580EX distance scale

[Streetshooter]

ok...the flash is great....but how do I change the distance scale from meters to feet?...is this possible?...just a quirk thing....don

[Andy_T]

... multiply the figure with 3 (roughly) ... ???

Best regards,
Andy

[Tomasz Dziechciarz]

Yes.

Open battery cover take out betteries put your finger in an look for some swith ...

simply ...

[PacAce]

Yes.

Open battery cover take out betteries put your finger in an look for some swith ...

simply ...
If I'm not mistaken, I don't think the 580EX has a Ft/M switch in the battery compartment. I think you have to use a button or combination of buttons held for a couple of seconds to switch the distance unit. It's in the manual someplace where, of course, it's really hard to find. Unfortunately, I don't have the manual with me right now or I'd tell you exactly how to do it. :D

[PacAce]

If I'm not mistaken, I don't think the 580EX has a Ft/M switch in the battery compartment. I think you have to use a button or combination of buttons held for a couple of seconds to switch the distance unit. It's in the manual someplace where, of course, it's really hard to find. Unfortunately, I don't have the manual with me right now or I'd tell you exactly how to do it. :D
Doh. it just occurred to me that I don't have the manual but I do have the 580EX with me. Press and hold both the light/C.Fn button and the Set button in the middle of the dial simultaneously for a couple of seconds until the distance scale blinks. Use the dial to switch between Ft and M. Press the Set button again to set the unit.

[O/confusion]

ok...the flash is great....but how do I change the distance scale from meters to feet?...is this possible?...just a quirk thing....don

See the bottom of p.27 in the manual--1) Press c.Fn button for 2 sec.
2) Press the centre button on the dial for 2 sec. When the distance display blinks, turn the dial to change the units to meters or feet.

Regards,
Terry

[Streetshooter]

Pac....
I owe you a beer or something...thanks man.........ya just took away my headache......
for the life of me, I don't remember seeing that in the manual...thanks again....don

[PacAce]

Pac....
I owe you a beer or something...thanks man.........ya just took away my headache......
for the life of me, I don't remember seeing that in the manual...thanks again....don
You're welcome.

For the life of me, I don't know why Canon insists on making sure people have a hard time finding the instructions in the manual for switching the distance units. Or, for that matter, making it very intuitive just by looking at the flash. And you'd think they could make the method of switching consistent among the different flash models so that once you figure it out for one model, you'll know how to do it for the other models. :confused:

[O/confusion]

You're welcome.

For the life of me, I don't know why Canon insists on making sure people have a hard time finding the instructions in the manual for switching the distance units. Or, for that matter, making it very intuitive just by looking at the flash. And you'd think they could make the method of switching consistent among the different flash models so that once you figure it out for one model, you'll know how to do it for the other models. :confused:

Leo--

I thought the manuals were intentionally obscure to make sure we have to keep reading them over and over again before we find all the information we're looking for! Surely Canon simply wants us to get the most out of their products--and where's the value for money if we can just flick through the printed matter once and then discard it? It's probably best to think of it as an "added feature"--you get all the thrills of a detective novel included with your gear, and at no extra cost. :D

[Jon]

I thought the manuals were intentionally obscure to make sure we have to keep reading them over and over again before we find all the information we're looking for!Well, I'd read it a lot more if it were readily available in PDF format.

[jfred]

Well, I'd read it a lot more if it were readily available in PDF format.

This looks to be the 580 manual in PDF to me..... doesn't appear to be an official canon link though
http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/Manuals/280/280580EX.PDF

[Jon]

This looks to be the 580 manual in PDF to me..... doesn't appear to be an official canon link though
http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/Manuals/280/280580EX.PDF

Thankyouthankyouthankyou!!!!!!!
I don't care if it's official. I'm just glad to have it!

[Todd Jacobsen]

Thankyouthankyouthankyou!!!!!!!
I don't care if it's official. I'm just glad to have it!

You can also get a laminated "580 for dummies" version from B&H which is great for the bag. Forget the manufacturer but B&H sells it as an accessory. Under $10 or two beers...