Yongnuo 685/622C-TX Zoom

I just got a YN685 and was trying it out with my 622C-TX without the need for a 622C which is nice. However I can't control the zoom on the flash. Changing the flash output level in manual mode works and it fires but I can't change the zoom. The wide panel (diffuser) on the top of the flash isn't out either so I don't think it's that.

Also I noticed it will change modes remotely but if I go into TTL the EV compensation doesn't seem to change either.

Am I doing something wrong or does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks,
Kevin

I have the same combination and don't have any issues. Typically when strange things are going on like this it's a an issue with one or more of the contacts on the TX not making connection with the camera hot shoe. I'd start there.

kv968 wrote in post #17840434
I just got a YN685 and was trying it out with my 622C-TX without the need for a 622C which is nice. However I can't control the zoom on the flash. Changing the flash output level in manual mode works and it fires but I can't change the zoom. The wide panel (diffuser) on the top of the flash isn't out either so I don't think it's that. Also I noticed it will change modes remotely but if I go into TTL the EV compensation doesn't seem to change either.

Have you upgraded the firmware to v.1.08?

See page 40 of TOYUG II for zoom details. (Link is in my signature)

FEC applies only to E-TTL; how does it change from nothing to something, and not change?

Ah, as GeeMack says, poor contact, which you certainly have if your camera flash menu is showing "TTL" - that's for film cameras and is caused by mis-identification through the contact pins.

+1 on what GeeMack said...My 622C-TX seems to have a difficulty if it isn't fully inserted and nearly nailed down

I put a mic to the pin C2C distances and they are different than the standard Canon hotshoe...

It could be something as simple as

on the 685

Press [Button 1]
Zoom setting is highlighted.
Rotate selector until the "M" changes to "A" at the end of the range.
Press [SET]

That's on page 71.

Thank you all for the responses. I know the contacts not making a good connection is usually a problem. I think I got that advice when I was having an issue with the triggers before and making sure the controller was properly seated did help in that instance. However in this case I didn't even have the TX on camera but just using it hand-held to fire and test the flash.

Setting the zoom to "A" from "M" solved the zoom problem so thanks for that CliveyBoy. However I'm still getting just "TTL" on the TX and "ETTL" on the flash but I checked my firmware on the TX and I'm still on 1.03!!! I take it a firmware upgrade will take care of the changing FEC problem in ETTL? And on that note, another stupid question...what type of cable would I need to connect the flash to my computer?

I did look through your TOYUG beforehand CliveyBoy but couldn't find exactly what I needed so thanks for pointing to me to the exact pages. And also let me (and I'm sure on behalf of other users) thank you for putting together such a comprehensive guide to the flash system. Although there are many questions asked (mine included) that are already answered in the guide, there were many more I would have needed to ask had it not been available.

Thanks again.

Kevin

kv968 wrote in post #17841030
However in this case I didn't even have the TX on camera but just using it hand-held to fire and test the flash.

Using [TEST] does not activate all facilities - it is a test of communication. And of course there is no zoom comms from the camera.

My mistake - that's all there is space for on the display. YN use TTL here to mean E-TTL II specifically.

Possibly - it seems that you have not yet fully described when this occurs, so cannot deduce.

Page 53 - requirements for updating

I failed to mention that the 5th pin is forced against the contact point in the hotshot by tightening the tensioner...

CliveyBoy wrote in post #17841451
Using [TEST] does not activate all facilities - it is a test of communication. And of course there is no zoom comms from the camera.

My mistake - that's all there is space for on the display. YN use TTL here to mean E-TTL II specifically.

Possibly - it seems that you have not yet fully described when this occurs, so cannot deduce.

Page 53 - requirements for updating

I was just trying to manually adjust the zoom and not worried that it was reading the focal length of the camera lens but your suggestion of changing the "A" to "M" resolved that. Although to me that doesn't make sense since you would think "A" is "automatic" and therefore go by whatever focal length the lens is at and "M" would allow me to manually adjust the zoom. Just seems backwards but regardless it works so thanks for that.

As far as FEC in ETTL, I can change the mode on the flash to ETTL remotely from the TX however when I try to use adjust FEC up or down the values change on the TX but the meter on the 685 stays on 0 and doesn't compensate up or down (page 57. See, I do read it)

Another thing I noticed in manual is that when I adjust the flash output it only goes up and down in full stops (1/2, 1/4, etc...) and not in thirds. Maybe that also has to do with the upgrade?

And thanks again for pointing out the upgrading part of the manual and all the help you guys have given me..

kv968 wrote in post #17842374
I was just trying to manually adjust the zoom ... you would think "A" is "automatic" and therefore go by whatever focal length the lens is at and "M" would allow me to manually adjust the zoom. Just seems backwards.

Your perceptions are misleading you! Your expectation is correct. But of course the 622C-TX must be on the camera for the camera to transfer lens settings to the C-TX. BUT - there are 3 (three) FECs - camera, C-TX and Flash. They are summed to give an individual result at each flash. The flash's LCD shows the flash's FEC, that's all.

Maybe you should try the up/down buttons! (Page 55)