uhhhh, how do I......

[CamDiver]

Set a Canon 400D to fire an external flash gun?? I feel like a noob for posting, and I am, but today I bought my first ever external flash system and in the camera manual there is nothing really to suggest how to accomplish this.

Help really appreciated.

Cheers,
Mark.

[Manticorp]

Hello there CamDiver!

Can I ask what the external flash system is?

The protocols are different for different systems :)

If it's a Canon Speedlite then you need to have some sort of master trigger (such as a 580ex (ii)) or another wireless system or even a wired extension cord. These items are readily available from ebay etc such as the cheap cactus trigger or expensive pocket wizard. There are also hotshoe extenders available.

If it's a studio head-type then it may require a PC cord for which you'll need a hotshoe-PC adapter or a pocket-wizard style system if you want wireless.

Hope this helps? It would help a lot to know the system you've bought

Harry

[CamDiver]

Got it......its the MT-24EX in conjunction with a new MP-E65mm.

Thanks mate,
Mark.

[Manticorp]

Ahh okay....well, it's as simple as putting it on the hotshoe and turning it on then? I've never personally used the MT-24EX or any other macro flashes, but as with other speedlites I'm sure it's pretty simple?

Have you had a problem with it then?

With the MT-24EX there should be a larg-ish portion that's obv not part of the lights that's connected to the lights by the two wires. This is the part that should connect to the camera via the hot-shoe plate on top.

http://pixinfo.com/oldimg/eos1d/prev/EOS1Dandlenses.jpg

Sorry for the large pic, but this should illustrate what I mean?

Sorry if this doesn't answer your question! But please do further illustrate your problem if I've interpreted it wrong :lol:

Harry

[kingsown]

i see you did a few smoke shots ,one of the things with these flash setups is that you can hold them to the side or above to flash just the smoke just set flash sync 200sec you can use one of the older flash gun on a magic eye to fire it the camera will work out the exposure

[Titus213]

Can't help with the equipment (looks like you can get it sorted out though) but wanted to say your images are terrific. The macro work on your blog looks to be top notch.