Basic Rebel and confused

Hi, I have an EOS 350D (UK) together with an 430EX flash unit just purchased used but in mint condition. I am a bit confused as to whether or not I have to have the second curtain sync setup on the camera custom function as well as the flash. Will just putting the flash into 2nd curtain mode override the camera custom function setting similarly HSS?
I have a few books on the EOS but I can't find reference to this at all. I know I can experiment but I would like someone else's expertise and knowledge please.
As you will guess I am a complete tyro.
TAI

I'm 99% certain you just need to set second curtain on the flash but just give it a try.

David

Hi David you were correct, the custom function 2nd curtain sync relates to the inbuilt flash.
The external flash fires on 2nd curtain when selected on the unit itself. many thanks.
Col

For 99% of your shooting you will probably want 1st Curtain sync. In this mode, the flash fires once the first curtain has fully opened.


If you set it to 2nd curtain sync, the flash will fire just before the second curtain closes.

2nd curtain sync is often used for long exposures where you want the light trails of vehicle to be recorded and, at the last moment, to provide a brief burst of light sufficient to freeze the motion of a vehicle. If you used 1st curtain sync here, you would have the light trails IN FRONT of the car. (Freeze car, keep shutter open to record light trails )

Using the below guide should get you going in the right direction taking nice photos with your external flash:

Indoors always shoot with your camera in "Manual Mode" when the external flash is attached. For starters simply set your camera parameters at f5.6, 1\100, ISO400, and your external flash to ETTL Evaluative mode. Take a test shot and then you can adjust the FEC + or - to your tastes on your foreground subject. The in camera settings above is a starting point for the background ambient lighting which you can also re-adjust dependent on the existing ambient light. The FEC + or - is simply exposing the right amount of light on your foreground subject.

Here is a link for folks to read that should help:

http://photonotes.org …les/eos-flash/index2.html

Personally when i shoot outdoors in late afternoon light i always use AV mode, which with the external flash attached creates fill flash.

Regards