Instruction Manual
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... 7/IX Lite All other EOS cameras other than the above. Keep this instruction booklet handy for Type-A and Type-B EOS cameras. The Canon Speedlite 420EX is an autozoom flash unit equipped with multiple Speedlites O X Key to Symbols db The Caution symbol alerts you for Evaluative-Through-The-Lens. Type-A Camera E-TTL Type-B Camera TTL E0S...
... 7/IX Lite All other EOS cameras other than the above. Keep this instruction booklet handy for Type-A and Type-B EOS cameras. The Canon Speedlite 420EX is an autozoom flash unit equipped with multiple Speedlites O X Key to Symbols db The Caution symbol alerts you for Evaluative-Through-The-Lens. Type-A Camera E-TTL Type-B Camera TTL E0S...
Instruction Manual
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Contents Conventions Used in this Booklet 3 Nomenclature 6 1 Before You Start (For Type-A and Type-B Cameras) 9 Installing the Batteries 10 Mounting the Speedlite 12 Wireless Selector 13 Main Switch 14 High-Speed Sync (FP Flash) Switch 14 Pilot Lamp and Test Firing 15 Flash Exposure Confirmation 15 Flash Coverage 16 AF-Assist Beam 16 2 Easy Flash Photography (For Type-A Cameras) 17 Flash in Full Auto Mode 18 Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes 20 High-Speed Sync (FP Flash) 25 FE Lock 27 Second-Curtain Synchronization 29 Modeling Flash 30 4
Contents Conventions Used in this Booklet 3 Nomenclature 6 1 Before You Start (For Type-A and Type-B Cameras) 9 Installing the Batteries 10 Mounting the Speedlite 12 Wireless Selector 13 Main Switch 14 High-Speed Sync (FP Flash) Switch 14 Pilot Lamp and Test Firing 15 Flash Exposure Confirmation 15 Flash Coverage 16 AF-Assist Beam 16 2 Easy Flash Photography (For Type-A Cameras) 17 Flash in Full Auto Mode 18 Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes 20 High-Speed Sync (FP Flash) 25 FE Lock 27 Second-Curtain Synchronization 29 Modeling Flash 30 4
Instruction Manual
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3 Easy Flash Photography (For Type-B Cameras) Flash in Full Auto Mode Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes Contents 31 32 34 4 Advanced Flash Photography (For Type-A and B Cameras) ...39 Bounce Flash 40 Flash Exposure Compensation 41 Multi-Speedlite System 42 Troubleshooting Guide 48 Major Specifications 49 5
3 Easy Flash Photography (For Type-B Cameras) Flash in Full Auto Mode Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes Contents 31 32 34 4 Advanced Flash Photography (For Type-A and B Cameras) ...39 Bounce Flash 40 Flash Exposure Compensation 41 Multi-Speedlite System 42 Troubleshooting Guide 48 Major Specifications 49 5
Instruction Manual
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Nomenclature Front Flash head O O Wireless sensor AF-assist beam emitter (-)page 16) Locking pin(-4page 12) Canon _/ \ ' Ck Battery chamber cover (-page 10) Locking collar (-*page 12) Mounting foot (-)page 12) Contacts (-)page 12) • The reference page is indicated by (-)page ■). • In the text, the 420EX's controls and settings are indicated with the corresponding icons enclosed in brackets < >. 6
Nomenclature Front Flash head O O Wireless sensor AF-assist beam emitter (-)page 16) Locking pin(-4page 12) Canon _/ \ ' Ck Battery chamber cover (-page 10) Locking collar (-*page 12) Mounting foot (-)page 12) Contacts (-)page 12) • The reference page is indicated by (-)page ■). • In the text, the 420EX's controls and settings are indicated with the corresponding icons enclosed in brackets < >. 6
Instruction Manual
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Back Horizontal bounce release button (->page 40) Nomenclature Upward bounce release button (->page 40) E-TTL indicator 0 5 SH Cy High-speed sync (FP flash) switch (-page 14) E•TTL 74 3.8 75 50 0 I0S • $t, PILOT OFFS r N Pilot lamp / A ac I 2 Test firing button (->page 15) Autozoom position indicators (-page 16) Main switch (-page 14) : Turns off the power. : Turns on the power. Flash-exposure confirmation lamp (-page 15) < CH. >Channel button (--->page 43) < GROUP > Slave group (SLAVE ID) button (-page 43) Wireless selector (-page 42) 7
