580EX II and 30D auto thryistor flash = no go

The 580EX II has the capability to do auto external metering flash, so after I bought it for my 30D realized it didn't flash then I referred to the manual and it mentions it is compatible with 1dMarkIII and manual external metering is used by the remaining EOS bodies...

Nooooooo!

I wish there was a workaround this but it is a pain to enter the ISO and aperature and possibly forgetting to change it while taking a shot for now I am back on ETTL mode but that was not the reason why I bought this flash...

Any ideas? Or perhaps replacing this unit for a Metz 58? or?

Foggy wrote in post #3908786
I wish there was a workaround this ... perhaps replacing this unit for a Metz 58?

I think you answered your own question.

This incompatibility with earlier camera models was a deliberate design characteristic. We know that any EOS camera will report its aperture and ISO to the flash unit. To design the 580EX II this way is a slap in the face.

I am not familiar with the Metz line of flashes nor their history.

Would any users of the Metz flashes recommend it over the 580EX II?

Man I was just drooling over the build of the 580EX II too... crap!

Foggy wrote in post #3908937
I am not familiar with the Metz line of flashes nor their history.

Would any users of the Metz flashes recommend it over the 580EX II?

Man I was just drooling over the build of the 580EX II too... crap!

I have the Metz 58AF-1c and it does communicate with the camera in setting the ISO and aperture. I'm surprised as well that the 580EX II does not do this with all EOS bodies as I see no reason for that limitation. What was Canon thinking?

Whether I would recommend the 58AF-1c over the 580EX II is a good question. Each has it's strong points and weak points. For example, the 58AF-1c seems to be compatible with the 30D but it isn't fully compatible with the 1D series cameras. Sync speed is limited to 1/125 if you want to use the Metz at full power. And it's UI more like the 550EX which some people find cumbersome compared to the 580EX.