Need help with 430EZ, 420EZ, 300EZ and 160E

I was looking for a 430ex II for my 1d mk II when I came into possession of 4 flashes in the title: Canon 430EZ, 420EZ, 300EZ and 160E.
I have no idea how to use them and what to use them for. Tried firing them with my 1dmkII and even at the lowest setting it's still strong.

Could someone with experience give me some idea about these? Should I sell them to fund the 430ex II or keep them for any possible use (like buy few umbrellas?)
I'd really appreciate it.

EZ flashes can only be used at manual setting. Not sure they have a manual setting. If not, they will fire at full power only.
They don't do ETTL, so will fire at full power if you set them to "TTL" (which is something else entirely then ETTL2)

patrick835 wrote in post #11177005
.....Tried firing them with my 1dmkII and even at the lowest setting it's still strong. Could someone with experience give me some idea about these? Should I sell them to fund the 430ex II or keep them for any possible use (like buy few umbrellas?) I'd really appreciate it.

The EZ Model Flashes work properly ONLY with Film Based Canon Cameras and the EX Model Flashes work properly ONLY with Digital Based Canon Cameras. So when you go to set the flash for TTL, it will always fire Full Power. Thus these flashes are ONLY useful to you as an Off Camera Flash in Manual Mode (triggered wirelessly). If you have no other flashes, then yes, I would sell these and invest in an EX Model Based Flash (550EX - 420EX - 580EX - 430EX - 580EXII - 430EXII) The 500 Series Model Flashes are more powerful than the 400 Series Model Flashes and the 500's can be used as Masters and/or Slaves whereby the 400's can only be used as Slaves.....

Has anyone try using them as studio lighting with a soft box or umbrella? I read that they automatically shuts off (stand by) after 90 seconds and you have to turn it on manually, which sucks.

I own 4 of the 540EZ's and I have NEVER experienced an Auto Shut-Off or Stand-By. If you are experiencing this, I'm sure there should be some sort of Custom Function that shuts that feature off.....

Thanks Mark, could you tell me a little bit more about what you use them for? I don't have money for studio equipment yet but who knows, might need them in the future.

The Loft Studios wrote in post #11177800
The EZ Model Flashes work properly ONLY with Film Based Canon Cameras and the EX Model Flashes work properly ONLY with Digital Based Canon Cameras. So when you go to set the flash for TTL, it will always fire Full Power. Thus these flashes are ONLY useful to you as an Off Camera Flash in Manual Mode (triggered wirelessly). If you have no other flashes, then yes, I would sell these and invest in an EX Model Based Flash (550EX - 420EX - 580EX - 430EX - 580EXII - 430EXII) The 500 Series Model Flashes are more powerful than the 400 Series Model Flashes and the 500's can be used as Masters and/or Slaves whereby the 400's can only be used as Slaves.....

Since you stated it so emphatically, I am compelled to let you know that the EX flashes do not only work with digital Canon cameras. The EX flashes will also work with film EOS cameras which have E-TTL as well as TTL capabilities, like the EOS Elan II.

The Loft Studios wrote in post #11177967
I own 4 of the 540EZ's and I have NEVER experienced an Auto Shut-Off or Stand-By. If you are experiencing this, I'm sure there should be some sort of Custom Function that shuts that feature off.....

The 540EZ has a power switch which lets you operate the flash in either normal mode (always on) or SE ("Save Energy") mode. The 430EZ goes into power saver mode automatically and cannot be disabled. I'm pretty sure it's the same with the other EZ flashes other than the 540EZ.

My brother used to use a 430EZ with a Rebel. It was frustrating at first, but we figured it out. I do not remember what we did, but I will ask him to reply to this tread for how to use them.

Thanks a lot guys, you're so awesome

patrick835 wrote in post #11177852
Has anyone try using them as studio lighting with a soft box or umbrella? I read that they automatically shuts off (stand by) after 90 seconds and you have to turn it on manually, which sucks.

If I remember correctly, only the 430EZ and maybe the 420EZ have manual capability. As has been said, you can go completely manual (flash and camera) and use them. I've been told that this can even be on-camera, but I have never had the reason to try it. I use my 430EZ with a cheap wireless trigger system and they can work well.

The auto shut-off is sometimes a bit of a problem. I am not sure it is 90 seconds, but when I am changing something on the set or otherwise wait too long, the 430EZ will turn into stand-by mode. Waking it up is not so difficult since all you have to do is push the test fire button (not turn completely off and then on again).

The 300 and 160 models will only fire full power and that limits their usefulness.

You could sell them, but don't expect a lot for them - it is rather easy to check the auction sites to see what they have been selling for. I was also surprised to see a used 430EZ at a local camera shop for less than I picked mine up on that popular auction site. So the auction site route may get you the best possible return.

But since you have them, give them a try. That will help you figure out what other features you want and which you can live without. Any equipment you buy to use the 420 and 430EZ will also work with any other flash you decide to get later.

PacAce wrote in post #11178766
The EX flashes will also work with film EOS cameras which have E-TTL as well as TTL capabilities, like the EOS Elan II.

My 580EX will also work on my Eos 1n or even EOS 10 if I set it to TTL instead of ETTL

To the OP:
Something that might allow you to vary the power on these old TTL flashes, wirelessly no less, are radiopoppers JrX with RPcube: http://www.radiopopper​.com/the-jrx-system#power

http://lightandpixels.​com …d-canon-diy-cube-working/

DIY solution: http://strobist.blogsp​ot.com …emote-trigger-debuts.html

That would give you a wireless "strobist" set. Not sure wether it's worth it though.
You might be able to "hack" something together to "Quench" the flash using a simple timer. I've thought about doing that once.

René Damkot wrote in post #11180622
My 580EX will also work on my Eos 1n or even EOS 10 if I set it to TTL instead of ETTL

To the OP:
Something that might allow you to vary the power on these old TTL flashes, wirelessly no less, are radiopoppers JrX with RPcube: http://www.radiopopper​.com/the-jrx-system#power

http://lightandpixels.​com …d-canon-diy-cube-working/

DIY solution: http://strobist.blogsp​ot.com …emote-trigger-debuts.html

That would give you a wireless "strobist" set. Not sure wether it's worth it though.
You might be able to "hack" something together to "Quench" the flash using a simple timer. I've thought about doing that once.

That's right! I forgot about the TTL/E-TTL feature of the EX flashes. So that means that any EX flash will work with any EOS camera, digital or film, doesn't it?

I think so, at least the 5x0 and 4x0 series.

I've got a 420EZ and it nods off after about 5 mins, but perks right back up with a push of the test button. As long as it pops, it's good enough to play off camera. The lack of a sync port is a pain but a simple cold shoe with outlet ports will take care of getting the signal from your receiver if it doesn't come with a hot shoe. I've had very spotty luck using an optical sync, like Wein with it. As a manual 2nd lite to my 580ex, it's OK (and it was free).

Completed prices on ebay run $50 - $70. You could sell them and buy the LumoPro 160 (~$160) or Yongnuo 560 (?) (~$80) for manual functionality with optical slave function and sync ports. These are pretty popular on the strobist blog.