera. Refer to the table below to identify your camera type. This instruction booklet has separate chapters for Type-A and Type-B EOS cameras.
Conventions Used in this Bookiet This instruction bookiet has separate chapters for Type-A and Type-B cameras. If you have a Type-A camera, read pages 9 to 30 and 39 to 53. If you have a Type-B camera, read pages 9 to 16 and 31 to 53. The operation procedures in this instruction booklet assume that the main (power) switch on the camera and 420EX has been turned on. Be sure to turn on the main switch before proceeding.
Contents Conventions Used in this Booklet...............................................3 Nomenclature................................................................................ 6 Before You Start (ForType-A and Type-B Cameras) .....9 Installing the Batteries.............................................................. 10 Mounting the Speedlite..............................................................12 Wireless Selector.......................................................................
Contents 3 Easy Flash Photography (For Type-B Cameras)......31 Flash in Full Auto Mode.............................................................32 Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes...................................... 34 4 Advanced Flash Photography (For Type-A and B Cameras) ...39 Bounce Flash..............................................................................40 Flash Exposure Compensation............................................... 41 Multi-Speedlite System............................
Nomenclature Front • • The reference page is indicated by (-»page ■). • In the text, the 420EX's controls and settings are indicated with the corresponding icons enclosed in brackets < >.
Nomenclature Back Horizontal bounce release button (-rpage 40} <&> Upward bounce release button (^page 40) E-TTL indicator High-speed sync (FP flash) switch (-»page 14) < PILOT > Pilot lamp / Test firing button (^page 15) Flash exposure confirmation lamp (-»page 15) Slave group (SLAVE ID) button (-»page 43) - Autozoom position indicators (-»page 16) Main switch (-»page 14) : Turns off the power : Turns on the power -— < CH.
This chapter helps you prepare for flash photography with the 420EX.
Installing the Batteries Install one of the following types of batteries: (1) Four size-AA alkaline batteries (2) Four size-AA Ni-Cd batteries Open the battery chamber cover. • Slide the battery chamber cover as shown by arrow 1 and flip it up as shown by arrow 2. Insert the batteries. • Make sure the + and - battery contacts are properly oriented as shown in the battery chamber. Close the battery chamber cover.
Installing the Batteries Recycling Time and Flash Count Recycling Time Flash Count Size-AA alkaline batteries Battery Type Approx 0 1-7.5 sec Approx 200-1400 Size-AA Ni-Cd batteries Approx 0 1-45 sec Approx 80-600 The above data is based on Canon's standard tests with new batteries. i Battery Cautions • Use four new batteries of the same type. • When replacing the batteries, replace all four batteries at one time. • Remove the batteries when the 420EX will not be used for an extended period.
Mounting the Speedlite Loosen the locking collar. • Turn it as shown by the arrow. 1Mount the 420EX onto the camera. • Slide the 420EX's mounting foot all the way into the hot shoe. f Tighten the locking collar. ► Turn the locking collar as shown by the arrow. The mounting foot's locking pin extends into the hot shoe's locking pin hole. • To detach the 420EX, turn the locking collar in the opposite direction until it stops. (The locking pin retracts into the mounting foot.
Wireless Selector The wireless selector has the following settings. For Normal Flash Operation • Set the wireless selector to OFF to use the 420EX as a normal, oncamera Speedllte. SLAVE For Wireless Flash Operation OFFIn^SLAVE • Set the wireless selector to SLAVE to use the 420EX as a wireless slave unit. ► The flash coverage is set to 24mm automatically.
Main Switch The main switch has the foiiowing settings. OFF- ■ON Turns off the power. TO OFF- ■ON TO Turns on the power. After 90 sec. of non-use, the SE (Save Energy) mode takes effect automatically to turn off the 420EX and save battery power. • To cancel the SE mode, press the test firing button. High-Speed Sync (FP Flash) Switch The high-speed sync switch has the foiiowing settings. Sets the normal sync mode. TO Vh Sets the high-speed sync mode.
