FEC?

[MDJAK]

Okay, camera set to manual, shutter 200-250, aperture f2.8, 580ex set to auto. I press the FEC button, flash fires, then I take the picture.

1. What is happening?

2. Is the camera reading the necessary exposure with no further input from me?

3. Do I have to read the meter inside and change something in accordance with it?

4. Why do I need to do that? Doesn't the flash "preflash" before it shoots to set the exposure?

5. How long does the "setting" last? Meaning, if the camera figures out how much flash is necessary based upon my pressing FEC, do I need to immediately take the picture?

Thanks

mark

[René Damkot]

1)Depends on a few CFns really. If you press FEL (I think you mean that, since you talk about 'the flash fires' before taking the picture) the flash gives off a preflash, which is measured *in the spot metering circle* (either center or selected depending on CFn 13)
The measurement is stored in memory, and the scale on the right side of the VF displays FEC (bar with gap instead of one lighting dot)
2)/3) You need to FEC depending on what you measure off, and how much flash you want....
4) I find it usefull when for instance doing a fill flash for a person in a difficult to measure situation: spot metering circle on the face, FEC -1 to 0, FEL, recompose shoot.
5) I think 16 seconds. By keeping the DoF preview button depressed, you can 'reset' the timer: it stays stored as long as you press the button ;)

page 99 in the 1D2 manual...

[MDJAK]

Yes, I did mean FEL. Thank you.

[tim]

I use FEL when I want to meter the centre circle, usually a face, when surrounded by light sources or white/flash materials.