G2 - macro & flash

[Pwilli]

Just got my G2....works fine, but I took some macro shots on "Auto", and some are overexposed. Are you not supposed to use the flash with macro, or am I doing something wrong. Shouldn't the flash "throttle down" a bit when you use it in macro mode?


Thanks,

Patrick

[justincase]

i noticed the same thing...if i use the built-in flash, i turn down the flash exposure to -1 or so. however, i usually just attach my external flash and bounce it off a piece of white cardboard over the subject.

[ega1]

Pwilli wrote:
Just got my G2....works fine, but I took some macro shots on "Auto", and some are overexposed. Are you not supposed to use the flash with macro, or am I doing something wrong. Shouldn't the flash "throttle down" a bit when you use it in macro mode?


According to the spec sheet on the G2 the minimum flash range is 2.3 feet (.7 meters). So basically the answer is you are not supposed to use the built-in flash with macro.

If your subject isn't moving, put your G2 on a tripod and use long exposures with ambient light. You can use normal incandescent lamps to light your subject.

Justincase's suggestion of bouncing an external flash works nicely.

Then there are expensive solutions such as a ring flash.

[juneappal]

This is the part of photography I have never been able to get a handle on. I have a honking big, 6 year old flash (pentax AF280T), an off-camera cable to hold it away, and a day-old g2. How do I use the flash......


Hey - I just realized that for the first time ever, I will be able to try out settings and get feedback before I forget what the settings were. Cool!

Still any tips would be welcome.

[twalker294]

Before you attach that flash to your new G2, you might want to do some research and see what the trigger voltage is. If it is too high, you will damage your camera by using it. If you want to be safe, buy a Wein safe sync for about $40 and you can use any flash you want.

Todd