Pilot Lamp and Test Firing Before taking the flash picture, you can fire a test fiash. 1 Check that the lamp is lit. H • When the flash is ready, the < PILOT > lamp lights. H CD] I 1 i 3 « am in After the < PILOT> lamp lights, press it to fire a test flash. ► A test flash fires. • The < PILOT > lamp also works as a test firing button.
Flash Coverage The 420EX's flash head zooms automatically to provide adequate flash coverage for the lens focal length in use. Flash coverage is provided for the 24mm to 105mm focal lengths The corresponding autozoom position indicator on the Speedlite lights. When a zoom lens is used, the flash coverage changes automatically to suit the focal length you zoom to. r l I 1 1 --------------- M 50 70 105D.i ' ■ E-TTL V «1 IV 3& HLOT Oi' O' (3ED 1 ^ •Criri: 1 Press the shutter button halfway.
When the 420EX is mounted on a TypeA camera such as the EOS 30/ELAN 7E, using E-TTL autofiash is just as easy as normal autoexposure (AE). E-TTL autoflash uses the camera's multi-zone metering sensor for highly precise flash exposure control. A preflash is fired for evaluative fiash metering and the reading is used to determine the main flash output. The result is a flash picture with excellent balance between the flash illumination and ambient light.
Flash in Full Auto Mode With the 420EX attached to a Type-A camera set to (Full Auto) or (Program AE), flash photography will be fully automatic and as easy as normal AE photography without flash. The camera sets the shutter speed and aperture automatically to suit the lighting situation, whether it is dark or daylight (fill flash). E-TTL autoflash thereby sets the flash exposure automatically. • Set the camera to (Full Auto) or (Program AE).
Flash in Full Auto Mode Check that the flash exposure confirmation lamp lights. • When a correct flash exposure has been obtained, the lamp lights for about 3 sec. If it does not light, underexposure may have occurred. Check that the is lit, then move closer to the subject and take the picture again. s The preflash is fired to obtain a meter reading of the subject. The main fiash is used for the actual flash exposure.
Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes You can also use E-TTL autoflash with the camera set to (aperturepriority AE), (shutter speed-priority AE), or (manual).
Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes Av: E-TTL Autoflash and Aperture-Priority AE When you want to control the depth of field or when you want both the subject and background exposed correctly, use aperture-priority AE. You set the aperture, and the camera sets the shutter speed automatically to expose the background correctly. The E-TTL autoflash exposure is based on the aperture you set. * • 1 Set the camera's Command Dial to (aperture-priority AE). • Set the high-speed sync switch to <•>.
Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes Slow-Speed Sync for Dark Backgrounds By using a slow sync speed with flash, you can correctly expose both the subject and a dark background. For automatic slow-speed sync, set the camera to the mode. When using slow-speed sync, use a tripod to prevent camera shake. Flash with slow-speed sync. Flash in Full Auto mode 0 Under fluorescent lighting, a greenish color cast may result in the picture. And under tungsten lighting, an orange color cast may result.
Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes Tv: E-TTL Autoflash and Shutter Speed-Priority AE When you want to use the shutter speed to create a certain effect, set the camera to shutter speed-priority AE. In this mode, you set the shutter speed anywhere from 30 sec. to the camera's fastest sync speed. The camera then sets the aperture automatically to obtain the correct background exposure. E-TTL autoflash controls the flash output based on the set aperture. * • Set the camera's Command Dial to .
Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes M: E-TTL Autoflash and Manual Exposure When you want to set both the shutter speed and aperture, use manual exposure. E-TTL autoflash controls the flash output according to the aperture you set. The background exposure is determined by the shutter speed and aperture combination. • Set the camera's Command Dial to . • Set the high-speed sync switch to <•>. Set the desired aperture and shutter speed. • Turn the camera's electronic dial.
