CF4 and FEL

[DaveG]

I mentioned this at the end of another group of messages and I'd like to post it here as it's own thread to see if I can get an answer.

I've been very disapointed with the Canon's E-TTL flash, as it's been very inconsistent. I've also enabled the Custum Function 4 (CF4) which uses the * on the back of the camera body which provides "back" focusing.

I've never used the FEL until now and it occurs to me that has been my problem and that FEL might fix my flash lack-of-consistency. Sadly the * is what fires the FEL function.

So, does anyone know if you can fire the FEL pulse in another way while the CF4 back focus is enabled?

[PacAce]

I mentioned this at the end of another group of messages and I'd like to post it here as it's own thread to see if I can get an answer.

I've been very disapointed with the Canon's E-TTL flash, as it's been very inconsistent. I've also enabled the Custum Function 4 (CF4) which uses the * on the back of the camera body which provides "back" focusing.

I've never used the FEL until now and it occurs to me that has been my problem and that FEL might fix my flash lack-of-consistency. Sadly the * is what fires the FEL function.

So, does anyone know if you can fire the FEL pulse in another way while the CF4 back focus is enabled?

Yup! CFn-13 = 4.

[MediaMagic]

Yep, CFn13=4 assigns the assist button to FEL. I didn't find this until about two days ago while trying to find a connection between flash = M, and the aperture/shutter locking at f22 and 1/200 while in P mode. Amazing how little features like this can slip under the radar.

Of course, PacAce seems to have them all memorized. :P

[PacAce]

....
Of course, PacAce seems to have them all memorized. :P

That's what happens when one is couped up inside the house all winter with a big shutter bug itch!!! :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

But, if truth be told, I'm just a fast "look-er-upper" type of guy with my softcopy versions of a lot of the dSLR manuals. :D

[Jon Borcik]

I used the CF4 option "*" button for the first time yesterday to take some Lacrosse phots. I made a noticeable improvement in the number of clear shots I took and it was easy to get used to the two finger opperation.

I'll have to try out the CFn13=4 option for some flash photos to see how much of a difference it will make. Although I shoot a small percentage of flash photography, I have also experienced an inconsistancy in over/under exposure as others have and would really like to get a handle on it.

[CyberDyneSystems]

I am trying CF 4 * focusing again,.. thanks entirley to this series of threads,.. :) other wise I may have never given it a second chance.

It is still going to take some getting used to,. but at least this time I am so familiar with the 10D that it is now the only hurdle I am facing control wise...

I assume the 1D bodies have this option as well,.. in which case I am going to make a point of working this way from the get go...