580ex for fill flash

I've been using my 580ex set in ettl II at -2 FEC when using for fill flash on outdoor sunny afternoons. Now i'm reading that the 580ex automatically adjusts for fill flash so maybe the -2 FEC is falling short on required fill. I usually shoot in manual, but do switch to Av sometimes. Can anyone clear this up for me?

You shouldn't have to set any FEC unless some special situation would dictate it.


Jack

Since you already shoot on M, see if this makes sense to you: See post #3
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AB8ND wrote in post #5967328
You shouldn't have to set any FEC unless some special situation would dictate it.


Jack

I don't think that's entirely true. By not using FEC you're telling the flash to expose the same as the ambient on you subject or 1:1.

If you're shooting indoors and want the ambient 1-2 stops underexposed, won't 0 FEC give you an underexposed subject whereas going to +1 to +2 FEC would give you a correctly exposed subject?

If I was shooting indoors I'd underexpose the ambient with aperture step. If my meter reading was 1/30th at f/4 - I would set the camera at 1/30th at f/5.6. That way the flash would be dominate by 1 step, then FEC adjustments if after chimping I wanted more or less flash. Everything still depends on the subject and surroundings, very dark or light clothing or background can make big differences.

Jack

gooble wrote in post #5969408
If you're shooting indoors and want the ambient 1-2 stops underexposed, won't 0 FEC give you an underexposed subject whereas going to +1 to +2 FEC would give you a correctly exposed subject?