420ex: USA or Import

[anomie]

Hi, Folks,

I'm really debating getting the 420ex. I'm wondering, though, should I go with the USA warranty ($179) or the International warranty ($159)?? What the length of the warranty anyway--a year?

Also, does the 420 have an LCD panel, or is that the 550ex? I'm wondering what the back of the 420ex looks like compared with the 550ex, can't find photos anywhere.

Thanks,
Diane

[Dana]

I got the 420ex import from B&H Video, and they provide a 1 year warranty for it.

No LCD on the back of the 420ex. Provides on/off, fast sync setting, pilot button, and slave on/off-group/channel settings. Also has lights that indicate E-TTL setting.

Dana

[BruceW]

Here's a picture of the back.

You have probably seen the front.

http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/tech/report/200011/img/photo2.jpg http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/tech/report/200011/img/zu1_2.gif

http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/tech/report/200011/img/zu1_1.gif

Bruce

[anomie]

dana wrote:
I got the 420ex import from B&H Video, and they provide a 1 year warranty for it.

No LCD on the back of the 420ex. Provides on/off, fast sync setting, pilot button, and slave on/off-group/channel settings. Also has lights that indicate E-TTL setting.

Dana

Thanks Bruce and Dana for the info! Did either of you also purchase the Sto-fen Omni-Bounce for yours and/or another bouncer? And if so, does one use this bouncer all the time when using the 420ex?

Thanks again.
Diane

[anomie]

I've also read somewhere that the Vivitar 840
flash will work with the G3 as well as the Sunpak 144 PC.

The EX series of Canon Flashes are the only flashes that will work automatically with the e-TTL of the Canon, but I'm new to this concept and would like an explaination of what this exactly means. Please educate me.

Thanks again,
Diane

[CyberDyneSystems]

"Exposure Through The Lens" allows the camera to set the flash automatically for the best possible timing etc. on the fly based on the camera's exposure, white balance settings, and focus distance etc.

Most camera manufacturers have there own method for this enhanced communication to take place between camera and flash units, so they are not neccesarily compatible.

I had an external flash that did this for my Olympus, the amazing and very costly Olympus FL-40. After using this I would not get a flash that does not have these capabilities. The FL-40 unfortunately will not work as an E-TTL on my new 10D,. so if I get a flash for it,. I will be looking only at the 420ex or 550ex speedlights. The 420ex is less than half the price of what I paid for the FL-40. It seems to be a good deal for what you get.

[Dana]

anomie wrote:
I've also read somewhere that the Vivitar 840
flash will work with the G3 as well as the Sunpak 144 PC.

The EX series of Canon Flashes are the only flashes that will work automatically with the e-TTL of the Canon, but I'm new to this concept and would like an explaination of what this exactly means. Please educate me.

Thanks again,
Diane


Using other flashes can damage the G3 as well...their hotshoe output isn't matched to the G3's requirements/tolerances.

Dana

[hypokondriak]

anomie wrote:
Thanks Bruce and Dana for the info! Did either of you also purchase the Sto-fen Omni-Bounce for yours and/or another bouncer? And if so, does one use this bouncer all the time when using the 420ex?

Thanks again.
Diane


I got the LumiQuest System with mine and I would recommend that. The 80/20 has become an essential tool in my photography.

[Dana]

I have the Sto-Fen omnibounce and like it very much.

Dana

[BruceW]

I use a homemade bounce which I attach with velcro.

I suggest you check the following link out also. One of this forums members made one that was even simpler than mine:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=9690#44988

The link also has some discussion on the commercially available bounce units.


Bruce

[henkbos]

This used to be true. Got a Vivitar 285 for the D60.. Checked the voltage with a meter and it was within boundaries.
As for the warranty: $20 will just cover the postage if you need to mail it abroad for repairs. A no-brainer. For lenses it's a different story.

[Dana]

The potential for damage depends on the flash. Found the thread where this was discussed:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=10445#49168

From the thread:

"Try these two sites for more information:

http://www.botzilla.com/photo/G1strobe.html#slave
http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html "

And you don't need to worry about shipping charges in the case of B&H and the import 420ex. The warranty provided by B&H video for the import flash if you purchase it from them. From their site:

"What kind of warranty is available?

Any "grey market" item B&H Photo-Video sells includes a B&H warranty which covers the same particulars the USA warranty would cover for one year. The only difference is that you would ship the item to B&H for warranty service, and you need your B&H Photo-Video invoice instead of a warranty certificate."

So in the case of B&H the "no brainer" for me was the imported 420ex. :-) Go for it!

Dana

[anomie]

Thanks for all your help on this topic. I think I will get the 420ex from B&H, probably the import version. I'll apply the extra bucks saved toward a Tele-photo lens.

[getg3]

anomie wrote:
Thanks for all your help on this topic. I think I will get the 420ex from B&H, probably the import version. I'll apply the extra bucks saved toward a Tele-photo lens.
Anomie,

Just FYI, up to July 31, there is a $15 rebate if you buy USA 420ex. Here is the link to the rebate form:
http://www.usa.canon.com/cpr/pdf/Promotions/cashinrebate.pdf

[hypokondriak]

BruceW wrote:
I use a homemade bounce which I attach with velcro.

I suggest you check the following link out also. One of this forums members made one that was even simpler than mine:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=9690#44988

The link also has some discussion on the commercially available bounce units.


Bruce

This doesn't really offer the same results as the 80/20. While I can definitely agree with saving money wherever possible, the lumiquest system includes the 80/20, a white panel to mimick the notecard, gold and silver panels, and the translucent "softening" cover - all of this is only $30. It's one of those areas where, upon seeing my own results (and reading others) from the 80/20, that I'd suggest not taking the cheaper way and just get the proper tools for the job (especially since we are only talking a $30 investment).