1st time flash user

[Curly68]

Hi, I have just purchased a 430EX from ebay for a bargain price of £29.99! Waiting for it to come but need advice please.
I have been asked to take some pics for a poker website, so will be needing the flash for that. Any tips please? Never used a flash like this before just the built in flash.
I shall be taking shots from up high on steps, from low along the table and through people.
Many thanks for your time

[Titus213]

A couple of questions that will be asked sooner or later - what camera? And are you sure it's a 430EX and not a 4xxEZ?

430EX will have ETTL and manual flash mode. Taking your images would depend greatly on the room, ceilings, walls, ambient light, etc.

Here's a place to start reading... http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=138907

[msowsun]

I think you may have bought the 430EZ. It doesn't seem likely someone would let a 430EX go for £29.99. The 430EZ is is the older model with A-TTL for film cameras. Newer DSLR's use ETTL.

Don't worry, it is still a good flash but you will have to use it in manual mode. It is still "dedicated" to your Canon camera and will sync with your camera. It will know what ISO you have set and even give you a flash coupling distance for the aperture you have set. The flash head will also zoom to match your lens.

To use this flash in manual you will set the power (1/8, 1/4, 1/2, etc.) and then just take the photo. Adjust the power or aperture as necessary to get the correct exposure.

You can get a copy of the manual here:

Part 1 http://66.49.230.119/flashes_meters/speedlite_430ez-1.pdf
Part 2 http://66.49.230.119/flashes_meters/speedlite_430ez-2.pdf

[Curly68]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=190245096409
It will do as a start, I think!
I will read through all your information. Many thanks
Oh, and I have a 40D!

[apersson850]

That confirms you got the "wrong" thing.
Don't borrow any 430 EX II to try, since if you do, you'll regret that you bought what you did. But until then, you are fine.

[elysium]

From what I tried with my 430EZ and 5D, ATTL mode was not compatible and have to use it in manual mode. Works well though.