420EX Fires But Doesn't Light Scene

[jlarson21]

I am using a 420EX flash on a Canon 40D. The flash has worked fine for several months although I don't use it very much. The last time I tried to use it the flash fired but didn't illuminate the scene at all. It seems to fire in sync with the camera shutter but obviously it isn't. Have tried new batteries, cleaned both the flash pins & camera hot shoe but nothing helps. Pop-up flash on camera works fine. Have tried 420 on SX-10IS and have same problem. Has anyone else experienced this?

[isaax]

What's your shutter set to? Is the flash set to manual or ETTL? If set to manual confirm that it's not set to it's lowest output setting. Just a thought.

[jlarson21]

No settings available on flash, in camera external flash setting is E-TTL. Flash will set camera speed to 60.

[jlarson21]

Found another post by user with similar problem. Sounds like my 420 is a brick now. Not a big deal, will upgrade if I ever feel the need for another flash.

[yogestee]

Examples with EXIF please??

[jlarson21]

Jurgen...Here are two examples using two different cameras.

[yogestee]

Jeff,,I'm trying to work this one out..Still scratching my head..

Let's talk about the 40D image only.. Here is the EXIF data.

Model = Canon EOS 40D
Exposure Time = 1/60"
F Number = F4
Exposure Program = Normal program
ISO Speed Ratings = 1000
Flash = Flash fired, compulsory flash mode

Unless the room was pitch black you should have gotten a lighter pic than this with this exposure especially at 1000 ISO..

I believe the 420EX has Flash Exposure Control or similar?? Try shooting through the entire range of Flash Exposure Control..You should notice a difference in output from - to +

[Swann1]

I had exactly the same problem, so don't waste any more time on it. I sold the 420 EX cheap and am looking to get a 580 EX II in the near future.

Unless Canon is different in your part of the world, you won't be able to fix it because they are no longer made you can't get new parts any more.

[John_B]

jlarson21,
Sounds and looks like a problem I had with my old 420ex. For mine what happens is the pre flash fires but it never fires the flash during the exposure.

I believe the 420EX has Flash Exposure Control or similar?? yogestee,
Its only controlled thru the camera, no FEC settings on the 420ex flash.

[egordon99]

No settings available on flash, in camera external flash setting is E-TTL. Flash will set camera speed to 60.

Sounds like you're shooting in P. Flash shots should be in M, then you have full control over the ambient exposure (shutter speed+ISO+f/stop). E-TTL generally works well, so you can use that (along with FEC) for the flash exposure.

[jlarson21]

I believe the 420EX has Flash Exposure Control or similar?? Try shooting through the entire range of Flash Exposure Control..You should notice a difference in output from - to +

Jurgen...Tried entire range of flash control, no difference. Believe problem has to be with flash not firing when shutter open since behaviour is same on SX10.

[jlarson21]

Sounds like you're shooting in P. Flash shots should be in M, then you have full control over the ambient exposure (shutter speed+ISO+f/stop). E-TTL generally works well, so you can use that (along with FEC) for the flash exposure.

Have tried all modes including manual, same result.