Wireless Flash Q - Scott B?

[nebula_42]

I just got a new 580EX to use as main with my 420EX as a slave. I am using them ratio'd with the 420 as slave B. My question is this - when NOT using the slave (using the 580 only), do I have to worry about setting the ratio back to 1:1 and/or the slave designation back to A? I am worried that having the slave set to B or a ratio dialed in might somehow reduce the output of the 580 when it's firing alone. After all, the 580 has no way of knowing that the slave is not on. Or will the ETTL-II take care of the exposure anyway?

[robertwgross]

If you are firing the 580EX alone, then switch wireless mode to OFF. That way, it can't be confused.

---Bob Gross---

[GovtLawyer]

I just got a new 580EX to use as main with my 420EX as a slave. I am using them ratio'd with the 420 as slave B. My question is this - when NOT using the slave (using the 580 only), do I have to worry about setting the ratio back to 1:1 and/or the slave designation back to A? I am worried that having the slave set to B or a ratio dialed in might somehow reduce the output of the 580 when it's firing alone. After all, the 580 has no way of knowing that the slave is not on. Or will the ETTL-II take care of the exposure anyway?

I am using the same setup. I'd be interested in hearing how your setup is working for you; what problems you are encountering, techniques you are discovering, settings, etc. Is you 420 mainly for fill? What ratio do you set? Etc.

[nebula_42]

Bob, how do you switch wireless mode to off?

[nebula_42]

I've only used it once so far, at a wedding on the So CA beach. Lighting was early afternoon sun. The bride was facing south, half lit by direct sunlight. I had the 420 about 10 ft from her to the shadowed east side, at ratio of 1:3 (1.5 stops) to the main 580 on the camera. So the 420 was mainly fill and 580 a weaker fill and catchlight. It worked marvelously well.

[robertwgross]

Bob, how do you switch wireless mode to off?

Look at the bottom of the unit, on the back. Notice the big switch that has OFF-MASTER-SLAVE. It can't be missed.

---Bob Gross---

[PacAce]

Bob, how do you switch wireless mode to off?
Just curious, how did you get it in wireless mode in the first place? ;)

[nebula_42]

Bob & Leo,
Pardon the dumb question about wireless mode. I did some more research and I guess it is as follows -

OFF - normal on-camera flash operation
MASTER - wireless mode , 580 is master
SLAVE - wireless mode, 580 is slave

Correct? I guess I orginally thought OFF was the on-camera strobe not firing, but that is done through another setting via the LCD.

Anyway, thanks to you all.

Steve

[Jon]

Correct. Isn't it wonderful how many "Off" settings electronic gadgets have these days? For instance, with the 580EX you can turn on/off the wireless operation, the on-camera flash, or the whole strobe. My PDA has switches for main power, the control buttons, wireless, and the battery.