Newbie flash questions

[stevekwiz]

Can you use a 550EX to remotely fire a 420EX without other accessories?

I have seen photographers with a piece of equipment that holds the flash a foot or so over the camera. What is the advantage of having the flash held off the shoe, and what is that accessory called?

[Andy_T]

Hi,

I am by no means an expert, but I happen to know that it is possible to fire the 420 with only the 550 and nothing more. The 550 can act as a wireless master flash (and also as slave), and the 420 can act as a wireless slave.
Note ... it's exactly as this ... neither can the 420 EX act as a master, nor the 380 EX as slave.

Second ... the contraption you are referring to is called a flash bracket.

One main purpose is to get the flash further away from the lens in order to eliminate the dreaded 'red eyes' that occur when the light is directly reflected by the pupils.
It also helps to eliminate shadows from your flash that are visible on the wall if you hold your camera in portrait mode.

If you want to know more, you might search the forum with these keywords.

Also look at the 'EOS sticky', there's a link for further informations on EOS flash photography.

Best regards,
Andy

[scottbergerphoto]

Not true. The 420EX like any other EX series flash that can be set to "Slave", can be triggered wirelessly by any other EX Flash with a Master Function (550, 580) or an STE2.

Flash brackets increase the angle between the flash and a line going from the lens to the subjects eyes. This reduces "red eye" as already stated. The flash needs to stay centered above the lens. This is to avoid ugly shadows. That's why "flips" or "rotator" brackets are best because they allow you to maintain that orientation as you go from landscape to portrait.
There is alot of useful information in the EOS Flash Sticky.
Scott

[DaveG]

Not true. The 420EX like any other EX series flash that can be set to "Slave", can be triggered wirelessly by any other EX Flash with a Master Function (550, 580) or an STE2.

Flash brackets increase the angle between the flash and a line going from the lens to the subjects eyes. This reduces "red eye" as already stated. The flash needs to stay centered above the lens. This is to avoid ugly shadows. That's why "flips" or "rotator" brackets are best because they allow you to maintain that orientation as you go from landscape to portrait.
There is alot of useful information in the EOS Flash Sticky.
Scott

I think that you misunderstood his statement, " ... but I happen to know that it is possible to fire the 420 with only the 550 and nothing more." as meaning that he thinks that ONLY a 550 will fire the 420. I read the same sentence and understand it to mean that there is no extra equipment that needs to be used by the 550 (" ... and nothing more.") to make it fire.

[scottbergerphoto]

I think that you misunderstood his statement, " ... but I happen to know that it is possible to fire the 420 with only the 550 and nothing more." as meaning that he thinks that ONLY a 550 will fire the 420. I read the same sentence and understand it to mean that there is no extra equipment that needs to be used by the 550 (" ... and nothing more.") to make it fire.
At some point I hope to try re-reading Freud's original works. I had alot of trouble the first time. Are you available for translation? ;)
Scott

[DaveG]

At some point I hope to try re-reading Freud's original works. I had alot of trouble the first time. Are you available for translation? ;)
Scott

Anytime.

[Wavy C]

Can the Sigma 500 super flash act as a master and fire the Canon 420 (via wireless)?

I am thinking of getting one of each, mainly to use for portraits. I want to use the sigma on the camera in reduced power mode (for fill flash) and the 420ex off camera and to the side for main directional lighting?

Btw, it is easy to get confused between the Sigma 500 Super and Standard. I think the they are identical EXCEPT the Standard has no wireless function.

[Cordell]

Can the Sigma 500 super flash act as a master and fire the Canon 420 (via wireless)?

I am thinking of getting one of each, mainly to use for portraits. I want to use the sigma on the camera in reduced power mode (for fill flash) and the 420ex off camera and to the side for main directional lighting?

Btw, it is easy to get confused between the Sigma 500 Super and Standard. I think the they are identical EXCEPT the Standard has no wireless function.

Yes you can use the Sigma 500 Super as a master and fire the Canon 420.

...and the Super is similar to the Canon 550EX. The "Standard" is similar to the Canon 420EX.

[robertwgross]

At some point I hope to try re-reading Freud's original works. I had alot of trouble the first time.

Freud couldn't get his sensor clean, either.

---Bob Gross---

[scottbergerphoto]

Freud couldn't get his sensor clean, either.

---Bob Gross---
Yes, but Freud blamed it on his mother.
Scott

[stevekwiz]

Thanks for the information. "Flash bracket" sure makes it easier to find. Are they generic or do you need a special one for a 1D or 20D?

[scottbergerphoto]

You need to get a bracket for the camera body type you are using. Cameras with battery grips attached or 1 series cameras (1D, 1DMII) are taller and need different brackets then a 10D without a grip. Some brackets will work with them all. The more expensive ones tend to be more custom.
Scott