10D saves the Day, Mark II couldn't have done it

[WestFalcon]

I just shot a wedding and a very frightning thing happened. My 550EX flash stopped working as I am in the aisle awaiting the wedding party. I shot the first grandma and then my 550 died on the second grandma. I quickly took the flash off and popped the built in flash up. I had to change from my normal f-stop of f9.5 to f5.6. Now, I knew my focusing had to be really good with this f-stop. Luckily the built in flash was adequate at about 15 feet and asa 400. That was a nerve racking experience and further strenghthened my hatred of the 550ex flashes. I had almost ordered a Mark II a month ago. This was a rare occasion when I was glad that I didn't have a MarkII with no built in flash. I hope the 580 EX is better than my 3-550 EX flashes. They are all about ready for Ebay if I can find something better.

[Olegis]

Wow, that must be very thrilling experience ! Didn't you have a backup flash ?

[WestFalcon]

I have two backup flashes but they are in the back of the church and I am seated and really at that point could not move. Maybe I need to take another to my seat with me when I first get seated, although this is a first in 30 years of wedding photography.

[Olegis]

Well, the 20D should be even better in this regard - its flash extends up much higher than 10D's. Say, didn't you get the red-eye problem on the second grandma ?

[Spargo]

Speaking of the flash height I bet the cheap Digital Rebel would have done best. :D

[Ballen Photo]

This sounds like a Wedding photographers nightmare, as if He/She didn't have enough to worry about beforehand. :shock: :shock: :shock:
Glad to hear you managed to pull it off OK. :D
.......Bruce

[CyberDyneSystems]

There are times I love having the built in flash on the 10D.. But I have certianly never needed as much as you did this time! :shock:

[karusel]

A really nightmare experience, I imagine... :shock:

WestFalcon, I take it you won't ever be shooting anything without at least two flashes within the reach of your hands... :)

[Anders Östberg]

Pffft. With the improved ISO noise the Mark II doesn't need a flash.


Just kidding. :)