Can't figure out my Speedlite 430EX flash

Hello! I am new to this online community. Please be kind, as I am somewhat new to the world of photography. I love my Canon Rebel XTi.

I just purchased a Speedlite 430EX flash and can't seem to get it to work.

I read and re-read the book, as well as the online topics here. I just can't seem to find a simple straight forward answer.

I have it attached to my camera and set to the "P" function. I have the flash set to "ETTL" but I don't see the rectangle box that supposedly lets you know your camera is compatable, which I am 95% sure mine is.

Please tell me what I am doing wrong! Any advice will be helpful!

Sounds like you're doing things right. Check the flash is seated on the hotshoe properly, it's easy to get it wrong. Also hit the red test button. Report back what happens.

Make sure the flash head is pointing straight ahead (both up and down, and side to side). Then the rectangle will appear (it doesn't appear for bounced mode if we're talking about the same rectangle).

And welcome to POTN!!!!

I just purchased a 430EX as well and I am still learning it. Although I have had no issues getting it to work. I thought I broke it when I noticed the zoom feature wasnt working, then realized it doesnt work in bounce mode. The manual isnt too detailed, but POTN is...learning a lot every day.

Have look at this website. Unbelievably good resource for flash photography.

http://planetneil.com …h-photography-techniques/

Does the flash work when you press the test button?

Check batteries are inserted correctly?

And welcome to POTN. You'll have your own studio in no time if you hang around here.

Disclaimer: I have a 580EX rather than a 430EX.

If you are like most of us, you store the flash stretched out - completely unfolded. Then when you put it in use, you fold it back to the L-shaped position facing straight forward when it is mounted on the camera. The only trick to that is when you fold it down holding the button that unlocks it, it will actually go beyond facing straight forward and be facing down a notch toward the lens. Try bringing the flash back up to its straight ahead facing position, which is one notch up from the lowest setting. If it is like the 580EX you won't have to press the release button to move it up if it is in the downward tilting notch and it will click into the forward-facing notch. You will have to depress the button if it is already in the forward-facing notch, in which case my advice will have been useless for your issue.

The 430 EX does not have the -6 degree setting like the 580 does, so that would not be the issue. Melissa, the other thing to check is that the zoom setting has not been manually set to a specific focal length. You want to look at the display on the 430, if there is a M in a black box next to the word zoom, it is set to manual zoom. If this is the case do the following to set it back to auto zoom

1. press the zoom button, the zoom will flash on the display
2. press either the - or + button to scroll through the zoom setting
3. stop when the M disappears

At that point IF it is an issue with the zoom setting then the little rectangle should appear to the right of the zoom setting on the display. The other thing to check is make sure that the wide angle diffusion panel is completely stowed. just push on it to make sure that it is completely retracted back into the head.

melissacox wrote in post #5653430
Hello! I am new to this online community. Please be kind, as I am somewhat new to the world of photography. I love my Canon Rebel XTi.

I just purchased a Speedlite 430EX flash and can't seem to get it to work.

I read and re-read the book, as well as the online topics here. I just can't seem to find a simple straight forward answer.

I have it attached to my camera and set to the "P" function. I have the flash set to "ETTL" but I don't see the rectangle box that supposedly lets you know your camera is compatable, which I am 95% sure mine is.

Please tell me what I am doing wrong! Any advice will be helpful!

You did press the shutter release button on the camera half way before checking for the rectangular icon, right? Unless the camera is active (by pressing the shutter button), the flash won't know anything about the camera it's mounted on.

Thank you for all your tips! I still can't get it to flash, though. The pilot tester works, so I know the bulb is ok, but when I take a picture it JUST WONT flash

Is there something in the camera's custom functions that is disabling the external flash? I don't have my XT with me, so can't look it up.

1. Is the red pilot light on?
2. Is there an icon in the camera's viewfinder to indicate the flash is ready?

Did you try it with the camera on full auto (green box)?

There is a custom function on the 20D (CFN7) that will disable the flash from firing.

Also, with the autofocus mode set to "One shot", do you get the red AF assist lamp?