I'm ready to use the delete button

I just received a 430EX this morning and I'm like a kid on Christmas morning. Once I get home and plug some batteries in it I'll be testing it out. This will be my first time using a non-pop-up flash, so I'm sure I'll delete more images than I save.
My poor wife won't know what hit her. I'm sure I'll be chasing her around the house with the flash trying to get her to pose.

Just thought I'd share my enthusiasm.

pepperoni wrote in post #2660217
My poor wife won't know what hit her. I'm sure I'll be chasing her around the house with the flash trying to get her to pose.

Wait 'till she's in the bath tub. Not so much chasing involved.

Have fun!

Thanks Curtis. I found some batteries here at work.. how do I get these purple dots out of my eyes now?

Believe me, the purple dots fade - at least mine did eventually. And I would suggest you keep your new flash away from water...

Congrats, post some pictures.

I'll tell you...I was quite worried when I flashed myself right in the eyes. Those dots lasted a long time. That was scary.

...And now... for Pepperoni's quick-and-dirty-super-scientific 430EX flash test results, right before your eyes!
All shot at f/5.6, ISO-800, 48mm. (Flash cards crudely cut in similar shape as the BetterBounceCard)

Ambient light - No flash

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nice! Cant wait to get me a 430EX.

pepperoni wrote in post #2660841
How do I get these purple dots out of my eyes now?

Haha, I recently demoed the 580ex at a store, put it in the shoe, pointed and clicked at my girlfriend, she complained about how bright the flash was.

In my infinite wisdom (and probably trying to look manly) I turned the camera around and flashed myself. Jeez, I can see why she complained. I didn't have purple spots for long, but I did have yellowing in the center of my vision for about 10-15 minutes.

Cool test!

for those of you who shoot with a flash alot, do you find that you like a certain "look" and use the same style of flash more often then not?

The ceiling bounce looks very natural because there is no flash reflection from the chair. The color reproduction may not be predictable, though, especially when the ceiling is not whitish...

Guys, you certainly have heard of this flexible coneshaped 50-buck flash thinggy that you can place on top of your flash light. I can't remember the guy's name who sells them -- "Wang," "Chang," "Fang"??? *LOL* (Hey, I'm allowed to make fun of Asians -- I'm one myself ).
The results on his website looked marvellous (can't remember where). Has anyone tried them on the 430? Any pictures?

CKA

superdiver wrote in post #2666246
Cool test!

for those of you who shoot with a flash alot, do you find that you like a certain "look" and use the same style of flash more often then not?

Yes, 550EX mounted on a Stroboframe CameraFlip bracket with a Lumiquest 80/20 diffuser, camera in manual, flash in ETTL.

I'm not sure what this perverse desire to get a flash diffuser for under $2 is all about. I did that for years with a fabric softener sheet on a Sunpak 555. I would suggest spending the money and getting something that works.

Titus213 wrote in post #2667474
550EX mounted on a Stroboframe CameraFlip bracket with a Lumiquest 80/20 diffuser, camera in manual, flash in ETTL.

My default method is the same if I have a ceiling, but striking the 550EX and inserting the Sigma Super. If the ceiling is too high, I use the white insert in the Lumiquest.

Outdoors for fill, it's direct flash, often with a 1/2 CTO gel depending on the sun, usually in Tv mode at 1/250.

I'm trying to be more creative with off-camera flash and multi-flash arrangements, but most experiments are just learning experiences at this point.

I often suggest the standard index card and rubber band because I think people should learn to understand light before they invest in something that costs money. I still carry a plain white plastic card in my bag that in many cases works as well as the 80/20.

Davidm5 wrote in post #2668059
Make that a "Gary Fong" flash thingy...
I have one and it works great!
This was taken today with my 85 F1.2 at F2. ISO800.1/200sec

That's a nice shot .. can you tell me if the Lightsphere was the only light used? .. on or off camera?
Thanks,
Mike

mmahoney wrote in post #2680145
That's a nice shot .. can you tell me if the Lightsphere was the only light used? .. on or off camera?
Thanks,
Mike

Thanks Mike.

The Lightsphere was the main light source for the shot.
It was mounted on-camera.
The 85L helps too!

David