Flash in manual mode ... ?

[miro]

Hello.

I'm wondering how to use flash in M mode properly ? Is there some kind of rule to do that? So far it's only a trial and error work...

Cheers,
-Miro

[robin]

why use manual when you can have auto.
it is one less thing to think about.

[oops]

I will assume you mean the internal flash, as the hot shoe flash communicates with the camera to select the best flash intensity. (Most of the time.)

As I understand M mode and internal flash, it really is M mode. You need to experiment with your flash intensity settings just like you set your aperture and speed. "M" means "you de' boss". I could never get anything better than a full flash wash out or a "did the flash fire?" underexposure. I don't have time for this glitch!

Following the advice of those willing to help I purchased a 420ex external hotshoe flash and was thrilled at the difference in my flash photos. The 420ex did, however, introduce yet one more thing with a learning curve that I am still too new to share.

Maybe somebody out there qualifies as a "internal" or "420ex" jockey or, as modesty dictates, "been there, done that". Good luck.

[Harv]

In manual mode the flash shoots full power only, which sucks a lot. I have not found any workaround. For built in flash, you have to go to an auto mode to get any sort of decent results like balancing foreground and background light.

Using an external auto flash on the hot shoe does work a ton better. I often use a vivitar 285 (which is twice the size of the camera itself) and bounce it off the ceiling with the flash in auto mode and the camera in manual mode. Works great after a few test shots.