10D image problem (probably operator error)

[figment]

This picture was taken with a 70-200L on a tripod with timer release and a 550 flash. At one point I used a 100macro with the same results. Could I have had a setting wrong on the flash? All of the pictures taken with the flash during this session had the ghost image.
http://figment.smugmug.com/photos/1955428-M.jpg
Here is another but without the flash.
http://figment.smugmug.com/photos/1955423-M.jpg

TIA.

[Longwatcher]

I am just guesing here, but do you have the image stabilizer on? (assuming 70-200/2.8L IS here)

If so turn it off.

Also possibility is shutter speed is slower with flash (say 1/60th) and flower moved during shot, flash capture main, ghost image caused by extra time shutter was open.

Last possibility is flash maybe overwhelmed lens and some form of refraction? problem resulted.

All three are just speculation on my part and you should feel free to ignore.

[iwatkins]

Questions would be are you using mirror lockup and is the tripod stable ?

For macro work I tend to use the 10D tripod mounted, with mirror lockup and the drive set to self timer. This gives the camera 2 seconds between when the mirror moves up out of the way and when the shutter fires. This gives time for the camera to settle.

The other option is that with the weight of the camera and flash the camera is drooping forwards during the shot.

Just possibilities.

Cheers

Ian

[figment]

Longwatcher,
The lenses are non-IS.

Thinking about it, the orchid is supported by a long, horizontal stalk that was moving some when placed for the pictures. Maybe a shutter-speed issue.

iwatkins,

I had not thought to do the mirror lock-up. The tripod used is a mid-weight monfroto. I did notice some droop with the 70-200, but that stopped when the camera was given time to settle with the timer release.

Thanks for the ideas guys!

[GenEOS]

I would also guess it has to do with vibration caused by the mirror. Try using the mirror lock up feature with the self timer.

[PacAce]

I'm just guessing here but are you using a filter? If so, try taking it off and see if you get the same result with the flash.

[figment]

Good guess but the 100mm lens did not have a filter on it while the 70-200 did. I thought about that too as did a buddy of mine.

BUT just for the sake of conversation: Is the filter a possible factor due to reflection/distortion caused by humidity between the lens and the filter?

[maderito]

Try setting the Custom Function (#3 - I think) that sets flash sync speed at 1/200 when shooting Av Mode. Then shoot the picture in Av mode and set an appropriate f/stop - say f8. If the ghosting disappears, then the problem was flower movement due to slow shutter speed.

What was the shutter speed on the first shot? 1/60?

[figment]

What was the shutter speed on the first shot? 1/60?
First photo:

Aperture: f/3.5
ISO: 100
Focal Length: 100mm (guess: 106mm in 35mm)
Exposure Time: 1s (1/1) :shock:

second photo:

Aperture: f/2.8
ISO: 100
Focal Length: 200mm (guess: 212mm in 35mm)
Exposure Time: 0.0333s (1/30)

I feel kinda silly, ...I need to check the rest of the shakey shots for exposure time. I was shooting in AV mode

[maderito]

From the "All the Best Links" on this Froum - the definitive word:

http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/

Surprising to me how complex the E-TTL system is. You'd think the 550 EX it would be designed to make flash photography simple. Goto the link and find out why it's not.

[Tom W]

Thanks for the link, manderito.

[Tom W]

First photo:

Aperture: f/3.5
ISO: 100
Focal Length: 100mm (guess: 106mm in 35mm)
Exposure Time: 1s (1/1) :shock:

second photo:

Aperture: f/2.8
ISO: 100
Focal Length: 200mm (guess: 212mm in 35mm)
Exposure Time: 0.0333s (1/30)

I feel kinda silly, ...I need to check the rest of the shakey shots for exposure time. I was shooting in AV mode

Don't feel silly - I've done the same with my Elan, but didn't have the advantage of this forum to find my problem. As mandero's link points out, the E-TTL flash system presents some situations that aren't as simple as they could be.