7D High-speed Sync with ST-E2 Transmitter

I have a Canon 7D, and have been having problems with holding High-speed Sync when using the Speedlight Transmitter ST-E2 with Canon 550 EX flashes. When I set High-Speed Sync, the flash will sync for a few shutter actuations, but then the ST-E2 will revert to normal sync speed. I have tried setting the ST-E2 to both the “On” mode and “Hold” mode, but still get the same results. I have also tried setting the flash to High-speed Sync, but it will also default to normal sync. The 7D flash sync speed is selected to “Auto” in AV mode, and I am shooting in AV mode.

I use the same flash set-up with my Canon 5D MKII, and I do not have the problem. I have also used this set-up with the 40D, 50D, 5D,1D MKII, and 5D MKII without issue.

If I use the Off-camera Shoe Cord 2 I don't have any problem with High-Speed Sync.

I called Canon tech support about this issue, and they told me that everything should work fine with my set-up. They suggested that I put a new battery in the ST-E2, and if I still had the same problem to send the transmitter in for repair. Since it works just fine on my 5D II, I thought maybe someone here could offer a solution.

Thanks, Mary

I can't really help, but perhaps you could describe the situation better so we have an idea what's going on. Are you outside in bright sunlight? That's the only time I would suggest you use high speed sync, as staying under the sync speed is generally a good idea. Have you tried with the camera in manual mode?

Tim, I'm using the flash on a Winberly flash bracket with a Better Beamer on a gimble mounted Canon 500mm F4 lens for bird photography. I generally shoot this set-up at minus 1-2/3 stops, as I'm only trying to get a little catch light in the birds eye. Shutter speeds are high, generally 1/500th to 1/2000th a second. I am shooting in generally good light, sometimes very bright light. Normal flash sync speed is not good under these conditions, as the shutter speed is too slow to stop motion.

I haven't tried it with the camera in manual mode, and that wouldn't be too practical on fast moving small birds in ever changing light. As I said before, the 7D is the only camera that I have had this problem with. I have used the 550 Flashe and the ST-E2 Transmitter on several other bodies, and I have always used Av mode and High-speed Sync without issue.

I hope that clarifies things a bit. I'm going to call Canon again tomorrow to let them know that the ST-E2 works fine at High-speed Sync with my 5D MKII.

Thanks, Mary

It is entirely possible that the ST-E2 will work, marginally, on one or more bodies, and not work, marginally, on another body. It would seem unwise to phone Canon again without first following their first advice. The flakiness you describe sounds like a failing battery. Put in your spare 2CR5 battery, and test.

Yes, I agree, and I'll try a new battery before calling Canon.

Thanks to all of you for your replies. Here is an update on the issue:

I replaced the battery in the ST-E2 Transmitter, and I still had the same result; High-speed Sync still dropped out after a few minutes. I also tried using my other 550 EX flash, again with the same result.

So I called Canon tech support and spent about an hour on the phone with them. They set up a 7D just like I have mine set up, and were able to hold High-Speed Sync with their ST-E2 Transmitter and both the 550 EX and 580 EXII flashes. Their conclusion is that there is some sort of problem with my 7D body, and they recommend that I send it to them for repair. Since the ST-E2 Transmitter works fine with my 5DII, they said that there is no need to send it along, although they gave me the option to send it as well, and I probably will.

Thanks again,
Mary

Weird. I still wonder if it's a setting, because it's a very weird little problem.

I agree, it is weird. Still, we compared all the camera settings and they were the same. The thing that puzzles me is that the flash will sync at high-speed initially, but then revert to normal sync. You would think that if wouldn't let you select the option to begin with.

Cameras do bizarre things some time. It's probably best to send both in like Canon said.

It may be dirt on the camera shoe/ST-E2 foot causing the setup to be mis-identified and resulting in HSS being disabled. For example, if the device was recognised as a "TTL" one, HSS would be disabled.

You could try cleaning the contacts and the rails on both parts.

I agree with Tim, but would be happier with the cost if I had tried all user avenues first.

Today I cleaned the contacts and rails on both parts, but the problem still persists. The camera is under warranty, and Canon is paying the shipping, so there is no cost to me. However, this is not a good time for me to be without the camera, so I will probably wait a couple of weeks before shipping it to the repair center. In the meantime please offer any other suggestions you may have.

Yesterday I tried a friend's 7D with my ST-E2, and high-speed sync worked fine. So I now know for sure that its the camera, not the transmitter. I'll be sending it to Canon after some photography at Bombay Hook next week.

Mary Konchar wrote in post #10221920
Yesterday I tried a friend's 7D with my ST-E2, and high-speed sync worked fine. So I now know for sure that its the camera, not the transmitter. I'll be sending it to Canon after some photography at Bombay Hook next week.

Mary, do you have your 7D back yet? I may be sending mine in for an on board flash commander issue, I'm curious as to how your experience went.

Thanks
Ralph

Ralph, I received my 7D back from Canon, and the repair report is as follows:

"Your product has been examined and it was found that the internal component contained a program fault causing improper operation. Firmware was updated and product functions were confirmed. Other electrical adjustments, inspection, and cleaning were carried out. If problem repeats then please send camera with all accessories."

Canon had the camera for three days. I tested the camera with the ST-E2 after receiving it from Canon, and the problem still exists. I may send it back with my ST-E2, but I'm first going to test the ST-E2 on another 7D.

Hope this helps,
Mary

Mary Konchar wrote in post #10439560
Ralph, I received my 7D back from Canon, and the repair report is as follows:

"Your product has been examined and it was found that the internal component contained a program fault causing improper operation. Firmware was updated and product functions were confirmed. Other electrical adjustments, inspection, and cleaning were carried out. If problem repeats then please send camera with all accessories."

Canon had the camera for three days. I tested the camera with the ST-E2 after receiving it from Canon, and the problem still exists. I may send it back with my ST-E2, but I'm first going to test the ST-E2 on another 7D.

Hope this helps,
Mary

Thanks Mary,
Sorry you're still having an iaaue. I'm glad that at least Canon was quick.