1DS3 - How to underexpose the flash in camera?

One of those questions I have never really had to ask.

Ordinarily I can dial it back on the actual flash itself unit itself but I've now started to use the Pocketwizard TT5 ETTL transceivers so have a total of 5 ETTL flashes in a room.

I'm sure there is a way to dial back the flash exposure level in camera I just am having trouble finding it.

Can anyone help?

Never used 1DS mk3, but with 580exII and 30D if you set the flash exposure on flash it will override the camera setting.

The camera manual - Page 105 - Flash Photography.
http://itg.beckman.ill​inois.edu …als/EOS-1DsMIII_HG_EN.pdf

Hope it helps

With TT5's don't you adjust from the transmitter?

Easy (and works on mk2n, mk3 and mk4)
You know the three buttons in a triangle shape on the top left of the body ?
If you hit the one closest to the back of the body (nearest the menu button) it will bring up the flash exposure compensation function (you have to hold it down to make the adjustment on the mk2n)

It works in conjunction with the FEC on the flash too (only when using the pocket wizards) and you can dial in 3 stops of underexposure on the flash, and another 3 in the camera to underexpose by 6 stops.

You can also adjust flashes individually using their individual dial (so set one or 2 flashes to underexpose by a stop or two) and they will stay at that level under or over the other flashes.
You can then adjust the whole lot up or down on the back of the camera to match the scene.


One of the guys at work showed me this trick. I have been using it every time I drag the pocket wizards out.

FlyingPhotog wrote in post #12270416
With TT5's don't you adjust from the transmitter?

You can get a slot in transmitter that adjusts up to three flashes but not 4 unless they share a channel.

As it's using ETTL then the camera decides on the level.

I was at a wedding last night where the flashes were perfectly good for the reception itself but when the first dance began I wanted to dial back everything a stop for more ambiance.

Echo63 wrote in post #12270434
Easy (and works on mk2n, mk3 and mk4)
You know the three buttons in a triangle shape on the top left of the body ?
If you hit the one closest to the back of the body (nearest the menu button) it will bring up the flash exposure compensation function (you have to hold it down to make the adjustment on the mk2n)

It works in conjunction with the FEC on the flash too (only when using the pocket wizards) and you can dial in 3 stops of underexposure on the flash, and another 3 in the camera to underexpose by 6 stops.

You can also adjust flashes individually using their individual dial (so set one or 2 flashes to underexpose by a stop or two) and they will stay at that level under or over the other flashes.
You can then adjust the whole lot up or down on the back of the camera to match the scene.


One of the guys at work showed me this trick. I have been using it every time I drag the pocket wizards out.

Thanks matey!

Gel wrote in post #12270449
Thanks matey!

Glad it made sense

What would happen if I dialled back the FEC by 1 stop yet dialed the flash that was on my camera forward 1 stop?

Would just the one flash on the camera be normal exposure whilst the others dialed back?

Gel wrote in post #12270588
What would happen if I dialled back the FEC by 1 stop yet dialed the flash that was on my camera forward 1 stop?

Would just the one flash on the camera be normal exposure whilst the others dialed back?

I don't know, I haven't tried it, I rarely use a flash on camera and when I do, I don't use the pocketwizards.

I would imagine one of 2 things happens

A. The camera sees the on camera flash, and doesn't let both options work together (I am pretty sure you can't adjust the compensation of an on camera flash with both the dial on the flash and in camera) having the PW transmitter there may allow you to do it.
Or
B. The on camera flash exposes properly, and the remotes are -1FEC

You will have to give this one a try (I don't have a working camera here at home) (shutter blew in the mk2n and the PW don't work properly with my mk1)