20d + 430EX...Please help a photography noob out!

Hi folks,

I'm new to this forum and I'm very happy I found this place. Looks like it's going to be a great resource (I'm sure my wallet will suffer, but that's for another thread).

Alright, I have a 20d body and after a few months I started to feel comfortable with the terms, function of the camera, being able to shoot in manual, etc. I then decided to make the leap for a flash.

I went with the 430EX and it just came in today. I've done some research here and there, but I suppose my limited knowledge can't comprehend what the hell most of the links are talking about.

I'm looking for a a very basic (read: as if you were showing a 6 year old) guide to using this damn thing. I'd like to use it for fill flash primarily, and grow from there. I can't even get the thing to fire on command...:o

I'm sure this is like beating a dead horse, but thanks for reading...and I appreciate your help!

Turn camera and flash on, put camera in P mode, start taking photos

This thread should get you started

tim wrote in post #6268136
Turn camera and flash on, put camera in P mode, start taking photos

This thread should get you started

Yes, I've been trying to work my way through that thread....guess I need another beer.

But, when I put the 20d in P mode and flick the flash on...I get nothing. Is there a certain setting the flash needs to be on?

Does the screen light up, and the red light come on? Does the test button work (it's the red light button)? Do you have the camera or flash set not to flash? The flash needs to be on ETTL, which is the default.

Have you read the camera and flash manuals? They're a good place to get started.

tim wrote in post #6268411
Does the screen light up, and the red light come on? Does the test button work (it's the red light button)? Do you have the camera or flash set not to flash? The flash needs to be on ETTL, which is the default.

Have you read the camera and flash manuals? They're a good place to get started.

For starters, no - I have not read the manual as I simply don't have one. The flash was purchased on ebay.

The flash does turn on, but the red "pilot" light does not illuminate red automatically. It's hit or miss, under certain settings it will illuminate, but the button does not fire when pressed.

The camera is set to allow flash in the custom functions.

Also, when metering/focusing, the red lights do fire in front of the flash, but nothing else.

Thanks for the help so far - I'm sure I just don't have it set properly, but I'm a bit worried that I bought a dud.

Replace the batteries in your flash, NiMH cells are best, with a decent charger. Manual can be found on the next, the link below might work. If it doesn't flash when it has fresh batteries, the red light is going, and the test button is pushed you got a dud, return it or send it to Canon to be checked or repaired.

http://www.groovydos.c​om/Tom/430EXManual.pdf

Do you have an embarrassed icon on this forum??

Ha ha, thanks for the help Tim - all is well is my world again.

Now I'll be able to dive into these tutorials without looking at my flash and scratching my head.

Yep here you go

Did that work?

tim wrote in post #6268851
Yep here you go

Did that work?

Yep, that's the one.:o

And yes, that did the trick...It works!

Heh power is the main cause of problems with gadgets

430EX manuals are available in electronic form if you're interested.

Titus213 wrote in post #6271570
430EX manuals are available in electronic form if you're interested.

I actually saved the pdf last night. Thanks!

This is certainly a neat light gadget - looking forward to using it in the daylight today

I have the 30D 430EX combo and its a great set up. Read up on FEC, makes a huge difference.

Instead of pointing the flash head at the subject, turn it towards a wall and bounce that flash. You'll be amazed at how good the light looks.