Back Horizontal bounce release button (->page 40) Nomenclature Upward bounce release button (->page 40) E-TTL indicator 0 5 SH Cy High-speed sync (FP flash) switch (-page 14) E•TTL 74 3.8 75 50 0 I0S • $t, PILOT OFFS r N Pilot lamp / A ac I 2 Test firing button (->page 15) Autozoom position indicators (-page 16) Main switch (-page 14) : Turns off the power. : Turns on the power. Flash-exposure confirmation lamp (-page 15) < CH. >Channel button (--->page 43) < GROUP > Slave group (SLAVE ID) button (-page 43) Wireless selector (-page 42) 7
Instruction Manual
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This chapter helps you prepare for flash photography with the 420EX. Before You Start 9
This chapter helps you prepare for flash photography with the 420EX. Before You Start 9
Instruction Manual
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...Approx. 80-600 • The above data is not standardized. Installing the Batteries Recycling Time and Flash Count Battery Type Recycling Time Size-AA alkaline batteries Approx. 0.1-7.5 sec. Use a clean cloth to ...wipe the battery contacts before installing the batteries. • Although ordinary, non-alkaline batteries may be used, the number of flashes will not be used with new batteries. 3 Battery Cautions • Use four new batteries of the same type. •...the Ni-Cd, nickel-hydride, and lithium battery contacts is based on Canon's standard tests with the 420EX. 11
...Approx. 80-600 • The above data is not standardized. Installing the Batteries Recycling Time and Flash Count Battery Type Recycling Time Size-AA alkaline batteries Approx. 0.1-7.5 sec. Use a clean cloth to ...wipe the battery contacts before installing the batteries. • Although ordinary, non-alkaline batteries may be used, the number of flashes will not be used with new batteries. 3 Battery Cautions • Use four new batteries of the same type. •...the Ni-Cd, nickel-hydride, and lithium battery contacts is based on Canon's standard tests with the 420EX. 11
Instruction Manual
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OFF I__ SLAVE For Normal Flash Operation • Set the wireless selector to OFF to use the 420EX as a wireless slave unit. • The flash coverage is accidentally set to 24mm automatically. Wireless Selector The wireless selector has the following settings. M • Even if the wireless selector is set to use the 420EX as an on-camera Speedlite for normal flash photography. 13 OFF _I • SLAVE For Wireless Flash Operation • Set the wireless selector to SLAVE to , the 420EX will still operate as a normal, oncamera Speedlite.
OFF I__ SLAVE For Normal Flash Operation • Set the wireless selector to OFF to use the 420EX as a wireless slave unit. • The flash coverage is accidentally set to 24mm automatically. Wireless Selector The wireless selector has the following settings. M • Even if the wireless selector is set to use the 420EX as an on-camera Speedlite for normal flash photography. 13 OFF _I • SLAVE For Wireless Flash Operation • Set the wireless selector to SLAVE to , the 420EX will still operate as a normal, oncamera Speedlite.
Instruction Manual
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CCOFF -I I ii- Main Switch The main switch has the following settings. Sets the high-speed sync mode. •U When the 420EX is used with a Type-A camera and the switch is used, the normal sync mode takes effect regardless of non-use, the SE (Save Energy) mode ... < 1-1>, setting a shutter speed faster than the camera's fastest sync speed sets the high-speed sync mode. of this switch's setting. 14 High-Speed Sync (FP Flash) Switch The high-speed sync switch has the following settings. Sets the normal sync mode. ON Turns on the power. • After 90 sec. And...
CCOFF -I I ii- Main Switch The main switch has the following settings. Sets the high-speed sync mode. •U When the 420EX is used with a Type-A camera and the switch is used, the normal sync mode takes effect regardless of non-use, the SE (Save Energy) mode ... < 1-1>, setting a shutter speed faster than the camera's fastest sync speed sets the high-speed sync mode. of this switch's setting. 14 High-Speed Sync (FP Flash) Switch The high-speed sync switch has the following settings. Sets the normal sync mode. ON Turns on the power. • After 90 sec. And...
Instruction Manual
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... the test firing button cancels the SE mode and turns on the 420EX. Pilot Lamp and Test Firing Before taking the flash picture, you press the shutter button halfway. • If the SE mode is in green) for about 3 sec. Flash Exposure Confirmation PILOT ) GROUP A B C =1 OFF-, ,- the PILOT OFF r- I ).; CH. Move closer to...
