420EX and 580EX problem with 7D

External flash func setting with the 580EX allows access to exp comp and E-TTLII settings only.

With the 420EX attached however, I am also allowed access to 1st/2nd curtain selection which I feel should also be available on the 580EX.

Is this correct or have I missed some setting somewhere?

If I understand you correctly, the 580EX should allow you access to 2nd curtain sync.

You've missed something. Read the flash/camera manual. The 580 has a button that activates 2nd curtain.

Yes, Tim, I am aware of that and the correct indication does come up in the flash unit display. However, it is not accessible from the camera menu whereas it is with the 480EX which does seem a little strange.
Anyone else had a look at this?

From my 7D I can set 2nd curtain sync on my 580 II, but I can't on my 580 I or 550, not from the flash menu. I used to be able to set that from the 40D body with a custom function, if I recall correctly. I'm very surprised you can with a 420.

You might know this anyway, but 2nd curtain sync is useful in an exceptionally limited set of circumstances, and I haven't needed it in 5 years of wedding photography. It's really only for long exposures in low light. So I wouldn't worry too much if it doesn't work.

Thanks for that Tim.

Yes, I too am surprised that the 420EX does it and the 580EX doesn't. As you quite correctly point out, it is a little esoteric but as a retired gentleman I have the time to play and one of the inevitable outcomes is that one explores all sorts of exotic corners.

One day when the 580EX is using the wireless function from the 7D I may have to walk all the way across the room to select it on the flash instead of on the camera.

Now there's a thought!!

Thanks again.

Let us know what you work out