YN-468 Question

Hey, I am a new member and also a new speedlite owner. This is my first external flash unit I have ever used so I am in the middle of a pretty steep learning curve and have a few questions.

I am Shooting on a 7D and the 3 lenses I use most often are m Canon 50mm 1.4, Tamron 17-50mmVC, Canon 100mm 2.8 Macro. I just got this YN-468 and plan to run it in TTL mode at least until I start getting the basics of flash photography down.

My main question is about the TTL metering. Is the 468 suppose to fire a pre-flash before the shot for metering? Because I don't believe it is doing so. Now I read somewhere (possibly here?) that the pre-flash is so brief that you probably wont notice it. Either way when I point the flash directly at the subject the picture comes out WAY over exposed. It feels like the flash is not metering correctly or something. I don't know because I have never used a speedlite before but is this normal? I know that I can use the exposure compensation to get the picture right, and that does work, but I guess I just didn't know if direct flash overexposes normally.

Also I had a question about diffusers. I know that most diffusers are useless but people on here seems to really like the LumiQuest one because it works more as a bounce. I was looking at flash accessories and also saw that the Gary Fong Lightsphere is also popular. I guess I just wanted an opinion on what is the best accessory for a beginner.

Thanks a lot. I know this was a lot to post but I am really interested in learning the finer points of flash photography.

I dont know the YN flash well, but have you tried using flash exposure compensation FEC to adjust the output of the flash. It should use a preflash, but like has been mentioned its nearly simultaneous with the flash firing so you may not see it.

As to diffusers, I highly recommend the lumiquest style bounce card reflectors. The fongs are a total waste of money (been there, done that). They only work in circumstances where you have bounce surfaces, and when you have bounce surfaces, you dont need one.

gonzogolf wrote in post #11667610
I dont know the YN flash well, but have you tried using flash exposure compensation FEC to adjust the output of the flash.

Yea, and that actually does work pretty well. I was just curious if that is normal. It is not really a big hassle since the YN-468 remembers the last settings when you turn it off and then back on.

That seems the be the general consensus on here. The Fong and the Lumiquest are in the same price range so I will probably just go with the Lumiquest. It looks more versatile and it folds up into a very nice little package to travel. I really don't need anything else taking up space in my bag. It is packed to the brim already.

HWDylan wrote in post #11667575
My main question is about the TTL metering. Is the 468 suppose to fire a pre-flash before the shot for metering? Because I don't believe it is doing so. Now I read somewhere (possibly here?) that the pre-flash is so brief that you probably wont notice it. Either way when I point the flash directly at the subject the picture comes out WAY over exposed. It feels like the flash is not metering correctly or something. I don't know because I have never used a speedlite before but is this normal? .

no, unless your exposure before the flash is high, e.g. the meter on the LCD before taking the shot is way to the right. I usually shoot in manual mode and the exposure comes out pretty good

what mode are you shooting in? im interested in this because i plan on getting a 468 to compliment my 430

the 430ex shines a red light for focus but does not preflash to meter.. as far as i know only onboard flash preflashes for focus assist

The preflash is so brief you can't see it. What you notice form the built-in is probably the anti-red eye flash (which external speedlites don't support).

The meter on the 7D is way on over on the under exposed side (like it should be when shooting in low light at ~1/200)

I shoot in a custom mode (C1) but it is full manual.

in full manual.. the flash doesnt work in ETTL does it? i think certain modes like M and Av ETTL doesnt work fully

once again, pardon my question for others as im learning ETTL also

Fureinku wrote in post #11673262
in full manual.. the flash doesnt work in ETTL does it? i think certain modes like M and Av ETTL doesnt work fully

once again, pardon my question for others as im learning ETTL also

No, the flash works in ETTL in manual mode. In fact many of us would argue that it works its best when the camera is in manual mode.

interesting, ive been swapping over to Tv this whole time when using hotshoe mounted flash

ill have to do some testing today!

to the OP, this is what i do when my flash isnt working properly, clean all of the contacts on the hotshoe and the flash, usually an eraser works well on cleaning electronic contacts and do some more testing.. my YN 468 will be here in a couple of days so ill do some testing then as well

Fureinku wrote in post #11673311
interesting, ive been swapping over to Tv this whole time when using hotshoe mounted flash

ill have to do some testing today!

to the OP, this is what i do when my flash isnt working properly, clean all of the contacts on the hotshoe and the flash, usually an eraser works well on cleaning electronic contacts and do some more testing.. my YN 468 will be here in a couple of days so ill do some testing then as well

In AV or TV mode the camera/flash combo meters as if the flash were only for fill and it adjusts the the exposure as if the flash were only contributing as fill. This can cause really slow shutter speeds in AV mode, or perhaps unacceptable Apertures in TV mode. In M mode, you select the Shutter speed and aperture and the flash provides the light to bridge the gap between the two.