Newb Questions Regarding 430ex

[iLuveKetchup]

Hello all. I just purchased my first flash, the 430ex, and I have three questions. Please forgive me for asking these basic questions, as I just started my photography life 2.5 mos. ago.

#1 Is it normal for the flash to idle after taking a picture? I can hear the capacitors charging, but it seems like it's taking quite a while. There are times when the flash is ready to take on another shot after 3 secs., but other times it takes 20 secs. Would this issue be a function of battery type/quality?

#2 Is ETTL the proper mode when using the camera in Manual mode?

#3 Does the flash know to emit less light when the camera light meter shows -1/3 vs. -1? In other words, is the flash aware of my settings (ISO, aperture, shutter) & work with that information to emit the proper flash?

Thanks for all you help!

- Clyde

[Curtis N]

1) A recycle time of 20 seconds probably means that your batteries are low. Recharge or switch to fresh batteries. NiMH rechargeables will recycle the flash faster.
2) E-TTL is generally the easiest mode to use in most situations. It works well when your camera is in M mode.
3) The camera tells the flash what to do. E-TTL metering is designed to account for the ambient light and usually works pretty well. If you're relying on flash for your predominant light source, you can ignore the camera's meter even if it's on -2.

Flash Photography 101 (link in my signature) might help you understand a few concepts that will make your flash shooting more enjoyable.

[iLuveKetchup]

Thanks for the quick reply, Curtis N!! I'll look through the FAQ & start doing some homework. :D
Also, can anyone recommend a brand of NiMH rechargeables to purchase.

Thanks again!!

[BradT0517]

1) A recycle time of 20 seconds probably means that your batteries are low. Recharge or switch to fresh batteries. NiMH rechargeables will recycle the flash faster.

Ok that is good to know I was about to make a new thread to ask this question because I could even get it to recharge and I thought it was dead batteries because When I got it yesterday I not gotten any new batteries so I ran around the house and happened to find 4 batteries all different brands and used then and it worked fine. I plan on getting rechargable 8 or 12 pack and a 5 minute charger.

But a new question will it charge faster if I have it set at 1/64 versus 1/1.

[Curtis N]

can anyone recommend a brand of NiMH rechargeables to purchase.I use Energizer 2500mAh batteries and a 15 minute charger. I don't know if they're better or worse than other brands.will it charge faster if I have it set at 1/64 versus 1/1.Yes. The more power the flash uses, the longer it takes to recycle. This sort of thing is pretty easy to test yourself by setting the power and hitting the test button.