K133 Cover (E) 02.4.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 2 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.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 3 Conventions Used in this Booklet This instruction booklet 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.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 4 Contents Conventions Used in this Booklet..............................................3 Nomenclature ............................................................................6 1 Before You Start (For Type-A and Type-B Cameras) .....9 Installing the Batteries .............................................................10 Mounting the Speedlite............................................................12 Wireless Selector ..............................................
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 5 Contents 3 Easy Flash Photography (For Type-B Cameras) ..........31 Flash in Full Auto Mode...........................................................32 Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes......................................34 4 1 Advanced Flash Photography (For Type-A and B Cameras) ...39 Bounce Flash ..........................................................................40 2 Flash Exposure Compensation ...............................................
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 6 Nomenclature Front Flash head Wireless sensor AF-assist beam emitter (→page 16) Locking pin(→page 12) Mounting foot (→page 12) Battery chamber cover (→page 10) Locking collar (→page 12) Contacts (→page 12) • The reference page is indicated by (→page M ). • In the text, the 420EX's controls and settings are indicated with the corresponding icons enclosed in brackets < >.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 7 Nomenclature Back < > < Horizontal bounce release button (→page 40) > Upward bounce release button (→page 40) E-TTL indicator < Autozoom position indicators (→page 16) > High-speed sync (FP flash) switch (→page 14) < Main switch (→page 14) < >: Turns off the power. < >: Turns on the power.
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K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 9 This chapter helps you prepare for flash photography with the 420EX.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 10 Installing the Batteries Install one of the following types of batteries: (1) Four size-AA alkaline batteries (2) Four size-AA nickel-hydride batteries 1 2 Insert the batteries. 3 Close the battery chamber cover. 2 1 2 10 1 Open the battery chamber cover. • Slide the battery chamber cover as shown by arrow 1 and flip it up as shown by arrow 2. • Make sure the + and - battery contacts are properly oriented as shown in the battery chamber.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 11 Installing the Batteries • Use four new batteries of the same type. When replacing batteries, replace all four batteries at one time. • Size-AA lithium batteries can also be used. • Although non-alkaline, manganese batteries may also be used, the number of flashes will be less. • Remove the batteries when the 420EX will not be used for an extended period. • In low temperatures, take two sets of batteries and keep one set warm in a pocket, etc.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 12 Mounting the Speedlite 1 Loosen the locking collar. 2 Mount the 420EX onto the camera. 3 Tighten the locking collar. • Turn it as shown by the arrow. • Slide the 420EX's mounting foot all the way into the hot shoe. 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.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 13 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 Speedlite. For Wireless Flash Operation • Set the wireless selector to SLAVE to use the 420EX as a wireless slave unit. The flash coverage is set to 24mm automatically.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 14 Main Switch The main switch has the following settings. Turns off the power. 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 following settings. Sets the normal sync mode. Sets the high-speed sync mode.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 15 Pilot Lamp and Test Firing Before taking the flash picture, you can fire a test flash. 1 Check that the < 2 After the < > lamp lights, press it to fire a test flash. > lamp is lit. • When the flash is ready, the < > lamp lights. A test flash fires. > lamp also works as a test • The < firing button. • Test firing is not possible while the camera's exposure metering is active after you press the shutter button halfway.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 16 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. Press the shutter button halfway.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 17 When the 420EX is mounted on a TypeA camera such as the EOS 30/ELAN 7E, using E-TTL autoflash 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 flash 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.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 18 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. 1 Set the camera to < > (Full Auto) or < > (Program AE).
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 19 Flash in Full Auto Mode 4 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. • The preflash is fired to obtain a meter reading of the subject. • The main flash is used for the actual flash exposure.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 20 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). Shutter Speed and Aperture Settings According to Mode Mode (Program AE) (Aperture-priority AE) (Shutter speed-priority AE) (Manual) Shutter Speed Flash Aperture Automatically set (1/60 sec. - 1/x sec.) Automatically set Automatically set (30 sec. - 1/x sec.) Manually set Manually set (30 sec.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 21 Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes : 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).
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 22 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. Under fluorescent lighting, a greenish color cast may result in the picture.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 23 Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes : 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.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 24 Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes : 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. 24 1 Set the camera's Command Dial to < >. 2 Set the desired aperture and shutter speed. 3 Take the picture. • Set the high-speed sync switch to < >.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 25 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 < > icon lights in the viewfinder. • High-speed sync can be used in the < >, < >, < • 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.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 26 High-Speed Sync (FP Flash) 3 Take the picture. • Focus the subject, check that the < > icon is lit in the viewfinder, then take the picture. • Using high-speed sync changes the Guide No. See page 50. • If you want to set the aperture, first set the camera to the < > 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.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 27 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. 2 3 Focus the subject. • Press the shutter button halfway.
