420 EX Flash Issues

[Brianbar]

There are several issues from members who have concerns with their 420EX flash (myself included)
I have used mine less than half a dozen times, and found it to be VERY inconsistent, so much so that it is back in it's original box where it belongs.
I undrerstand that the 550EX is more reliable, but like many Canon accessories over priced.
I would like to hear from members who are using other brands, such as Metz, Sunpak or Vivitar etc.
Look forward to any response.

Brian
Canada
10D
G3

[Motorsports Photo]

My 420ex has been fine, well at least as far as "inconsistencies" are concerned.

Canon still has a wacky way of doing flash!

Typically I have to turn the flash "down" to keep from burning everything out. Then of course there is the camera metering problems that have to be kept in check by monitoring the histogram.

-Pete

[scottbergerphoto]

Same topic right down this page with two pages of replies:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=30998
Scott

[msvadi]

Just give it more time. I believe that any flash can be tricky, not just 420EX. I'm sure you can get excellent results from it, especially, with a 10D and its FEC. I was getting very good results with a G2. Find a good surface to bounce it from. Use diffusers and reflectors. Adjust FEC.

[justme_dc]

If you are using incorrect technique you won't find the 550EX to be any better than that 420EX. Before you bin the 420EX, try reinstalling it and using the FEL button on your 10D. If you are using careful metering you should see a great improvement in consistancy from flash to flash. If you are still unhappy try the 550EX.

Frankly, IMHO the new canon E-TTL programming is just short of worthless. I find myself shooting manual to get the shots that really count. Further my old Manual Sunpaks are seeing a lot of service as well.

[scottbergerphoto]

Since you all ignored my first post :evil: , you can greatly improve the accuracy of ETTL by switching to Manual Focus before you take the picture. This causes the camera to average all the focusing points for flash exposure instead of overweighting the center. The other option is to separate focus and exposure with custom fn. 4. Use the * to focus, but realease it before you depress the shutter button.
Scott

[Scottes]

Edit: Volume -2

Since you all ignored my first post...

Hey! No whining on the forum....

And to the rest of you...
Pay attention! Scott's got a good point. There's a lot of stuff in that thread, and it certainly makes sense to read it before going over all these little points again - and only minutes later, really.

[PacAce]

Why are my ears ringing now? ???
And how come I can't hear anything else but the ringing? ???

[Scottes]

Why are my ears ringing now? ???
And how come I can't hear anything else but the ringing? ???

It's the phone, Leo. Nothing but the phone.... :wink:

But I'll turn the volume down....

[scottbergerphoto]

:lol: