Troubleshooting ST-E2

[will-san]

I have a ST-e2 and a 420ex and I can't seem to get them to work. The 420 is set to slave and I have made sure they are both using the same channels. I have replaced all the batteries, but I can't get the st-E2 to trigger the flash either by pressing the pilot button or attaching it to mt Canon t1i. Is there something I am missing? The 420 works fine attached to the camera.

Help me obi wan... you are my only hope.

[DisrupTer911]

are the red ports facing each other? it needs line of sight. the canon wireless works off of IR pulse transmission.

you'll see the front of the flash blinking red

[Steve Wintrow]

you need to make sure the infra red panel on the 420 is facing the st-e2 for it to work.

[AginKajun]

First thing is the red "receiver" portion on the main part of the 430 has to face toward the ST--E2 especially if you are outside in daylight. Inside it's not as touchy as the signal seems to bounce off the walls but works better if you face it toward the camera.

Make sure the Channel is set to Channel A also if you are not using ratios on the ST-E2. Make sure you are within the "range" of the ST-E2 and not too far away.

Hope this helps.

[will-san]

I had the IR ports facing eachother and was only a few feet way indoors.

[CliveyBoy]

Have you checked the battery in the ST-E2? It uses a Lithium 2CR5 battery.

I replace it every 12 months, regardless of usage. It's a small cost compared to the cost of appearing incompetent to a model or a client, or even to friends.

[will-san]

Yup. I just got a new battery yesterday. I guess my next test will be to head to a camera store and see if they will let me test with new gear. I need to find out if the problem is with my transmitter or my flash.

[JRKO]

Hi will-san - how did you get on at the camera shop?

[shutterfiend]

I've read somewhere that the 420ex does not have manual controls. Check the ST-E2 to verify that E-TTL is turned on.

[will-san]

well no luck at, the camere store. I called Canon customer support (surprising good), and the verified I was doing everything right. Next stop is the service center in Irvine.