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SYS
6th of May 2009 (Wed), 11:52
Perhaps this is something that can be explained very simply, but I'm scratching my head as I can't figure it out...

I hardly ever touch my Canon Off-Camera Shoe Cord 2 that someone gave to me some time back. But yesterday I decided at the spur of the moment to play with it. After awhile shooting with my 580EX held by my left hand and my 40D on a tripod, all of a sudden the LCD reading changed from the E-TTL setting to TTL. This happened about twice before returning to the E-TTL mode. Does anyone know why it just changed the mode on me?
Wilt
6th of May 2009 (Wed), 12:03
Poor electrical contact between camera and flash is what causes it to exit ETTL mode.
SYS
6th of May 2009 (Wed), 12:07
Poor electrical contact between camera and flash is what causes it to exit ETTL mode.

Thanks, Wilt, I knew there was a simple explanation! :)
Titus213
6th of May 2009 (Wed), 13:09
And here is one possible cause - http://www.conraderb.com/flashrepair/
SYS
6th of May 2009 (Wed), 14:31
And here is one possible cause - http://www.conraderb.com/flashrepair/

Thanks, Dave, for the link. I bookmarked it for future reference. I think the culprit is the OCSC2. I had a problem with this cord in the past, as well, and only when I'm using this cord. It's time for me to upgrade it to OCSC3, I guess.

But I'm curious as to why the LCD was displaying "TTL," though. I didn't even think that there's such a mode in 580EX...
Wilt
6th of May 2009 (Wed), 14:35
But I'm curious as to why the LCD was displaying "TTL," though. I didn't even think that there's such a mode in 580EX...


for support of Canon film cameras which have TTL mode (and not ETTL)
SYS
6th of May 2009 (Wed), 14:38
for support of Canon film cameras which have TTL mode (and not ETTL)

Ah... I live way too much in a digital world... :)

Thanks, Wilt.
bobbyz
6th of May 2009 (Wed), 14:57
I had same problem using cheap cord from Alzo Digital. Got canon OC3 cord and no problems.
SYS
6th of May 2009 (Wed), 15:08
I had same problem using cheap cord from Alzo Digital. Got canon OC3 cord and no problems.

Good to know, Bobby. I'll get the OC3. The problematic OC2 was making a funny noise, too, come to think of it.
NVcameraman
6th of May 2009 (Wed), 16:30
I had the same problem with numerous off shoe camera cables at the studio I use to work at. The small screws on the base plate are loose and need to be tightened just like the link Titus shows for the actual hotshoe. It is more common on the off shoe cable that the actual hotshoe and is a quick easy fix.
SYS
6th of May 2009 (Wed), 17:02
I had the same problem with numerous off shoe camera cables at the studio I use to work at. The small screws on the base plate are loose and need to be tightened just like the link Titus shows for the actual hotshoe. It is more common on the off shoe cable that the actual hotshoe and is a quick easy fix.

Might as well try it before throwing into a trash.
NVcameraman
7th of May 2009 (Thu), 03:03
If you want to throw it in the trash, mail it to me instead :) I could always use extra cable or use one for parts LOL
Paul Iddon
8th of May 2009 (Fri), 15:43
Is there a difference between an TTL and an E-TTL off-camera flash cord?
Wilt
8th of May 2009 (Fri), 15:50
Is there a difference between an TTL and an E-TTL off-camera flash cord?


Canon offers Connecting Cord 300
Flash Accessory
http://www.usa.canon.com/sys/images/spacer.gif Not compatible with E-TTL or E-TTL II; No automatic flash with EOS digital SLRs.

and they also offer

Off Shoe Cord 2
Digital Rebel XT
EOS 10D
EOS 1N
EOS 20D
EOS 20D EF-S 18-55mm Kit
EOS 20Da
EOS A2/A2E
EOS A2E
EOS D30
EOS D60
EOS Digital Rebel
EOS Digital Rebel XT (Black)
EOS Digital Rebel XT EF-S 17-85mm Lens Kit (Black)
EOS Digital Rebel XT EF-S 18-55 Kit
EOS Digital Rebel XT EF-S 18-55mm Kit (Silver)
EOS ELAN 7/7E
EOS Elan 7N EF 28-105mm Kit
EOS ELAN 7NE
EOS Elan 7NE EF 28-105mm Kit
EOS Elan II/IIE
EOS Elan IIE
EOS Rebel 2000
EOS Rebel G
EOS Rebel GII
EOS Rebel GII EF 35-80mm Kit
EOS Rebel K2
EOS Rebel T2
EOS Rebel T2 Date Body
EOS Rebel T2 EF 28-90mm III Kit
EOS Rebel Ti
EOS Rebel X/XS
EOS Rebel XS
EOS-1D
EOS-1D Mark II
EOS-1D Mark II N
EOS-1Ds
EOS-1Ds Mark II
EOS-1v
EOS-1v HS Body
EOS-3
Limited Edition Digital Rebel
Limited Edition Digital Rebel kit 18-55mm Kit
Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX
Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX
PowerShot G1
PowerShot G2
PowerShot G3
PowerShot G5
PowerShot G6
PowerShot G7
PowerShot Pro 1
Speedlite 200E
Speedlite 220EX
Speedlite 420EX
Speedlite 430EX
Speedlite 430EX II
Speedlite 480EG
Speedlite 540EZ
Speedlite 550EX
Speedlite 580EX
Speedlite 580EX II

Canon Off Shoe Cord 3
EOS-1Ds Mark III
EOS-1v
PowerShot G1
PowerShot G2
PowerShot G3
PowerShot G5
PowerShot G6
PowerShot G7
PowerShot G9
PowerShot Pro 1
PowerShot Pro 90 IS
Speedlite 220EX
Speedlite 430EX
Speedlite 430EX II
Speedlite 580EX II