K133 (E) 02.4.3 11:39 AM Page 28 FE Lock 4 Recompose and take the picture. • Focus the subject, check that the < > icon is lit in the viewfinder, then take the picture. With FE lock. Focusing Point for FE Lock with the EOS 30/ELAN 7E Focusing Point Selection Method Automatic Manual Eye Control Focusing Point for FE Lock Center With C.Fn-8-0. Center With C.Fn-8-1. User-selected With C.Fn-8-0. Center With C.Fn-8-1.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 29 Second-Curtain Synchronization The EOS 30/ELAN 7E has a Custom Function enabling 2nd-curtain synchronization. Normally, 1st-curtain 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.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 30 Modeling Flash With the 420EX attached to the EOS-1D, 1V, 3, D60, D30, ELAN 7/7E, or 30/33 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. 1 Set the wireless selector to < >. 2 3 Check the camera and Speedlite's settings for flash photography. The flash coverage is set to 24mm automatically.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 31 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. 3 Easy Flash Photography (For Type-B Cameras) • This section uses the EOS-1N 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 < >.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 32 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. P 1 Set the camera to < > (Program AE). 2 Focus the subject.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 33 Flash in Full Auto Mode Fill Flash Even in daylight, you can use flash as fill light to soften harsh shadows or illuminate a dark, backlit subject. With fill flash, the subject illuminated with flash 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 flash output reduction.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 34 Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes You can also use TTL autoflash with the camera set to < > (aperturepriority AE), < > (shutter speed-priority AE), or < > (manual). Shutter Speed and Aperture Settings According to Mode Mode (Program AE) (Aperture-priority AE) (Shutter speed-priority AE) (Manual) Shutter Speed Flash Aperture Automatically set (1/60 sec. - 1/x sec.) Automatically set Automatically set (30 sec. - 1/x sec.) Manually set Manually set (30 sec. - 1/x sec.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 35 Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes : 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. Av 1 Set the camera to < priority AE). 2 3 Set the desired aperture.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 36 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.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 37 Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes : 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.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 38 Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes : 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 38 1 Set the camera's Command Dial to < >. 2 Set the desired aperture and shutter speed. 3 Take the picture. • Turn the camera's electronic dial.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:04 PM Page 39 Bounce flash, flash exposure compensation, and a multi-Speedlite system are possible with the 420EX and a Type-A or B camera.
K133 (E) 02.4.3 11:16 AM Page 40 Bounce Flash When the flash is aimed directly at the subject, a harsh shadow may appear behind the subject. By bouncing the flash off the ceiling or wall, you can reduce or eliminate the shadow for a more natural-looking picture. Taken with bounce flash. 1 Taken with direct 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.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:05 PM Page 41 Bounce Flash 2 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 wall 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.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:05 PM Page 42 Multi-Speedlite System By using multiple Speedlites, you can create more sophisticated lighting effects. The subject's face can look more three-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.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:05 PM Page 43 Multi-Speedlite System 3 Set the channel No. 4 Set the slave group ID. 5 Position the Speedlites and fire a test flash. 6 Take the picture. • Press the < > 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... • Set the slave group ID if you are using the EOS-1D, 1V, 3, D60, D30, ELAN 7/7E, or 30/33 with two (A and B) or three slave groups (A, B, and C).
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:05 PM Page 44 Multi-Speedlite System Sample Wireless Flash System You can easily set up an E-TTL wireless autoflash system with the 550EX, ST-E2, MR-14EX or MT-24EX 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 unit) ST-E2 (Master unit) Approx.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:05 PM Page 45 Multi-Speedlite System Wireless Flash Equipment Master unit 3 1 4 5 6 2 1 Speedlite 420EX (Slave unit) 2 Mini-stand (Provided with 420EX) Props up the 420EX and provides a tripod socket. 3 Speedlite 550EX Serves as a normal Speedlite or as the master unit or slave unit in a wireless flash system. 4 Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 Dedicated wireless transmitter serving as the master unit controlling slave unit(s) in a wireless flash system.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:05 PM Page 46 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.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:05 PM Page 47 Multi-Speedlite System Wired Flash System Accessories 1 2 3 4 5 5 1 Off-Camera Shoe Cord 2 Enables the Speedlite to be used off-the-camera up to 60 cm away. All of the Speedlite's functions can still be used. Multi-Speedlite Accessories 2 Off-Camera Shoe Adapter OA-2 Enables the Speedlite to be positioned off-the-camera. This adapter is connected to the TTL Hot Shoe Adapter 3 or TTL Distributor via a Connecting Cord.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:05 PM Page 48 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.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:05 PM Page 49 Major Specifications Type .......................................Direct-contact, shoe-mount flash with E-TTL/TTL 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 autoflash). (→ page 2) Flash coverage and Guide No. ...See page 50. Recycling time and flash count ...See page 11 and 50. Flash duration ........................1.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:05 PM Page 50 Major Specifications Guide No. [Normal Sync] (At ISO 100 in meters) Flash Coverage (mm) 24 28 35 50 70 105 Guide No. 23 25 31 34 37 42 [High-speed Sync (FP Flash)] (At ISO 100 in meters) Flash Coverage Sync Speed 24 28 35 50 70 105 1/180 12.1 13.1 16.3 17.9 19.5 22.1 1/250 11.0 12.0 14.9 16.3 17.7 20.1 1/350 9.7 10.5 13.0 14.3 15.6 17.7 1/500 8.1 8.8 11.0 12.0 13.1 14.8 1/750 6.8 7.4 9.2 10.1 11.0 12.5 1/1000 5.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:05 PM Page 51 Major Specifications Camera's Flash Exposure Warnings Mode Program AE Aperture-priority AE Shutter speedpriority AE 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.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:05 PM Page 52 Major Specifications EOS Camera and 420EX Feature Availability Camera's Max. Sync Speed (sec.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:05 PM Page 53 Major Specifications ●: Available. ×: Not available.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:05 PM Page 54 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.
K133 (E) 02.4.1 3:05 PM Page 55 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.
K133 Cover (E) 02.4.1 2:58 PM Page 2 CANON INC. 30-2, Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ohta-ku, Tokyo 146-8501, Japan U.S.A. CANON U.S.A. INC. For all inquiries concerning this camera, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-OK-CANON or write to: Customer Relations, Canon U.S.A., Inc. One Canon Plaza, Lake Success, N.Y. 11042-1198 CANADA CANON CANADA INC. HEADQUARTERS 6390 Dixie Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1P7, Canada CANON CANADA INC.