High-Speed Sync (FP Flash) —■ When the flash mode is set to high-speed sync (FP flash), the flash can synchronize with shutter speeds faster than the camera's fastest sync speed. When high-speed sync is set, the <4h> icon lights in the viewfinder. • High-speed sync can be used in the
, , , and modes. • High-speed sync is effective when you want to: (1) Blur the background for a daylight portrait. (2) Create a catchlight in the subject's eyes. (3) Soften harsh shadows on the subject’s face.
High-Speed Sync (FP Flash) iCOO Take the picture. • Focus the subject, check that the <^> icon is lit in the viewfinder, then take the picture. Q • Using high-speed sync changes the Guide No. See page 50. • If you want to set the aperture, first set the camera to the < Av> or mode. •With high-speed sync, the Guide No. changes depending on the sync speed. The faster the sync speed, the shorter the effective flash range will be. • To cancel high-speed sync, set the high-speed sync switch back to < • >.
FE Lock ■■ FE (flash exposure) lock is the flash version of AE lock. With the 420EX attached to the camera, the camera's AE lock button becomes an FE lock button. With FE lock, you can lock the correct flash exposure reading for any part of the picture. 1 Set the camera's Command Dial to a Creative Zone mode. 1 Focus the subject. 3 Aim the center focusing point on the subject where you want to lock the flash exposure reading, then press the <*> button. (5»16) • Press the shutter button halfway.
FE Lock 9£3 5.6’ □4 Recompose and take the picture. • Focus the subject, check that the < ‘ f > icon is iit in the viewfinder, then take the picture. The fiash exposure was iocked on the subject's face, then the picture was recomposed. The subject was thereby correctiy exposed without the highiy refiective background throwing off the correct exposure. With FE lock.
Second-Curtain Synchronization The EOS 30/ELAN 7E has a Custom Function enabling 2nd-curtain synchronization. Normally. Ist-curtaln synchronization is set so that the flash is fired when the shutter curtains fully open. With 2nd-curtain synchronization, the flash is fired right before the shutter curtains close. When this is combined with a slow shutter speed, you can capture the light trail following the moving subject. This looks more natural.
Modeling Flash With the 420EX attached to the EOS 30/ELAN 7E, EOS-1 V, or EOS-3, you can fire a modeling flash to check the shadow effects of the flash or the lighting balance in a wireless flash system before you take the picture. ^«( ) OFFrrcrSLAVE 1 Set the wireless selector to 2 Check the camera and Speedlite's settings for flash photography. 03 3 . ► The flash coverage is set to 24mm automatically.
When the 420EX is mounted on a TypeB camera, using TTL autoflash is just as easy as normal autoexposure (AE). Flash photography can be fully automatic or manual where you set the shutter speed and aperture. Easy Flash Photography (ForType-B Cameras) Q • This section uses the EOS-1 N as the sample Type-B camera. • Before proceeding, first turn on the main switch on the camera and 420EX. • Set the 420EX's wireless selector to . • For EOS-1 N operations, refer to the EOS-1 N instruction booklet.
Flash in Full Auto Mode With the 420EX attached to a Type-B camera set to
(Program AE), flash photography will be fully automatic and as easy as normal AE photography without flash. The camera sets the shutter speed and aperture automatically to suit the lighting situation, whether it is dark or daylight (fill flash). TTL autoflash thereby sets the flash exposure automatically. * • Set the camera to
(Program AE). Focus the subject.
Flash in Full Auto Mode Fili Flash Even in daylight, you can use flash as fill light to soften harsh shadows or illuminate a dark, backlit subject. With (ill (lash. Without fill flash. Q With fill (lash, the subject illuminated with (lash might look unnatural compared to the background's brightness. To prevent this, the flash output is reduced automatically to obtain a more natural balance between the subject and background brightness. This is called automatic (lash output reduction.
Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes You can also use TTL autoflash with the camera set to < Av> (aperturepriority AE), (shutter speed-priority AE), or (manual). Shutter Speed and Aperture Settings According to Mode Mode P (Program AE) Av (Aperture-priority AE) Shutter Speed Automatically set (30 sec. - 1/x sec.) Tv (Shutter speed-priority AE) Manually set (30 sec. - 1/x sec ) M (Manual) Flash Aperture Automatically set (t/60 sec - 1/x sec.
Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes Av: TTL Autoflash and Aperture-Priority AE When you want to control the depth of field or when you want both the subject and background exposed correctly, use aperture-priority AE. You set the aperture, and the camera sets the shutter speed automatically to expose the background correctly The TTL autoflash exposure is based on the aperture you set Set the camera to < A v > (aperturepriority AE). * • Set the desired aperture.
Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes Slow-Speed Sync for Dark Backgrounds By using a slow sync speed with flash, you can correctly expose both the subject and a dark background. For automatic slow-speed sync, set the camera to the mode. When using slow-speed sync, use a tripod to prevent camera shake. Flash with slow-speed sync. Flash in Full Auto mode. • To cancel automatic slow-speed sync, set the camera to the mode (-> page 38) and set the desired shutter speed and aperture.
Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes Tv: TTL Autoflash and Shutter Speed-Priority AE When you want to use the shutter speed to create a certain effect, set the camera to shutter speed-priority AE. In this mode, you set the shutter speed anywhere from 30 sec. to the camera's fastest sync speed The camera then sets the aperture automatically to obtain the correct background exposure. TTL autoflash controls the flash output based on the set aperture Set the camera to the < T v > mode.
Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes M: TTL Autoflash and Manual Exposure When you want to set both the shutter speed and aperture, use manual exposure. TTL autoflash controls the flash output according to the aperture you set. The background exposure is determined by the shutter speed and aperture combination. M Set the camera's Command Dial to . • Set the desired aperture and shutter speed. • Turn the camera's electronic dial. • Set shutter speed anywhere from 30 sec.
Bounce flash, flash exposure compensation, and a multi-Speedlite system are possible with the 420EX and a Type-A or B camera.
BounCG Fl3Sh When the flash is aimed direct y at the subject, a harsh shadow may appear behind the subject. By bounc ng the flash off the ceiling or wall, you can reduce or eliminate the shadow for a more natural-looking picture. L j ; ' , *V'' , /" Taken with direct flash. Taken with bounce flash. Turn the flash head toward the bounce surface. • While pressing the or <©> button, turn the flash head toward the ceiling or wall where the flash can bounce off.
Bounce Flash B O 5.5 u Take the picture. • Focus the subject, check that the icon is lit in the viewfinder, then take the picture. • If the flash exposure confirmation lamp does not light after the picture is taken, use a larger aperture and try again. If the ceiling or \«all is too far away, the flash reaching the subject may be insufficient, resulting in underexposure. The bounce surface should be a solid, white color that can reflect light.
Multi-Speedlite System By using multiple Speedlltes, you can create more sophisticated lighting effects. The subject's face can look more fhree-dimensional or an accent light can be created. The flash exposure Is fully automatic even with multiple Speedlites, making it very easy. The multi-Speedlite system can be wireless or wired. In a wireless flash system, a Type-A camera is attached with a master unit (550EX, ST-E2, or MR-14EX) and the 420EX is set as a slave unit.
Multi-Speedlite System Set the channel No. • Press the < CH. > button and set the same channel No. as the master unit's. • Pressing the button selects the channel No. in the following looping sequence: 1,2, 3, 4... 4 Set the slave group ID. • Set the slave group ID if you are using the EOS-1 V. EOS-3, or EOS 30/ELAN 7E with two (A and B) or three slave groups (A, B, and C).
Multi-Speedlite System Sample Wireless Flash System You can easily set up an E-TTL wireless autoflash system with the 550EX, ST-E2, or MR-14EX as the master unit and the 420EX as the slave unit. Just set the 420EX's wireless selector to and position the slave unit(s) as desired within the wireless transmission range 420EX (Slave unii) 420EX (Slave unit) Q • The 420EX and 550EX can be set and used together as wireless slave units.