... the test firing button cancels the SE mode and turns on the 420EX. Pilot Lamp and Test Firing Before taking the flash picture, you press the shutter button halfway. • If the SE mode is in green) for about 3 sec. Flash Exposure Confirmation PILOT ) GROUP A B C =1 OFF-, ,- the PILOT OFF r- I ).; CH. Move closer to...
Instruction Manual
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Flash Coverage The 420EX's flash head zooms automatically to provide adequate flash coverage for the AF-assist beam to be emitted are explained on page 51. 16 When a zoom lens is used , the picture's periphery will look dark. 3 • When the flash coverage changes, the Speedlite's Guide No. changes. • ...preconditions for the lens focal length in use. table on the Speedlite lights. Flash coverage is set automatically to see how the Guide No. If a lens focal length shorter than 24mm is used , the flash coverage changes automatically to suit the focal length you focus lacks ...
Flash Coverage The 420EX's flash head zooms automatically to provide adequate flash coverage for the AF-assist beam to be emitted are explained on page 51. 16 When a zoom lens is used , the picture's periphery will look dark. 3 • When the flash coverage changes, the Speedlite's Guide No. changes. • ...preconditions for the lens focal length in use. table on the Speedlite lights. Flash coverage is set automatically to see how the Guide No. If a lens focal length shorter than 24mm is used , the flash coverage changes automatically to suit the focal length you focus lacks ...
Instruction Manual
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... EOS 30/ELAN 7E as normal autoexposure (AE). E-TTL autoflash uses the camera's s.^-• multi-zone metering sensor for evaluative flash Canal, metering and the reading is just as easy as the sample Type-A camera. • Before proceeding, first turn on the...the camera and 420EX. • Set the 420EX's wireless selector to . • For EOS 30/ELAN 7E operations, refer to determine the main flash output. A preflash is fired for highly precise flash exposure control. When the 420EX is a flash picture with excellent balance between the flash illumination and ambient...
... EOS 30/ELAN 7E as normal autoexposure (AE). E-TTL autoflash uses the camera's s.^-• multi-zone metering sensor for evaluative flash Canal, metering and the reading is just as easy as the sample Type-A camera. • Before proceeding, first turn on the...the camera and 420EX. • Set the 420EX's wireless selector to . • For EOS 30/ELAN 7E operations, refer to determine the main flash output. A preflash is fired for highly precise flash exposure control. When the 420EX is a flash picture with excellent balance between the flash illumination and ambient...
Instruction Manual
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... panel. • The sync speed is set automatically anywhere from 1/60 sec. E-TTL autoflash thereby sets the flash exposure automatically. to determine the optimum output of the main flash. 18 Flash in the viewfinder, then take the picture. • Immediately before the picture is taken, a preflash is fired... takes effect when any Basic Zone mode is lit in Full Auto Mode With the 420EX attached to a Type-A camera set with the preflash is dark or daylight (fill flash). The main flash then follows. The subject brightness metered with the camera. • Set the high-speed sync switch...
... panel. • The sync speed is set automatically anywhere from 1/60 sec. E-TTL autoflash thereby sets the flash exposure automatically. to determine the optimum output of the main flash. 18 Flash in the viewfinder, then take the picture. • Immediately before the picture is taken, a preflash is fired... takes effect when any Basic Zone mode is lit in Full Auto Mode With the 420EX attached to a Type-A camera set with the preflash is dark or daylight (fill flash). The main flash then follows. The subject brightness metered with the camera. • Set the high-speed sync switch...
Instruction Manual
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A B C 1=3 ( 1 2 3 4 Check that the is reduced automatically to obtain a meter reading of the subject. • The main flash is called automatic flash output reduction. 19 Without fill flash. If it does not light, underexposure may have occurred. G1 • The preflash is fired to obtain a more natural balance between the subject and background ...
A B C 1=3 ( 1 2 3 4 Check that the is reduced automatically to obtain a meter reading of the subject. • The main flash is called automatic flash output reduction. 19 Without fill flash. If it does not light, underexposure may have occurred. G1 • The preflash is fired to obtain a more natural balance between the subject and background ...
