580EX Speedlite doesn't allow Flash Exposure comp

[Confalone]

I'm unable to use the Flash Exposure Compensation feature on the 580EX speedlight. WHen I press the Set button - NOTHING happens. C>fn 13 is set to 0, so this should work. Am I missing something? THX in advance. Pat

[Citizensmith]

What Camera are you using, just in case the issue is there?

[Confalone]

I'm using the 20D

[clickman]

Try C.Fn-13 >1 and see what happens. It sould change just with the dial.

[robertwgross]

Remember that custom functions only work in Creative Zone modes.

---Bob Gross---

[PacAce]

Remember that custom functions only work in Creative Zone modes.

---Bob Gross---
I think they're referring to the custom function of the flash, not the camera.

[Confalone]

You're all correct. I can "make up" for the 1 1/2 stops the camera regularly underexposes by shooting P mode and flash compensation. The 580 EX does NOT improve the image I get with the pop-up flash [also needs compensating]. I shouldn't have to make these adjustments, so I think the camera may be defective !

[robertwgross]

I shouldn't have to make these adjustments, so I think the camera may be defective !

This is kind of a long shot, but what are you using as a standard for exposure?

I mean, if your computer were not calibrated, it might make every image look dim.

You could probably take some test shots with a black-gray-white card to get to the bottom of this.

---Bob Gross---

[Confalone]

My monitor is calibrated [Spyder2]. The histograms of the flash shots show significant underexposure. The 580EX gives NO improvement over the Pop-Up flash [so why would anybody pay the $ 500 for this flash?]. I think it's the camera. I'm going to the dealer later this week and do a side-by-side with a new D20. I'll let this thread know the results.

[EricKonieczny]

I have never had a problem with my 580 and 20D combo. I use ETTL and manual at different times.

I shoot the majority of my shots in very low light in nightlclucb and concerts


This was very dark all around with a solo red light on the DJ

http://www.ekreating.com/gallery/photos/small/052805blue1.jpg

This with one light that you can see fromt he upper right

http://www.ekreating.com/gallery/photos/small/FuseIn_Sat_125.jpg

[Todd Jacobsen]

You're all correct. I can "make up" for the 1 1/2 stops the camera regularly underexposes by shooting P mode and flash compensation. The 580 EX does NOT improve the image I get with the pop-up flash [also needs compensating]. I shouldn't have to make these adjustments, so I think the camera may be defective !

Sounds like your metering is compensating for your adjustments. Creative modes do this since you are allowing the camera to determine appropriate apeture/shutter. Since your pre-flash provides your camera the data it needs, by adjusting the flash for FEC, you're camera could be fighting you on that exposure and may possibly be stopping down.

Have you tried finding out apeture/shutter values for both cases (nominal and FEC cases)?

What type of metering have you been using for the underexposure shots? What is the level of contrast in the scene?

I own 4 580's and haven't seen your problem in using one flash (so as to compare it to the "on-flash" capability.

BTW, it IS possible that the on-camera flash can take pictures AS GOOD AS (or as bad as) w/580. This is very scenario dependent. The on-camera flash has a utility - even if it is limited. Your results are showing consistency - even if it isn't the consistency you want...

[Confalone]

Well, thanks everyone for your comments on this thread. I just came back from my dealer and we shot my 20D with his demo - same lens and 580 EX speedlight. The results, including the histogram were identical. So my camera has no defect. We agreed that the shots "looked" underexposed, but that's probably what the pros want since they will do post processing and like to have the details in the shadows and not blow out the highlights. I guess if I want to take shots that I do not have to run thru PS, I'll need to shoot on P with 1 - 1/2 stops flash compensation in place. Does this seem like the correct conclusion to this thread? THX everyone !