Multi-Speedlite System Wireless Flash Equipment Master unit i I® ni() иI (j) Speedlite 420EX (Slave unit) (D Mini-stand (Provided with 420EX) Props up the 420EX and provides a tripod socket. (3) Speedlite 550EX (Master or slave unit) Serves as a normal Speedlite or as the master unit or slave unit in a wireless flash system. ® Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 Dedicated wireless transmitter serving as the master unit controlling slave unit(s) in a wireless flash system.
Multi-Speedlite System Wired Flash System With wired flash system accessories, you can easily set up a TTL wired autoflash system with any EOS camera. Up to four Speedlites can be connected in a wired flash system. Any EOSdedicated EX-series, EZ-series, EG-series, and E-series Speedlite can be used. Connection and Set-up Use the necessary wired flash system accessories to connect the Speedlites and take the picture after the pilot lamp lights.
Multi-Speedlite System Wired Flash System Accessories © Off-Camera Shoe Cord 2 Enables the Speedlite to be used off-the-camera up to 60 cm away All ot the Speedlite's functions can still be used.
Troubleshooting Guide The flash does not fire {-> The batteries are exhausted ► Install new batteries page 10) Batteries are installed incorrectly ► Install the batteries in the proper orientation. {-> page 10) The 420EX's mounting foot is not securely mounted on the camera's hot shoe ► Slide the mounting foot all the way into the hot shoe (-> page 12) The camera’s hot shoe contacts or the 420EX's contacts are dirty ► Clean the contacts The power turns off automatically.
Major Specifications Type Direct-contact, shoe-mount flash with E-TTL7TTL autoflash (AF-assist beam, autozoom head, bounce flash, and wireless slave setting provided) Compatible cameras Type-A EOS cameras (E-TTL autoflash). page 2) Type-B cameras (TTL auloflash). page 2) Flash coverage and Guide No See page 50. Recycling time and Hash count See page 11 and 50 1 2 ms or less with normal flash Flash duration ................... Flash coverage ..
Major Specifications Guide No. [Normal Sync] Flash Coverage (mm) Guide No. (At ISO 100 in meters) 24 28 35 50 70 105 23 25 31 34 37 42 [High-speed Sync (FP Flash)] (At ISO 100 in meters) Flash Coverage Sync Speed 50 70 105 163 179 195 22 1 149 163 177 20 1 10 5 130 143 15.6 177 68 11 0 120 13 1 148 68 7.4 92 10 1 11 0 125 78 85 93 10 5 24 28 35 12 1 13 1 11 0 120 1/350 97 1/500 81 1/750 1/180 1/250 56 6.
Major Specifications Camera's Flash Exposure Warnings Mode Warning Indication Description Remarks Minimum aperture setting blinks. The subject is too bright. Attach a neutral-density (ND) filter to the lens to reduce the amount of light received by the camera Fastest sync speed blinks. The background will be overexposed. Only the flash exposure setting for the subject is correct Setting a smaller aperture could stop the shutter speed from blinking. Minimum aperture setting blinks.
Major Specifications EOS Camera and 420EX Feature Availability Camera's Max Sync Speed (sec ) 1/90 1./125 1/200 1.
Major Specifications •: Available, x: Not available Flash Metering E-TTL m FP Flash FE Ujck Flash Exposure 2nd'Curtain Compensaiibn Sync w^Camsra Mcxleling Flash Slave Selling iETTU X • X X X X X X • X X X X X X X • X X X X X X X • X X X X X X X • X X X X X X X • X X X X X X X • X X X X X X X • X X X X X X X • X X X X X X X • X X X X X X X * X X X X X X X X X • X • X X X • X X « X X X X • X X
This device complies 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.
C€ The CE Mark is a Directive conformity mark of the European Community (EC) The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing Batteries shall not be exposed to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like. Dry batteries shall not be subjected to charging. Ni-Gd To help protect the environment, take any unwanted Nicad batteries to a Canon Service Center for disposal.
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