Instruction Manual
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... shutter speed and aperture combination. • While the 420EX's main switch is on, the E-TTL indicator lights automatically when you . Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes You can also use E-TTL autoflash with the camera set to Mode Mode Shutter Speed Flash Aperture p (Program AE) Automatically set (1/60 sec.... Camera's fastest sync speed. (-)page 52) • When you press the shutter button completely, a preflash is fired immediately before the main flash is used to obtain subject brightness information to determine the optimum output of -field AE) mode, it will be the same as using...
... shutter speed and aperture combination. • While the 420EX's main switch is on, the E-TTL indicator lights automatically when you . Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes You can also use E-TTL autoflash with the camera set to Mode Mode Shutter Speed Flash Aperture p (Program AE) Automatically set (1/60 sec.... Camera's fastest sync speed. (-)page 52) • When you press the shutter button completely, a preflash is fired immediately before the main flash is used to obtain subject brightness information to determine the optimum output of -field AE) mode, it will be the same as using...
Instruction Manual
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.... In low-light conditions, a slow sync speed is recommended for slow sync speeds. If the camera's fastest sync speed blinks, the background will be overexposed. Flash in the viewfinder, then take the picture. Focus the subject, check that the icon is based on the aperture you want to control the depth...
.... In low-light conditions, a slow sync speed is recommended for slow sync speeds. If the camera's fastest sync speed blinks, the background will be overexposed. Flash in the viewfinder, then take the picture. Focus the subject, check that the icon is based on the aperture you want to control the depth...
Instruction Manual
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.... 0 Under fluorescent lighting, a greenish color cast may result. 4: • To cancel automatic slow-speed sync, set the camera to prevent camera shake. Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes Slow-Speed Sync for Dark Backgrounds By using slow-speed sync, use an EOS camera mounted with an EF 135mm... f/2.8 Soft Focus lens during hand-held flash photography, note the following: 1) To obtain a better soft-focus effect, set the camera to the mode. And under tungsten lighting, an orange...
.... 0 Under fluorescent lighting, a greenish color cast may result. 4: • To cancel automatic slow-speed sync, set the camera to prevent camera shake. Flash in Other Picture-Taking Modes Slow-Speed Sync for Dark Backgrounds By using slow-speed sync, use an EOS camera mounted with an EF 135mm... f/2.8 Soft Focus lens during hand-held flash photography, note the following: 1) To obtain a better soft-focus effect, set the camera to the mode. And under tungsten lighting, an orange...
Instruction Manual
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E-TTL autoflash controls the flash output based on the set the shutter speed. • Set the shutter speed anywhere from 30 sec. The camera then sets the aperture automatically to ... maximum aperture setting blinks, the background will be underexposed. Set the desired shutter speed. • Turn the camera's electronic dial to shutter speed-priority AE. Flash in the viewfinder, then take the picture. UU If the minimum aperture setting blinks, the background will be overexposed. to obtain the correct background exposure...
E-TTL autoflash controls the flash output based on the set the shutter speed. • Set the shutter speed anywhere from 30 sec. The camera then sets the aperture automatically to ... maximum aperture setting blinks, the background will be underexposed. Set the desired shutter speed. • Turn the camera's electronic dial to shutter speed-priority AE. Flash in the viewfinder, then take the picture. UU If the minimum aperture setting blinks, the background will be overexposed. to obtain the correct background exposure...
Instruction Manual
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E-TTL autoflash controls the flash output according to . 'so Sj 30 Set the desired aperture and shutter speed. • Turn the camera's electronic dial. • Set shutter speed anywhere from ... the camera's Command Dial to . • Set the high-speed sync switch to the aperture you want to the camera's fastest sync speed. to set . Flash in the viewfinder, then take the picture. 24
E-TTL autoflash controls the flash output according to . 'so Sj 30 Set the desired aperture and shutter speed. • Turn the camera's electronic dial. • Set shutter speed anywhere from ... the camera's Command Dial to . • Set the high-speed sync switch to the aperture you want to the camera's fastest sync speed. to set . Flash in the viewfinder, then take the picture. 24
Instruction Manual
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When high-speed sync is set , the icon lights in the viewfinder. • High-speed sync can synchronize with shutter speeds faster than the camera's fastest sync speed. High-Speed Sync (FP Flash) When the flash mode is set to high-speed sync (FP flash), the flash can be used in the .
When high-speed sync is set , the icon lights in the viewfinder. • High-speed sync can synchronize with shutter speeds faster than the camera's fastest sync speed. High-Speed Sync (FP Flash) When the flash mode is set to high-speed sync (FP flash), the flash can be used in the .