Hope I didn't Fry the Camera!

[ironbelle]

I've been practicing indoor shots for this fasion show I'll be at on Sunday and I had my 420EX on the camera. I was experimenting with the DOF button and when I press it, the Flash starts comes on, you hear sizzling and acts almost like a strobe light. I've used the DOF button before but this was during the day with no flash. I'm not tearing up the camera am I? I didn't expect checking the DOF to make the flash unit behave like that and although it is neat, I don't want to fry my camera and flash. Why did the DOF set off the flash. It's nothing I've ever experienced or came across in my reading of the manual.

The camera still took pictures aftward so I presume all is good in the hood with my camera.

[tfiorda]

No, that's just the modeling light function. It lets you see what effect the flash will have when you shoot. Just don't hold the button in too long or to often, it may overheat the flash tube.

There is probably a custom function to disable modeling flash and return to DOF preview. On my 580EX it's CFn06 = 1.

Tony...

[FlashZebra]

You have pushed the magic button and have been transported back in time to the mid '70. Disco is king and strobe lighting is all the rage ....

That is an actual feature. It is Canon's rather novel attempt at a modeling light feature for some of their speedlights.

I think it is in the manual, just dig a bit more.

Nothing was harmed, just push that button if you long for that Saturday Night Fever. But, get that double knit suit on before you push.

Enjoy! Lon

[ironbelle]

No, that's just the modeling light function. It lets you see what effect the flash will have when you shoot. Just don't hold the button in too long or to often, it may overheat the flash tube.

There is probably a custom function to disable modeling flash and return to DOF preview. On my 580EX it's CFn06 = 1.

Tony...

Thanks Tony. That makes sense and I do recall the modeling light. I'll go back and review modeling light in the manual. I'm so proud of myself that I actually read the manuals for the camera & flash. I may not retain everything, but I didn read the manuals. I am having good exposure keeping the flash on automatic and putting the camera on manual. I did 1/125 at f8 with an iso of 400 and the shot came out nice - This was at the suggestion of a great pro in my area. 1/40 at f2.8 w/ iso of 400 or 800 produce some nice flash images also. I'm so excited. I practiced in different rooms of my apartment take pictures and if the image comes not under of overexposes, I know I should have good images at the fashion show. I am so excited yet so nervous. I don't know what to expect and I think that is why I am on cloud 9.

[ironbelle]

LOL at Lon. I think the only thing I can fit is my J.J. floppy hat. ha ha ha. It did have the disco ball feel to it while I was pressing that button.

[FlashZebra]

LOL at Lon. I think the only thing I can fit is my J.J. floppy hat. ha ha ha. It did have the disco ball feel to it while I was pressing that button.
Just put on that special hat, crank up the Donna Summer, push that DOF button, get the body moving, no you will need to move it more than that otherwise you are going to look silly in that hat, and you are there.

For the young see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donna_Summer

Enjoy! Lon

[ironbelle]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donna_Summer[/url]

Enjoy! Lon

I saw Donna Summer in concert this past summer!!!- She was just as good as she was back in the day. Gained a little weight, but we all have. I had great seats and met her after the concert and had my picture taken with her. She was absolutely fabulous!!!!!!!

[FlashZebra]

I saw Donna Summer in concert this past summer!!!- She was just as good as she was back in the day. Gained a little weight, but we all have. I had great seats and met her after the concert and had my picture taken with her. She was absolutely fabulous!!!!!!!

And you think in life there are simple coincidences.

That strobe light, the resurrection of Donna Summer.

I'm sure, Disco is on it's way back.

I bet Canon jumped on a bunch of polyester resin stock and added that special "disco mode" just to get things jump started.

Enjoy! Lon

[tfiorda]

I am having good exposure keeping the flash on automatic and putting the camera on manual. I did 1/125 at f8 with an iso of 400 and the shot came out nice - This was at the suggestion of a great pro in my area. 1/40 at f2.8 w/ iso of 400 or 800 produce some nice flash images also. I'm so excited. I practiced in different rooms of my apartment take pictures and if the image comes not under of overexposes, I know I should have good images at the fashion show. I am so excited yet so nervous. I don't know what to expect and I think that is why I am on cloud 9.


Sounds like you've got it under control. That is exactly how I utilize my flash, camera in manual and 580EX in ETTL mode. Hasn't failed me yet.

Have fun!

Tony...

[ironbelle]

Sounds like you've got it under control. That is exactly how I utilize my flash, camera in manual and 580EX in ETTL mode. Hasn't failed me yet.

Have fun!

Tony...

Thanks Tony,

I was trying for "manual e manual" but with the limited experience using flash, I wanted to make sure I left with images. I can handle the manual camera controls and actually like it. I got rid of the pop up flash popping up on it's own. I don't use the 9 points of focus. I usually only one point in the middle. The camera was going crazy with 9 focus points in low light because it could only pick what a focal point that had enough for focusing. It's much easier just focusing on the main subject and I love the fact that surrounding items get blurred out somewhat. A local photographer got me to get rid of the 8 focus points and use one just like on the manual 35mm.

[Titus213]

Now if I could just figure out how to spin those free color filters past the flash whilst I hold down the DOF Preview button....disco at its very finest (and most expensive).

[lostdoggy]

dim all the light sweet darling
cause tonight it's all the way
turn up the old victrola
gonna dance the night away