G2 with 430 EZ Flash

[Highlander]

Hi everybody,

I recently got a Speedlite 430 EZ Flash for my G2. Unfortunately it isn't a "EX"-Flash, so I can't take
full advantage of the G2's flashing capabilities.
Anyhow, is there a possibility to use this flash correctly on the G2 ? What are the correct settings to do on the G2 and on the flash ?

I don't have any user manual of the flash
though it would be nice to get some input from your !
(Maybe someone can send me a copy of the user manual ?)

Thanx

Andre

[Harv]

The EZ flashes were originally for the 1st generation EOS cameras and will not work with the G series cameras in TTL mode. And I am making an assumption that the 430ez is very similar to the 420ez.

I have a 420ez and while it won't work in TTL mode on the G2, the manual override and manual zooming capabilities are not bad. On the other hand, you could get a fully manual flash like a Sunpak 383 for about 60-70 bucks that will accomplish pretty much the same things.

If you can, return the 430ez and get a 420ex, you'll be much happier.

There are some idiosyncracies with the 420 though that you'll need to get used to. One of the biggest problems is a distinct delay between fully depressing the shutter and the actual shutter release as the strobe and camera do some communicating. This is true in all modes and even if you depress the shutter halfway prior to shooting. The delay is enough to cause you to miss fleeting expressions unfortunately.

This delay is due to the e-TTL functions of the 420EX. A fully manual flash (or even the 430ez on the G2) has zero delay when firing.

e-TTL is very nice to have in some situations, but if you some savvy with flash operation, ultimately you'll get better photos with a flash that is manually controlled especially since you'll miss far fewer shots with a zero delay flash. With a bit of experience you'll easily be able to predict the power output that you'll need for a shot and you'll be messing with the power setting far less than you may think.

So, if you got a bargain on the 430ez and are willing to forego e-TTL, keep it. If you didn't get a bargain, try to return it. Then, if you are willing to stay with a manual flash look seriously at the Sunpak 383, which is one of the fastest recyclers I've ever used and the manual controls are very easy to use, plus it has two non-dedicated auto settings, it is by far the fastest manual flash to adjust and use, considerably nicer than the 420ez flash I have. If you must have e-TTL, then the 420ex is your best bet for the G2. You'll really like the bounce capabilities of the 420 over the 220.

[goldie305]

Here's one I shot with a G2 and remotely triggered 550EX:

http://www3.photosig.com/viewphoto.php?id=534461

[HJ Seeley]

You can defeat the shutter delay on the 420ex.

Roughly compose the image (it doesn't need to be precise), then press the exposure lock button (* button next to the LCD), this will fire the pre-flash. Then go ahead and half depress the shutter to focus, fully depressing will now be a zero delay shutter release. If you half depress the shutter and release again, you'll have to start over.

Thanks to Don McVee on the dpreview site for this tip.

[2angle]

i am considering a flash for my G2. from reading harv's post it would appear that the sunpak 383 would suit a user that just wants to add distance for in door shooting without advanced features. would that flash work in a slave mode with the existing flash? it is much cheaper.

thanks in advance.

[HJ Seeley]

Sure any flash will do that, you just need to add a slave sensor to it. In the case of a 383, you'd need a hotshoe style slave. I don't recall precisely offhand and I don't have a 383 with me today, but I dont' think the 383 has a pc cord connection. But, if it does have a pc cord ability, then it will work with almost any slave cell.

With 383's being dirt cheap, you could get two of them, use one on the camera and bounced in any direction, while still triggering your second 383. I would bet that this would look far better than using the built in flash as the trigger.

[crrijzebol]

I tried an old EZ model I had with my EOS 100. Using this flash with the G2 gave a complete white picture.
The flash unit did not receive correct exposure info and just gives a full power flash. Traded it in for a 420EX with which I am very happy.

[SkipD]

The 420ex flash can't be beat, especially if you have a bounce attachment. I really recommend the Lumiquest Promax system. Very small to carry around, and extremely flexible. Check out this web site... http://www.lumiquest.com/ and click on Product Guide, then on Promax System.