Problem with 220ex

[Familyman64]

When I use my 220ex flash the image is always very dark. I've used the flash on two Canon cameras and had the same problem on both cameras. The flash fires but the result is a very dark image. At first I thought it was my camera. I sent the camera and the flash to Canon. They agreed there was a problem and said they would repair it under warranty. When I got the camera and flash back it had the same problem. I tried the flash on a friends camera and found the problem followed the flash.

[jeromego]

It would really help if you post sample photos.

[Curtis N]

Yes, sample images would help a lot.

Underexposure is a common complaint with Canon's E-TTL flash metering system. That doesn't mean it's a bad system, it just means that it's calibrated more for fill light than main light. The solution to this is Flash Exposure Compensation.

But there are several things that can lead to underexposed flash images. A few samples with EXIF information would help greatly to narrow down the problem.

Oh... and welcome to POTN!

[tim]

Quick fix: leave your FEC set to 1 1/3.

Better fix: understand exposure, and how the flash metering system works.

[Familyman64]

When we first bought the flash, it did not operate in this manner. It worked fine.

No flash:

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f359/AlwaysOreo5/NoFlash.jpg

Camera flash:

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f359/AlwaysOreo5/CameraFlash.jpg

Canon 220ex flash:

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f359/AlwaysOreo5/ExternalFlash.jpg

[jeromego]

looks like your 220EX didn't fire.

[tim]

Flash didn't fire, and you've changed your ambient exposure. Shoot in M mode when you're doing tests, and in this case and keep the shutter at 1/100 - adjust the iso/aperture to get the shot.

Hit the test button on your flash and see if it goes off. If it does change your exposure so the ambient is one stop underexposed.

[Familyman64]

The flash did fire. When I hit the test button on the flash it doesn't fire. But it does fire when I take a picture.

[tim]

Try what I suggested - manual exposure below the flash sych speed, then turn the flash on.

If it doesn't fire when you push the test button it's faulty and needs to be replaced. Or perhaps the batteries are just low.

[Curtis N]

Before you shoot another test shot, check to see if you have the flash ready icon (lightning bolt) in your viewfinder. The shoot yourself in a mirror to see if the flash is firing while the shutter is open.

[tohara]

if your not shooting in manual mode, then the camera will automatically compensate for the increase amount of light and produce a darker image. Set the aperture and shutter speed yourself, dont let the camera determine it.